Nanjing is a city you won’t want to leave once you arrive
Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, located along the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, is one of China’s Four Great Ancient Capitals, famously known as the "Ancient Capital of Six Dynasties and Metropolis of Ten Dynasties." It boasts a rich historical heritage—Ming City Wall, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and Confucius Temple tell stories of a millennium of change; it also pulses with modern urban vitality and artistic atmosphere—Xianfeng Bookstore, Republic of China-era buildings on Yihe Road, and the dawn and dusk at Xuanwu Lake. The phrase "A beautiful land south of the Yangtze, the imperial state of Jinling" perfectly captures Nanjing’s unparalleled elegance. Visiting Nanjing is not just a trip, but a cultural dialogue across time and space.
⛺【Must-Visit Local Spots】🔥
✅ Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum & Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (Zhongshan Scenic Area)
● The tomb of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, a great pioneer of modern Chinese revolution, built against the mountain with magnificent grandeur.
● Recommended to visit early morning for fewer crowds and beautiful scenery; climb 392 steps to overlook Nanjing city.
● Also visit Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Music Stage (pigeons are super soothing), and Meiling Palace’s “Necklace Road” along the way.
✅ Confucius Temple - Qinhuai River Scenic Area
● Nanjing’s cultural landmark, a must-experience night cruise on the Qinhuai River! Painted boats shuttle through shimmering lights, as if traveling back to the prosperous old dream of “Ten Miles of Qinhuai.”
● Taste authentic local snacks: duck blood vermicelli soup, Xiao Li soup dumplings, Jiang Youji potstickers, and candied taro shoots.
✅ Nanjing Museum
● One of China’s top three museums, with rich collections; don’t miss the “treasures of the museum” such as the gold-threaded jade burial suit and the seal of King Guangling.
● Free admission, but advance reservation on the official website or WeChat is required; half a day is recommended.
✅ Xuanwu Lake Park
● China’s largest royal garden lake, beautiful in all seasons. Cherry blossoms in spring, lotus flowers in summer, falling leaves in autumn, and views of Purple Mountain in winter.
● Rent a boat to tour the lake or cycle around it to enjoy the tranquility of the “Pearl of Jinling.”
✅ Xianfeng Bookstore (Wutaishan Main Store)
● Known as “China’s most beautiful bookstore,” transformed from an underground parking garage, a must-visit for literary youth.
● Buy a journal, get a stamp as a souvenir, sip coffee, and quietly flip through books in a cozy corner.
✅ Laomendong Historic and Cultural District
● A more artistic and authentic ancient-style street than Confucius Temple, with blue bricks, black tiles, and horse-head walls full of Republic of China era charm.
● Gather local Nanjing delicacies and creative shops; recommended treats include “Lu’s Plum Blossom Cake” and “Xiao Zheng’s Crispy Biscuits.”
🛬【Travel Tips】🗓️
📅 Recommended travel time:
● Best seasons: Spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms, and autumn (September-November) for pleasant weather.
⏱️ Suggested duration: 3-4 days
📌 Recommended itinerary:
Day 1: History and Culture
Morning: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum → Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum → Meiling Palace
Afternoon: Ming Xiaoling Museum → Music Stage to feed pigeons
Evening: Confucius Temple + Night cruise on Qinhuai River
Day 2: Urban Arts and Natural Scenery
Morning: Nanjing Museum
Noon: Lunch at Laomendong + visit creative shops
Afternoon: Xianfeng Bookstore → Stroll or cycle in Xuanwu Lake Park
Evening: Night view from Zifeng Tower Observation Deck
Day 3: City Wall Memories and Republic of China Style
Morning: Climb Zhonghua Gate Wengcheng to experience Ming dynasty city defense wisdom
Afternoon: Walk along Yihe Road mansion area, admire Republic of China architecture, perfect for photos
Evening: Visit Deji Plaza to check out trendy installations and feel modern Nanjing
Day 4 (Optional): Surrounding Extensions
● Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Area (Foding Palace, Underground Palace Relics) — ideal for visitors interested in religious culture and architectural aesthetics.
🏨【Accommodation Guide】🛏️
🌟 Recommended areas:
1. Near Xinjiekou: City center with convenient transportation, intersection of Metro Lines 1 and 2, all kinds of dining and entertainment.
○ Hotel recommendations: Nanjing Central Hotel, Suning Zhongshan International Golf Hotel
2. Confucius Temple / Laomendong area: Immersive ancient-style experience with strong nighttime atmosphere.
○ Homestay recommendations: “Jinling Shiguang,” “Qinhuai Xiaozhu,” and other stylish homestays perfect for photos.
3. Around Xuanwu Lake: Beautiful environment, suitable for travelers who prefer quiet and nature.
○ Hotel recommendation: Nanjing Xuanwu Lake Holiday Inn, excellent lake view rooms.
💡 Tips: Book 1-2 weeks in advance during holidays; prices fluctuate significantly.
🧡【Tips】📌 Friendly Reminders
1. 🚇 Transportation: Nanjing’s metro is well-developed, covering almost all attractions; download the “Yuning Tongxing” app for real-time metro info.
2. 🎟️ Ticket Reservations: Popular spots like Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Nanjing Museum require advance booking, especially on holidays!
3. 🌂 Weather Preparation: Summers in Nanjing are hot, winters are damp and cold; check weather forecasts and bring rain gear.
4. 🍜 Food Tips: Nanjing cuisine tends to be salty and savory; snacks are abundant but some flavors are strong, sensitive stomachs should choose carefully.
5. 📸 Photo Tips:
○ Yihe Road, Meiling Palace, Xianfeng Bookstore, and Laomendong are perfect photo spots; light-colored or Republic of China-style clothing is recommended.
○ Early morning or late afternoon light is best; avoid peak crowds.
6. ❤️ Civilized Tourism: Please keep quiet when visiting historical sites, protect cultural relics, and be a considerate traveler.
✨ Nanjing is a city you won’t want to leave once you arrive.
Here, history and modernity intertwine, poetry and everyday life coexist. 🚶♀️📷