Nanjing

In depth

1. Best Travel Time Nanjing: The best travel seasons are spring and autumn (March-May, September-November), when temperatures are pleasant and scenery is beautiful. Spring (March-May): The plum blossoms on Meihua Mountain and the cherry blossoms at Jiming Temple bloom one after another, filling the air with fragrance. From April to May, the cherry blossoms at Xuanwu Lake are in full bloom, and the Zhongshan Scenic Area is lush and verdant.
Autumn (September-November): Qixia Mountain's red leaves blaze like fire, and the fragrance of osmanthus drifts for miles—it's the best season for photography. The golden phoenix tree avenue in November is even more stunning.
Summer (June-August): Nanjing is known as the "furnace," with hot weather and the plum rain season in June. If you come in summer, be sure to prepare for sun and heat protection.
Winter (December-February): The damp cold pierces to the bone, but if you're lucky enough to catch a heavy snowfall, the ancient capital's snowy scenery has a unique charm.
2. Itinerary Recommendation 🏛️: Classic Three-Day Tour (In-depth Exploration of Jinling's Cultural Heritage) This route blends the historical relics of the Six Dynasties capital with the everyday life of the city:
Day 1: Confucius Temple - Qinhuai River line
Morning: Jinling Changle Lane → Confucius Temple Dacheng Hall → Nanjing Chinese Imperial Examination Museum → Zhan Garden (Taiping Heavenly Kingdom History Museum)
Evening: Take a night tour of the Qinhuai River, feel the evening breeze, and experience the "sound of oars and the shadows of lamps."
Day 2: Cultural and Museum Tour
Nanjing Museum → Jiangning Weaving Museum → World Literature Living Room → Dabao'en Temple Ruins Scenic Area
The Nanjing Museum requires a reservation seven days in advance through the official mini-program. Both the Treasures and the Republic of China Museum are well worth seeing
Day 3: Old Town South Charm
Nanjing Folk Museum (Gan Xi Residence) → Laomendong → Xiaoxihu Art Street → Yuyuan
🌿 Two-day slow tour (suitable for those who don't want to rush) If you don't want a "military training-style" trip and just want to leisurely experience the atmosphere of Nanjing:
Day 1: Stroll along Yihe Road
Turning from Beijing West Road into the Yihe Road block feels like traveling through a time tunnel. This is the embassy district and upscale residential area from the Republic of China era, with each small Western-style house having its own story. I recommend visiting after 4 PM for the best lighting. Stopped by Pioneer Bookstore (Yihe Road branch) on the way.
Day 2: Daydreaming at Xuanwu Lake
Xuanwu Lake is the largest urban park in Jiangnan and China's largest imperial garden lake, known as the "Pearl of Jinling." Open all day and free of charge. I recommend strolling through Liangzhou Ginkgo Forest and Yingzhou Lotus Boardwalk, or simply daydreaming, watching the clouds, and waiting for a sunset.
3. Must-Visit Attractions Tips and Highlights The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum has 392 steps, overlooking Jinling City, free of charge. In summer, reservations are required for the busy Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. The Shixiang Road is very spectacular and gives a sense of traveling through time. Zhongshan Scenic Area is vast, so it's recommended to take the sightseeing bus to Confucius Temple to the Qinhuai River. Nanjing's iconic night view, boat lantern viewing, and the best atmosphere at night. Nanjing Museum, one of China's three major museums, Republic of China Era Hall, recreates the old street from the Republic of China era, free of charge. You must book 7 days in advance for the iconic Sino-Western fusion of the Presidential Palace. The modern historical site West Garden and the wooden hydrangea along the central axis are highlights of Niushou Mountain, known as the "Spring Niushou." The Buddha Crown Palace is spectacular and far from the city center, with expensive entrance fees and a large Bao'en Temple. The temple site is well-preserved and has night sessions in summer. At 19:30, the lantern lighting ceremony at Xuanwu Lake is called the "Pearl of Jinling," and China's largest royal garden lake is free of charge Yihe Road is open all day. "One Yihe Road, Half of the Republic of China History" is free of charge. It is recommended to cycle to visit the Memorial Hall for the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, commemorating history, and the spiritual cleansing is free. Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance
4. Food Recommendations: Nanjing is a food paradise, with many restaurants loved by both locals and tourists.
🍜 A must-try snack
Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup: Xiao Pan Ji Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup is a locally familiar "queue king"
Beef Potstickers: Li Ji Halal (Dading Lane branch), golden, crispy, and juicy
Salted Duck/Roast Duck: Zhangyun Smoked Duck (Main Store)
Wontons: Wang Family Wontons (Jiqing Road Branch), averaging over ten yuan per person
Soup Dumplings: Hu Jin Song soup dumplings
Pidu Noodles: A late-night diner in Kexiang, where golden pidu soaks up the broth
🍽️ Recommended restaurants
Xinfangyuan Restaurant (Chaotian Palace Subdistrict): Famous for authentic Nanjing cuisine, with roast duck as its signature
Jingli Seafood Buffet Restaurant (1912 branch): A highly cost-effective seafood buffet
Republic of China Red Mansion (Yihe Road): improved Huaiyang cuisine
Foodie tip: Don't just focus on the main street of Confucius Temple; following the locals through the alleys is the key—the more rundown the decor, the more stunning the flavors.
5. Transportation and Accommodation 🚄 External transportation
By plane: Nanjing Lukou International Airport, you can take Metro Line S1 to transfer to the main line to enter the city center
High-speed rail/train: Nanjing South Station has more trains and wider routes; Nanjing Station is close to Xuanwu Lake
🚇 City transportation
Metro: Covers the entire city, Alipay can receive the "Nanjing Metro Code." Lines 1-4 are all concentrated attractions
Shared Bicycles: The area around the scenic area is very convenient, and you can buy short-term cycling cards
🏨 Recommended accommodation
Xinjiekou area: City center, transfer between Lines 1/2, complete dining and entertainment
Confucius Temple area: Near the old gate east and Qinhuai River, lively at night
Nanjing Station area: Near Xuanwu Lake, with lake views
Hostels: Hostels near Xinjiekou or Confucius Temple, beds 80-120 RMB/night, suitable for budget travelers
6. Practical Reservation Tips: Nanjing Museum requires 7 days in advance, while the Memorial Hall for the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders requires 3 days' advance
Sun protection and heatstroke prevention: During the hot summer in Nanjing, be sure to bring sunscreen, a sun umbrella, and a portable small fan
Mosquito prevention: There are many mosquitoes in the scenic area, so remember to bring mosquito repellent
Zhongshan Scenic Area: The area is very large, so you must take the sightseeing bus
Avoid crowds: If you want to capture deserted scenery, it's recommended to go to Xuanwu Lake at 6 a.m
Student discounts: Fresh graduates of the middle and high school entrance exams can enjoy discounts on attractions, accommodation, dining, and more from multiple merchants with their admission tickets
7. Conclusion: Nanjing is not a city that amazes you with spectacles, but a Jiangnan beauty who gradually moves you through its atmosphere. Avoid visiting a few places, stay longer in each place—this is the right way to open up Nanjing. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an artistic youth, or a gourmet foodie, the Six Dynasties capital will use its unique way to leave you with unforgettable memories of Jinling.