The Six Dynasties' Dream Under the Plane Trees - Nanjing City Walk Guide!

Nanjing Budget Travel Guide: Experience the Millennia-Old Charm of Jinling

I. Itinerary Recommendations
Day 1: Zhongshan Scenic Area One-Day Walking Tour**
Morning: Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum (free, closed on Mondays) → Music Stage (¥10, feeding pigeons is super therapeutic) → Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (¥70, Shixiang Road is great for photos)
Afternoon: Meiling Palace (¥30, a small Republic of China-era Western-style house) → Linggu Temple (¥35, a secret spot for fireflies in summer)
Evening: Head down the mountain to Xiaolingwei Night Market (Recommended: Xuzhou BBQ, plum blossom cakes)

Day 2: Old Town South Cultural Route
Morning: Laomendong (free, an artistic district under the city wall) → Zhonghua Gate Barbican (¥50, the world's largest barbican)
Afternoon: Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall (¥85, a cyberpunk-style museum) → 1865 Creative Park (free, industrial-style photo spot)
Evening: Confucius Temple (just see the lights, don't spend money!) → Walk along the Qinhuai River to Bailuzhou Park

Day 3: Exploring Hidden Gems
Morning: Yihe Road Mansion Area (free, a complex of Republic of China-era buildings) → Nanjing Museum (free, must-see Republic of China Hall)
Afternoon: Librairie Avant-Garde (Wutaishan Branch) → Taogu New Village (a hub for artistic cafes)
Evening: Nanhu East Road (local food street) for late-night snacks

II. Food Recommendations and Warnings
Must-try List:
- Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup (Recommended: Xiao Pan Ji, Jinyuan)
- Beef Guotie (Li Ji Halal Restaurant's juicy ones are amazing)
- Sweet Osmanthus Rice Pudding with Taro Balls (Fang Po Rice Cake Shop)
- Balut (Nanhu Night Market, challenge yourself)
- Pig Skin Noodles (Xiang Ji Noodle Restaurant)

Foods to Avoid:
- All "Nanjing specialties" inside the Confucius Temple scenic area
- Any vacuum-packed "authentic salted duck"
- Jinling Tangbao branches around scenic areas

III. Accommodation Recommendations
1. Around Xinjiekou Subway Station:
- Hostel Recommendation: International Youth Convention Hotel (¥60 per person, high-rise city view)
- Budget Hotel: Home Inn Neo (Zhangfuyuan Branch, 3 minutes from the subway)
2. Daxinggong Area:
- Pod Inn Select (5-minute walk from the Presidential Palace)
- B&Bs near Southeast University (artistic and affordable)
3. Around Laomendong:
- City Wall Roots Youth Hostel (super convenient for visiting the night market)

IV. Local Tips
1. Transportation: Get a Nanjing subway card on Alipay, shared bikes + subway is the most economical
2. Tickets: Half-price admission to some attractions every Wednesday (e.g., Presidential Palace)
3. Hidden Gems:
- Taicheng Section of the Nanjing City Wall for a panoramic view of Jiming Temple
- Take the ¥2 ferry from Zhongshan Wharf to chase the sunset over the Yangtze River
- Visit the morning market at Koxiang Food Market for black rice balls and sesame balls

V. Budget Reference (3 days, 2 nights)
- Accommodation: ¥120-200 (hostel/budget hotel)
- Food: ¥150 (mainly snacks)
- Transportation: ¥50 (subway + shared bikes)
- Tickets: approx. ¥200 (selective ticket purchase)
Total cost: ¥500-700 is enough to explore Jinling! Remember to wear comfortable shoes, Nanjing is a city suitable for walking~