You absolutely must visit Nanjing! Because...

A perfect 3-day Nanjing travel guide: A journey through time in the ancient capital of Six Dynasties, encountering the millennium-old elegance of Jinling City** **📍 Where is Nanjing?** Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, formerly known as "Jinling" and "Jiankang," is one of China's four ancient capitals. It boasts the misty charm of the Six Dynasties, the romantic ambiance of the Republic of China era, and the picturesque scenery of mountains, rivers, and urban forests. From the Stone Elephant Road at Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum to the painted boats on the Qinhuai River, from the artistic vibe of Librairie Avant-Garde to the delicious food at Nanjing Dapaidang, Nanjing is a city worth savoring slowly. --- ### **🌿 Must-Visit Attractions in Nanjing** **1. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (A Model of Republic of China Architecture)** - **Recommended Index: ★★★★★** - **Features:** The mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, built into the mountain, is grand and magnificent, with 392 steps symbolizing the Three Principles of the People. - **Things to do:** - Climb to the top for a panoramic view of Nanjing city - Visit the Music Stage to feed pigeons (great for photos) - In autumn, the Ginkgo Avenue turns golden - **Tickets:** Free (Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum combined ticket 70 RMB) **2. Confucius Temple - Qinhuai River (The Pinnacle of Jinling's Night Scenery)** - **Recommended Index: ★★★★★** - **Features:** The bustling "Ten-Mile Qinhuai" area, and the inspiration for Du Mu's poem "Mooring on the Qinhuai River." - **Things to do:** - Take a night cruise on the Qinhuai River (painted boat 80 RMB/person) - Explore Laomendong Historical District (a popular photo spot) - Taste authentic Qinhuai snacks - **Tip:** Be cautious and compare prices when shopping within the scenic area. **3. Nanjing Museum (One of China's Three Major Museums)** - **Recommended Index: ★★★★★** - **Features:** 430,000 collections, the Republic of China Hall is great for photos. - **Must-see:** Jade Suit Sewn with Gold Thread, Brick Carvings of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove - **Tip:** Free but requires reservation, closed on Mondays. **4. Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (World Heritage Site)** - **Recommended Index: ★★★★☆** - **Features:** The mausoleum of Zhu Yuanzhang, the stone statues along the Sacred Way are considered the pinnacle of Ming Dynasty stone carving. - **Best season:** November for red leaves on the Stone Elephant Road. **5. Librairie Avant-Garde (One of the Most Beautiful Bookstores in the World)** - **Recommended Index: ★★★★☆** - **Features:** Transformed from an underground parking garage, the cross-shaped corridor is stunning. - **Things to do:** Buy cultural and creative products, write postcards, drink coffee. --- ### **🚗 Classic 3-Day Itinerary** **Day 1: Cultural Heritage Route** Morning: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum → Music Stage Afternoon: Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum → Meiling Palace Evening: Confucius Temple night tour **Day 2: Museum & Arts Route** Morning: Nanjing Museum Afternoon: Presidential Palace → 1912 Street Evening: Explore and eat at Laomendong **Day 3: Nature & Leisure Route** Morning: Cycling at Xuanwu Lake Afternoon: Jiming Temple → Nanjing City Wall Evening: Xinjiekou Commercial Area --- ### **🍜 Must-Try Nanjing Delicacies** - **Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup:** Huiwei, Yadebao - **Salted Duck:** Jinhongxing Duck Restaurant - **Soup Dumplings:** Jiming Soup Dumplings - **Desserts:** Fangpo Gaotuan Store - **Snack Streets:** Kexiang, Mingwalang --- ### **📌 Practical Tips** ✔ Transportation: Subway covers major attractions (get an e-card via Alipay) ✔ Accommodation: Xinjiekou/Confucius Temple commercial areas are most convenient ✔ Season: Spring and Autumn are best (March-April for cherry blossoms, November for ginkgo) ✔ Note: Most museums are closed on Mondays --- ### **✨ Concluding Remarks** Nanjing is a breathing museum of history. Strolling along Wutong Avenue, the plane trees whisper tales of the Republic of China era; pausing by the Qinhuai River, one can almost hear Li Xiangjun's pipa melodies; beneath the cross at Librairie Avant-Garde, modern art and ancient souls quietly converse. Here, every city brick tells a story, and every corner hides a surprise. When you come to Nanjing, don't just see the sights; understand the passage of time. 📜