Nanjing Travel Guide

Winter in Nanjing is like a serene and brilliant painting, waiting for you to savor it carefully. As night falls, the lights along the Qinhuai River reflect the prosperity and charm of this ancient capital with a history of a thousand years. Strolling through Confucius Temple, the ancient-style buildings illuminated by lights feel like a time tunnel, allowing you to experience the rich cultural heritage. The grandeur and solemnity of Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum are especially majestic on a winter night, with lights making the mausoleum appear dreamlike and inspiring reverence. The night at Xuanwu Lake is as dark as ink, with the lake surface reflecting the dazzling city lights like a huge bright mirror, peaceful and captivating. The night view of Purple Mountain adds even more mystery; from the summit, the twinkling lights of Nanjing city shine with the endless charm of the ancient capital. This winter, let Nanjing’s nightscape take you through the blend of history and modernity, feeling the warmth and charm of the city. Pack your bags and start a romantic journey in the night! Below is a carefully planned 3-day, 2-night travel guide for Nanjing, with a budget of around 2500 RMB, covering the most famous attractions to help you easily appreciate the charm of this ancient city. 【Day 1】 Morning: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Transportation: Metro Line 2 to Muxuyuan Station, then walk or take a taxi (about 20 RMB) Highlights: The great mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, grand and solemn, perfect for feeling the historical depth Admission: Free (some areas inside require tickets) Noon: Confucius Temple Qinhuai River Scenic Area Transportation: Walk or taxi (about 10 RMB) Features: Ancient-style streets, taste Nanjing specialties (duck blood vermicelli soup, salted duck) about 50 RMB Budget: Lunch about 50 RMB Afternoon: Qinhuai River Night Cruise (optional night cruise boat, about 80 RMB) Experience: Enjoy the brilliant lights on both banks and feel the ancient charm of the “Ten-Mile Qinhuai” 【Accommodation Suggestion】: Budget hotel or youth hostel near Confucius Temple, about 150 RMB/night, total 300 RMB 【Day 2】 Morning: Purple Mountain Observatory / Linggu Temple Transportation: Taxi about 20 RMB Highlights: Natural scenery of Purple Mountain, ancient charm of Linggu Temple Admission: Linggu Temple about 30 RMB Noon: Nearby restaurant Budget: 50 RMB Afternoon: Nanjing Presidential Palace Transportation: Taxi or metro (about 20 RMB) Features: Important site to learn about Nanjing’s modern history Admission: 40 RMB Evening: Nanjing Laomendong Historical and Cultural District Features: Specialty snacks, handicrafts, brilliant night lights Budget: Night market snacks about 50 RMB 【Accommodation】: Same as Day 1, budget about 150 RMB 【Day 3】 Morning: Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Transportation: Taxi or bus (about 20 RMB) Highlights: Grand imperial tomb blending nature and history Admission: 70 RMB Noon: Nearby restaurant Budget: 50 RMB Afternoon: Xuanwu Lake Park Transportation: Walk or bus (about 10 RMB) Features: Winter lake and mountain scenery, stroll and relax, take photos Budget Summary: Transportation: about 150 RMB (metro, bus, taxi) Admission: about 220 RMB Meals: about 200 RMB Accommodation: about 300 RMB (2 nights) Others: Night cruise, souvenirs, etc. about 130 RMB **Total:** about 1000-1200 RMB, remaining budget can be used for buying specialty gifts or upgrading meals. This itinerary is compact and rich, allowing you to appreciate both Nanjing’s historical culture and enjoy the city’s modern charm. Pack your bags and start your Nanjing journey now!