A Date with Jinling: The Ultimate Nanjing Travel Guide

🌈 Must-Visit Attractions 🏯 Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum The iconic landmark of Nanjing. Climb the long stone steps to the top of the mausoleum and experience its solemn grandeur. 🛕 Confucius Temple A signature site along the Qinhuai River scenic area. At night, the temple dazzles with lights, offering a glimpse of the "Qinhuai River with its lantern-lit boats and reflections." 🎇 Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone A Buddhist sanctuary built with a ¥4 billion investment. The Buddha's Crown Palace boasts unique architecture and exquisite interior decor. 🐨 Hongshan Forest Zoo Home to adorable Australian koalas—the zoo's mascots—and various rare animals. 🏠 Meiling Palace A stunning official residence where the Chiang couple vacationed, blending Chinese and Western architectural styles. In fall, the ginkgo trees lining the road turn golden, creating a breathtaking scene. 🏛 Nanjing Museum "One museum, six galleries": The History Gallery showcases Jiangsu's ancient civilization, while others include the Art Gallery, Special Exhibition Gallery, Intangible Cultural Heritage Gallery, Republic of China Gallery, and Digital Gallery. Remember to book in advance! 📱 🌉 Xuanwu Lake Nanjing's largest comprehensive park, perfect for strolling, flower viewing, camping, or sunset-watching year-round. - 🍱 Food Recommendations 🦆 Nanjing roast duck, salted duck, soup dumplings, pigskin noodles, 🍜 duck blood and vermicelli soup, beef potstickers, plum blossom cakes… 🥢 Nanjing Impressions (a one-stop spot to savor Nanjing's culinary delights) - 🏨 Accommodation 🏢 Xinjiekou or Confucius Temple Convenient transportation, dense with nearby attractions and food options. Xinjiekou is close to Metro Lines 1 and 2, while Confucius Temple offers charming scenery. - 📅 Itinerary 🌅 Day 1: Jiming Temple > Xuanwu Lake > Nanjing Presidential Palace > Nanjing 1912 Street Visit Jiming Temple in the morning—one of Nanjing’s most popular temples (e-tickets available in advance or paper tickets on-site). Explore Xuanwu Lake and the Presidential Palace in the afternoon, then experience Nanjing’s nightlife at 1912 Street. 🌆 Day 2: Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders > Yuhuatai > Laomendong Historical Block > Xinjiekou Pay respects at the Memorial Hall in the morning. Head to Yuhuatai in the afternoon, then savor local snacks at Laomendong. End the day with shopping at Xinjiekou. 🌇 Day 3: Zhan Garden > Confucius Temple > Qinhuai River Wander through Zhan Garden’s classic Jiangnan landscapes by day. Visit Confucius Temple in the afternoon, and cruise the Qinhuai River at night to admire the illuminated waterfront. 🌄 Day 4: Zhongshan Scenic Area > Nanjing Museum Explore Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (free entry before 6:30 AM), Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and Meiling Palace in the morning. Visit Nanjing Museum in the afternoon (book tickets ahead).