Nanjing 3-Day 2-Night Walking Guide｜Locals' Secret Spots Revealed

Who would've thought! Nanjing is truly a city where history greets you at every turn Vermilion walls and black tiles hide the old dreams of Jinling, while the alleys are filled with the aroma of duck blood vermicelli soup This guide approved by locals guarantees an unforgettable trip～ ✨【Must-Visit Attractions】 ▫️Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Free but requires reservation! Climbing the 392 steps is incredibly rewarding The view of Nanjing from the mountaintop truly explains why it's called the "Tiger Crouching, Dragon Prowling" city Tips: Arrive before 7 AM for fewer crowds and soft lighting—perfect for photos of the red walls and shadows ▫️Qinhuai River Night Cruise Take a painted boat at dusk to see the lanterns light up along the banks, while the boatwoman tells tales of the "Eight Beauties of Qinhuai" Don’t miss Laomendong after disembarking! Cobblestone paths and blue-brick houses, a show at Deyun Society, and Lu’s Plum Blossom Cake (red bean filling is a must-try) ▫️Nanjing Museum Book tickets 3 days in advance! The Republic of China section transports you to the 1930s—rickshaw wheels turning, qipao-clad ladies posing like movie stills Don’t miss the golden beast in the History Hall and the Brick Painting of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove. The "Twelve Beauties of Jinling" bookmarks in the gift shop make perfect souvenirs ▫️Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum The Stone Elephant Road in autumn is breathtaking! The 600-year-old stone animals hide stories among the ginkgo leaves Enter through Gate 7 and take the Purple Mountain Greenway to the mausoleum—shaded paths make it 100 times more pleasant than the main road ▫️Yilu Road "One Yilu Road, half the history of the Republic of China" The French-style villas under the phoenix trees are perfect for vintage photos Pioneer Bookstore (Yilu Library) at No. 11—read and sip coffee in an old villa, stealing a moment of peace 🍜【Nanjing Food? No Regrets!】 ▪️Must-Try Trio: ✅ Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup: Try Xiaopanji or Jinyuan—fresh duck offal, broth rich like milk ✅ Nanjing Roast Duck: Zhangyun or Jinhongxing—crispy skin, tender meat, and the sauce is key (ask for the sweet version!) ✅ Beef Pan-Fried Dumplings: Worth the queue at Li’s Halal—crispy bottom, juicy filling, best with vinegar ▪️Carb-Loading List: ✔️ Plum Blossom Cake: Lu’s at Laomendong—red bean/purple sweet potato filling, topped with glutinous rice balls and raisins ✔️ Red Bean Glutinous Rice Balls: Lianhu at Confucius Temple—a dream for mochi lovers ✔️ Egg Burger: Grandma’s stall at Mingwalang—crispy shell, savory egg and meat filling ✔️ Balut: Brave souls only! The broth is divine (if you dare, that is hhh) 🏡【Where to Stay Without Regrets】 ▫️Laomendong/Confucius Temple: Great for food and nightlife, with the sounds of Qinhuai boats—Flower Trace Hotel (stunning courtyard) is a top pick ▫️Xinjiekou: Metro hub, ideal for shopping—Orange Crystal and Atour offer great value ▫️Near Yilu Road: Boutique B&Bs in old villas—quiet and romantic, perfect for slow travel 💡【Locals' Heartfelt Tips】 ① Nanjing’s attractions are spread out—metro + shared bikes are the best combo (get the "Jinling Transit Code" on Alipay) ② Autumn (Oct-Nov) is the prettiest! Ginkgoes at Stone Elephant Road, red maples at Ming Xiaoling, and red leaves at Qixia Mountain will dominate your feed ③ The Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre is a must-visit—book ahead, wear muted colors, and maintain solemnity Nanjing—a city you won’t want to leave Steeped in history yet brimming with life This autumn, why not wander the streets of Jinling?