Come to Nanjing for a different travel experience

The following is a Nanjing travel guide that integrates the latest information from 2025, covering historical culture, natural scenery, food experiences, and practical tips to help you deeply explore the charm of this ancient capital of six dynasties: I. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Historical and Cultural Sites Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum: The mausoleum of Mr. Sun Yat-sen, with 392 steps symbolizing the population of the Republic of China. It is recommended to arrive before 8am to avoid crowds. It's free, but reservations are required. The sycamore trees on both sides of the sacred path are perfect for taking photos. Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum: The tomb of Zhu Yuanzhang. The Ginkgo biloba sacred path is stunning in autumn. The joint ticket includes attractions such as the Meiling Palace and the Music Stage (CNY 70). A new AR guide has been added. Scan the QR code to see the stone beasts "revive" and explain the allusions. Fuzimiao-Qinhuai River: Take a night cruise on a painted boat (CNY 80 per person) to experience the prosperity of the "Ten Mile Qinhuai River." Fuzimiao Pedestrian Street has been upgraded to a non-heritage experience street, where you can try traditional crafts such as paper cutting and Baiju opera. 2. Nature and Zen Niushoushan Foguang Temple Palace: A Buddhist holy site built at a cost of CNY 4 billion. There are immersive light and shadow shows at 10:00/15:00 every day. Tickets are CNY 100. It is recommended to wear plain clothes to take holy-looking photos. Xuanwu Lake: Nanjing's "city living room," is suitable for walking and boating. The sunset is especially charming. Open for free. 3. Modern Imprints Memorial Hall of the Victims in the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders: Keep a solemn attitude. It's free, but reservations are required. Closed on Mondays. Presidential Palace: Witness the historical changes from the Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China. Tickets are CNY 40. Closed on Mondays. II. Food Map: A Bite of Jinling 1. Classic Snacks Salted Duck: Zhang Yun Roasted Duck (Pingshi Street Branch) or Jinhongxing Duck Shop, recommended the "forearm" part, the meat is tender. Duck Blood and Vermicelli Soup: Xiao Pan Ji (Xinjiekou) or Jinyuan Duck Blood and Vermicelli Soup, served with crispy pot stickers dipped in soup. Beef Pot Stickers: Li Ji Muslim Restaurant (Dading Lane) has a crispy bottom and juicy filling, while Jiang Youji (Laomendong) has a thin crust and ample filling. 2. Featured Desserts and Staples Plum Blossom Cake: Zuo Shifu (Matai Street) has purple sweet potato lava filling. You can make your own at the Fuzimiao store (CNY 15 per person). Pig Skin Noodles: Yi Ji Pig Skin Noodles (Xinjiekou) has a rich variety of ingredients in its "Family Portrait" dish. It is recommended to add smoked fish. 3. Food Streets Laomendong: Recommended by locals, don't miss Jiang Youji's pot stickers and Lan Laoda's sweet porridge and lotus root. Kexiang: A gathering place for online-famous snacks. Aunt Xu's Cake Shop and Dezhou Braised Chicken's lotus root cakes are worth a try. III. Accommodation and Transportation Guide 1. Accommodation Recommendations Historical Experience: Laomendong "Jieziyuan Homestay" (standard room CNY 200/night), Qing Dynasty architectural style, within walking distance of the food street. Convenient Travel: Xinjiekou "Suning Novotel Hotel" (standard room CNY 180/night), direct subway access to major attractions, convenient shopping in the food street downstairs. 2. Transportation Tips City Transportation: The subway covers major attractions (get the "Nanjing Metro Electronic Card" on Alipay), and shared bicycles are suitable for short trips (CNY 1.5/30 minutes). Scenic Spot Shuttle: It is recommended to take a sightseeing bus in Zhongshan Scenic Area, and the Niushoushan Scenic Area bus is CNY 20 for a round trip. IV. Three-Day In-Depth Tour Route Day 1: History and Nature Morning: Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum → Music Stage (feeding pigeons) → Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (Ginkgo biloba in autumn is a must-take photo); Afternoon: Meiling Palace (aerial photography of the sycamore necklace spectacle) → Nanjing Museum (treasure of the museum, the jade burial suit); Evening: Night tour of Fuzimiao Qinhuai River. Day 2: Urban Life and Zen Morning: Breakfast at Laomendong → Zhonghua Gate Wengcheng (the first urn city in the world); Afternoon: Niushoushan Foguang Temple Palace (light and shadow show) → Six Dynasties Museum (designed by Ieoh Ming Pei, new Chinese-style photography); Evening: Stroll along Yihe Road Republican Street. Day 3: Modern and Secret Realm Morning: Presidential Palace → Memorial Hall of the Victims in the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders; Afternoon: Shijiu Lake (take Metro Line S9 to check in at the "Sky Mirror"); Evening: Kexiang Night Market to experience authentic snacks. V. Practical Tips 1. Ticket Discounts: In 2025, some scenic spots (such as Qixia Mountain and Hongshan Zoo) will have free opening days, which need to be checked and reserved in advance. 2. Seasonal Recommendations: Spring and autumn are the best (cherry blossoms in March-May, red leaves in November). Pay attention to sun protection in summer, and wintersweet can be enjoyed in winter. 3. Avoid the Pitfalls: The snacks in Fuzimiao are too commercialized. It is recommended to give priority to Laomendong; avoid peak hours for popular restaurants (such as Li Ji Muslim Restaurant).