Locals are raving about these Nanjing travel tips to avoid tourist traps

Help! It's so easy to get caught in tourist traps when traveling in Nanjing! I just got back from an intense trip to Nanjing, and I've put together this guide with 3-day itineraries + 10 tips based on my own experiences. Read this before you go to save yourself 3,000 steps! 🔥3-day itinerary to see the best sights and avoid tourist traps Day 1: History and culture + Night tour of the Qinhuai River Nanjing Museum (9:00–17:00, free): Book tickets 7 days in advance at 18:00! Don't miss the gold-threaded jade burial suit, one of the museum's treasures. I recommend setting aside 4 hrs for an immersive tour. Wutong Avenue (all day): Don't crowd around the popular photo spots! You can take cinematic photos on any of the small roads in the Zhongshan Scenic Area. Meiling Palace (7:30–18:00, CNY 30): No air conditioning! Not recommended in summer. The exterior of the "Necklace Villa" is more photogenic. Music Stage (7:00–17:30, CNY 10): Go early at 8am! Bring bread to feed the white doves. The silhouette photos in the backlight at dusk are stunning. Fuzimiao Qinhuai River (after 18:00): Boat rides are CNY 100/person. I recommend choosing a restaurant along the bank for dinner, where you can enjoy duck blood soup while admiring the lights and shadows on the water. Day 2: Healing scenery + Stunning sunset views Ancient Jiming Temple (7:30–17:00, CNY 10): Very effective for finding love! Remember to buy the CNY 15 blessing incense. Xuanwu Lake (5:00–22:00, free): Lotus flowers bloom from June to August. It's very pleasant to row a boat on the lake. Niushoushan (8:30–17:30, CNY 98): The sunset from the second floor of the Fo Ding Tower is amazing! I recommend entering the park at 16:00 to avoid the midday sun. Xinjiekou (all day): The largest subway station in Asia! Visit Heytea and Nanjing Impressions in one stop. Day 3: Red tourism + Art and romance Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (8:30–17:00, free): Don't wear sandals on the 392 steps! The view of Jinling City from the top is amazing. Presidential Palace (8:30–18:00, CNY 40): No air conditioning! Be prepared to walk 20,000 steps. I recommend visiting during off-peak hours in the morning or evening. Pioneer Bookstore (Wutaishan Main Store): A must-visit for art lovers! Send a postcard and buy refrigerator magnets as souvenirs. Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders (8:30–17:00, free): Book tickets 7 days in advance at 7:00. Try to get tickets at 9:00/11:00/14:00 on the day. 💣Tips to avoid tourist traps based on my own experiences. Read this before you go! 1️⃣ Booking is essential: Book tickets for the Nanjing Museum and the Memorial Hall 7 days in advance! Copy your ID number and be ready to book 5 mins before the booking starts. 2️⃣ Be prepared to walk a lot in Zhongshan: Wear sneakers! The sightseeing car in the scenic area is CNY 10/person. Don't try to tough it out. 3️⃣ Pigeon tips: The pigeons at the Music Stage fly early on sunny days and are lazy in the afternoon. Bring your own corn kernels if you want to take photos of the pigeons flying together. 4️⃣ Luggage is not recommended: There are many stairs and no elevators in the Nanjing subway. Take a taxi if you have large luggage! 5️⃣ Avoid the plum rain season: Not recommended in June and July! It's humid and muggy, and clothes won't dry in 3 days. 6️⃣ Best sunset spots: Niushoushan > Xuanwu Lake. Get a spot on the second floor of the Fo Ding Tower before 18:30. Nanjing's romance is hidden in the shade of the sycamore trees, in the evening breeze of the Qinhuai River, and in the unique experiences away from the crowds. Save this guide and I'll take you to unlock a different Jinling in 3 days! Tag your travel buddy and let's go!