3-Day Nanjing Highlights Tour | Travel Through the Ancient Capital of Six Dynasties & Unlock Immersive Cultural Experiences

🌟 3-Day Nanjing Highlights Tour | Travel Through the Ancient Capital of Six Dynasties & Unlock Immersive Cultural Experiences

📅 Itinerary
**Day 1: Zhongshan Mountain Nostalgia**

- **Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum**: Arrive before 8 AM to climb the 392 steps and enjoy the secluded "Emerald Tunnel" sycamore corridor for crowd-free photos (Note: Tomb chamber closed on Mondays; advance booking required).
- **Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum**: Free entry before 6:30 AM! The 600-meter Stone Elephant Path offers breathtaking light and shadow, especially during autumn's golden ginkgo and red maple season.
- **Meiling Palace**: Admire the blue-glazed tiles and sycamore "necklace" design. The second-floor café overlooks a sea of trees, exuding full Republican-era charm.

**Day 2: Central Cultural & Historical Journey**

- **Nanjing Museum**: Must-see "Treasures of the Museum" 👉 Eastern Han silver-inlaid bronze ox lamp, jade burial suit, and glazed archway of the Great Bao'en Temple. Extended summer hours until 9 PM for a quieter night visit!
- **Presidential Palace**: Explore the East-meets-West architecture + secrets of Chiang Kai-shek’s office. Visit after 4 PM to avoid crowds; exit leads directly to 1912 Bar Street.
- **Laomendong + Qinhuai River Night Cruise**: Skip the crowded Confucius Temple main street! Head straight to Laomendong for Jiang Youji’s pan-fried dumplings and Lan Laoda’s sweet rice porridge. Board a painted boat at 7:30 PM for Qinhuai’s lantern-lit scenery (choose the Inner West Route).

**Day 3: Zen & Art**

- **Niushou Mountain**: Explore the ¥4 billion Buddha’s Crown Palace underground chamber and the Thousand-Buddha Hall laser show (10 AM/3 PM). Wear solid-color long dresses for stunning dome silhouettes.
- **Deji Art Museum**: The world’s only museum open until midnight! Don’t miss Monet/Picasso originals + AI-powered "Jinling Scroll" transporting you to the Song Dynasty.

🏨 **Hotel Recommendations: Best Location in Xinjiekou**
| Hotel | Highlights | Price Range |
|-------|------------|-------------|
| Jinfan Wanyuan Hotel (Xinjiekou) | Themed family rooms (Ultraman/Octonauts), 5-min walk to Deji | From ¥450 |
| Atour Hotel (Nanjing South Station) | Smart toilet + mini fridge, seamless high-speed rail access | From ¥410 |
| Scholar Hotel (Sanyuanxiang) | Mlily zero-pressure rooms + family suites, near Confucius Temple | From ¥410 |
💡 **Tip**: Xinjiekou’s metro covers all major attractions—prioritize hotels along subway lines.

🍜 **Food Red & Black List | Locally Approved Classics**
✅ **Must-Try**
- **Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup**: Xiao Panji (Hongmiao Branch)—add duck liver and crispy rice for the ultimate flavor!
- **Beef Pan-Fried Dumplings**: Li Ji Halal (Dading Lane)—golden, juicy, crispy-bottomed, best paired with beef offal soup.
- **Salted Duck**: Zhang Yun Salted Duck (Pingshi Street)—breast meat is the tenderest; vacuum-packed for takeaway.
- **Soup Dumplings**: Xu Jianping Soup Dumplings (Rehenan Road)—inherited from Jiming Wine House, thin skin & rich broth.

🚫 **Avoid**: Overpriced "vacuum-packed duck" in Confucius Temple core area. For snacks, choose Laomendong branches instead.

⚡ **2025 Pro Tips**
- **Booking Traps**: Book Nanjing Museum & Memorial Hall of Victims 7 days ahead; Presidential Palace 2 days prior.
- **Transport Taboos**: No eating/drinking or loud audio on metro—fines apply! Rent official shuttle buses (¥30 unlimited rides) in Zhongshan Scenic Area.
- **Dress Code**: Wear sneakers for Niushou/Zhongshan hiking; dress modestly (no flip-flops/sleeveless) at memorial sites.