Nanjing | Six Dynasties' Misty Rain Spiritual Land, Ten Dynasties' Elegant Charm Legendary City
Nanjing, a city that allows people to travel between the weight of history and the vitality of modernity.
🌈As someone who loves traveling, Nanjing has always been a place I've longed to visit. This autumn, I finally set foot in this charming city and embarked on an unforgettable journey. In this article, I'll share my travel experiences in Nanjing and some practical travel tips, hoping to provide some help for those planning to visit Nanjing.
I. Entering Nanjing: Experiencing the Fusion of Historical Charm and Modern Atmosphere
When I took subway line 1 into Nanjing's main urban area, I was immediately attracted by the design of the train. The front part of the train was designed as an ancient-style "city gate," with the doors on both sides resembling gate barriers that slowly open, as if traversing through time and space. Inside the carriage, the overhead handles were designed in the shape of ancient building eaves, and the seats were printed with patterns of famous attractions like Confucius Temple and Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. The windows cleverly incorporated elements of the ancient capital in late autumn. Sitting in such a subway felt like being in a mobile museum of history and culture. Even before reaching my destination, I was already surrounded by Nanjing's rich historical atmosphere.
Exiting the subway station, I was amazed by the scene before me. Along the roads, ginkgo leaves had completely turned yellow. With a gentle breeze, golden leaves fluttered down, covering the streets like a golden pathway. In the distance, buildings included both modern skyscrapers and ancient Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. The two styles complemented each other without any sense of incongruity, showcasing the unique charm of this city.
II. Experience Process: A Day in Nanjing
Morning: Starting from Gulou, Experiencing Nanjing's Morning Rush Hour
I stayed at a small hotel near Gulou. I woke up around 7 AM, and after a quick wash, headed to a nearby breakfast shop. Nanjing offers a rich variety of breakfast options, including small wontons, duck oil baked biscuits, beef pot stickers, and more. I chose small wontons and duck oil baked biscuits for breakfast. The wontons had thin skin and generous filling with delicious broth; the duck oil biscuits were crispy outside and tender inside, with an enticing aroma. After breakfast, I caught the morning rush hour and decided to experience Nanjing's morning commute.
Although Nanjing's morning rush hour is crowded with people and vehicles, it remains orderly. Buses and subways are very punctual, and the station facilities are well-equipped. In the carriage of Nanjing subway line 1, I saw many office workers and students, each busy with their own activities—some looking at their phones, some reading books, and others resting with their eyes closed. After about 20 minutes, I arrived at my destination—Xinjiekou.
Xinjiekou is Nanjing's commercial center, with towering buildings and numerous shops offering all kinds of brands. I took a stroll around, feeling Nanjing's prosperity and vitality. Here, you can buy various fashionable clothes, exquisite accessories, high-tech electronic products, and more.
Afternoon: Strolling Around Gulou, Experiencing Nanjing's Food and Natural Scenery
Around 2 PM, I left Xinjiekou for Gulou. Gulou is one of Nanjing's landmark buildings and a transportation hub. Here, I saw many pedestrians and vehicles coming and going, feeling the busyness and liveliness of Nanjing.
Near Gulou is Nanjing's famous food street—Lion Bridge Pedestrian Food Street. I decided to go there to taste Nanjing's specialty foods. The food street was bustling with noise and excitement, with the aroma of various delicacies wafting through the air. I tasted salted duck, duck blood vermicelli soup, plum blossom cake, and other delicacies, each leaving me with a lingering taste. The salted duck had white skin and red meat, rich but not greasy, tender and delicious; the duck blood vermicelli soup had a bright red color, fresh and smooth; the plum blossom cake was crispy outside and soft inside, sweet and delicious.
After eating and drinking to my heart's content, I strolled along the streets around Gulou, admiring Nanjing's natural scenery. Autumn in Nanjing is beautiful, with plane trees and ginkgo trees along the streets dressed in golden attire. With a gentle breeze, leaves fell like golden butterflies dancing in the air. I arrived at Xuanwu Lake Park, where the water was clear and sparkling, with several pleasure boats leisurely sailing on the lake. I rented a small boat and rowed on the lake, enjoying the scenery along the shore and experiencing the tranquility and beauty of Nanjing.
Evening: Experiencing Nanjing's Night Scenery and Cultural Atmosphere
Around 7 PM, I arrived at Nanjing's night scenery highlight—Confucius Temple by the Qinhuai River. The night scenery here is very beautiful, with buildings along the river lit up, reflecting in the water to form a beautiful picture. I took a Qinhuai painted boat, touring on the river, admiring the beautiful scenery on both banks, and listening to the boatman tell stories about Nanjing's history.
Confucius Temple is one of Nanjing's cultural landmarks, with many ancient buildings and cultural attractions. I took a tour inside Confucius Temple, visiting attractions like Dacheng Hall and Jiangnan Imperial Examination Hall, learning about Nanjing's history and culture. Here, I felt Nanjing's strong cultural atmosphere, as if I had traveled through time back to ancient times.
III. Experience Feelings: Nanjing, a City That Makes People Linger
The beauty of Nanjing lies not only in its natural scenery and historical buildings but also in its unique cultural atmosphere. Here, you can feel the charm of ancient culture and experience the vitality of a modern city. Nanjing's food is also a major feature, with various delicacies that make your mouth water and leave a lasting impression.
Transportation in Nanjing is very convenient, with well-developed buses and subways that can easily reach various attractions. Nanjing's citizens are also very hospitable; wherever you go, you can feel their friendliness and enthusiasm.
IV. Required Equipment: Travel Light and Enjoy the Journey in Nanjing
Documents: Valid ID, student ID, and other valid identification for ticket discounts
Clothing: Choose appropriate clothing according to the season; in autumn, it's recommended to bring a light jacket
Shoes: Comfortable sneakers or flat shoes for easy walking
Backpack: A backpack for carrying items conveniently
Charger and power bank: Ensure power supply for electronic devices like phones
Camera: To record beautiful moments (optional)
V. Precautions: Enjoy Nanjing Safely
Transportation:
1. Nanjing subway can be crowded; try to avoid peak hours, especially from 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM
2. There are many bus routes; pay attention to directions and ask the driver before boarding
3. Ride-hailing apps are commonly used, convenient and fast; verify the car model and price
Attractions:
1. Popular attractions like Nanjing Museum require online reservations in advance to avoid being unable to visit upon arrival
2. Take care of the environment in scenic areas; don't litter or damage cultural relics
3. Some scenic areas like Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum are quite large; plan your route in advance and arrange your itinerary reasonably
4. Be polite when taking photos in scenic areas; don't disturb others' visits
Food:
1. Nanjing offers a rich variety of food; pay attention to food hygiene and choose regular restaurants
2. Ask locals for recommendations when trying specialty foods to avoid disappointments
3. Some foods may be spicy or sweet; adjust according to personal taste
Other aspects:
1. Nanjing's autumn weather can be changeable; check the weather forecast and bring rain gear
2. Temperatures drop in the evening; keep warm to avoid catching a cold
Nanjing is a charming city with a long history, rich culture, beautiful natural scenery, and delicious specialty foods.