I'm back to Nanjing, let me tell you some unpleasant truth! Came to a city because of a song
“Nanjing, Nanjing, you carry so much weight of history; your ancient city walls watch over the sky of time…” Whenever I hear the song “Nanjing, Nanjing”, my admiration and yearning for this ancient capital surge like a tide. In February, accompanied by this soulful melody, head to Nanjing and start a wonderful 48-hour journey! 👇
📍Day 1: Stroll inside and outside the city wall to explore the legacy of the Six Dynasties
1️⃣ Nanjing City Wall·Zhonghua Gate
Stepping into Zhonghua Gate, it feels like traveling through the gate of time and space and returning to the past. In February, Nanjing is slightly chilly but tranquil. The Zhonghuamen Castle is majestic and magnificent, with tall city gates and thick brick and stone walls, all of which tell of the vicissitudes of history. Climb up the city wall, take a walk for a while, and overlook the city and its surroundings. The hustle and bustle of traffic and the quaint streets are all in sight. Imagine the offensive and defensive battles of the ancient military strategists, and you will feel a sense of respect.
📸Photography Tips: With the ancient city walls and urn city as the background, put on ancient costumes, hold a book, and capture the moment of a gentle stroll on the city wall under the sun. It is full of ancient charm, as if you have traveled through thousands of years.
2️⃣ Laomendong
Close to Zhonghuamen, Laomendong is full of ancient charm. The bluestone roads are winding, the horse-head walls are staggered, and there are a wide variety of traditional Nanjing snack bars and handicraft shops. Have a bowl of steaming hot beef pot stickers, which are golden and crispy, and bursting with gravy; then visit the intangible cultural heritage shops, admire the exquisite Nanjing brocade and paper-cutting, and feel the charm of the fireworks and traditional culture of old Nanjing.
3️⃣ Confucius Temple - Qinhuai Scenic Area (Evening)
In the evening, the Confucius Temple - Qinhuai Scenic Area was lit up. Quaint buildings stand by the river, with carved beams and painted rafters and red lanterns hanging high. Cruise ships slowly pass by on the Qinhuai River, creating ripples. The snack stalls on both sides of the strait are filled with fragrance, and the duck blood vermicelli soup, salted duck, and plum cake are mouth-watering. Strolling through the area, you can feel the prosperity of the ancient capital of the Six Dynasties and appreciate the gentleness of the Jiangnan water town.
📸Photography Tips: Stand on the Wende Bridge, with the brilliant lights on both sides of the Qinhuai River as the background, put on Hanfu, hold a lantern, capture the moment of smiling sweetly, and leave behind beautiful night view photos.
📍Day 2: Visit the historical holy land and enjoy the gifts of nature
1️⃣ Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre
In the morning, I rushed to the Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre with a heavy heart. The museum is solemn and dignified, with a large number of historical materials, cultural relics and images showing that tragic history. Every exhibit tells the suffering of our compatriots, making people sad and angry, and reminding people of the preciousness of peace. Here, offer a bouquet of flowers to commemorate the lives lost and pray that there will never be war in the world.
2️⃣ Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
Leave the memorial hall and head to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. As you climb the long steps, you'll feel a sense of solemnity. In February, the pines and cypresses on Zhongshan Mountain are evergreen, the air is fresh, and the architecture of Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum is magnificent, with blue and white tones standing out against the backdrop of green mountains and trees. When we came to the memorial hall, we looked at the statue of Mr. Sun Yat-sen and paid tribute to him with our hearts filled with respect.
📸Photography Tips: At the foot of the steps of Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, with the layers of steps and the magnificent building as the background, wear plain clothes, put your hands together, capture the moment of pious worship, and freeze the solemn moment.
3️⃣ Xuanwu Lake Park
In the afternoon, we arrived at Xuanwu Lake Park. In February, the surface of Xuanwu Lake is sparkling. Although it is a bit cold, the scenery is unique. Rent a bicycle and ride along the lake, breathe the fresh air, and look out at the Purple Mountain in the distance. The mountains and water are interdependent, like a poem and a painting. On the islands in the lake, plum blossoms are in full bloom, with dots of bright red adding a touch of color to the Xuanwu Lake in winter.
4️⃣ Nanjing Food Stalls (Dinner)
In the evening, go to Nanjing Food Stalls to taste authentic Nanjing cuisine. Jinling roast duck, sweet taro shoots, and Meiling porridge, each dish is exquisite and delicious. The delicious food allows you to reminisce about your trip to Nanjing and brings these 48 hours to a perfect end.
🏨【Accommodation Recommendation】
It is recommended to stay in Qinhuai District or Xuanwu District. Qinhuai District is close to attractions such as Confucius Temple, with convenient transportation and a strong sense of city life; Xuanwu District is close to Zhongshan Scenic Area, with a beautiful environment and a variety of hotels and homestays.
🚗【Transportation Tips】
Nanjing has convenient transportation, with subways and buses extending in all directions, basically covering all attractions. The city attractions can be quickly reached by subway, and some attractions can be reached on foot; to go to Zhongshan Scenic Area, you can take the subway and then take a bus or taxi.
💬【Random Thoughts】
Nanjing in February has both a profound historical and cultural heritage and charming natural scenery. As you step into this city humming "Nanjing, Nanjing", you will be intoxicated and forget about leaving in just 48 hours. My dears, come to Nanjing and start your cultural journey!