Nanjing In-Depth Travel Guide (2025 Latest Edition)

【3-Day Essential Itinerary】🔥

Day1️⃣ Cultural Immersion Route
☀️Morning:
📍Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (Free but requires reservation) → Music Terrace for pigeon feeding🕊️ (10 CNY)
📸Must-visit Stone Elephant Road at Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (70 CNY) Stunning in spring/autumn~ Wutong Necklace Scenic Platform & Meiling Palace (30 CNY)🌳
🌙Evening:
Explore and eat at Laomendong (Lu's Plum Blossom Cake/Jiang Youji Pan-fried Dumplings) Lanterns light up at 19:00📸Perfect for photos!

Day2️⃣ Old Town Time-Travel Route
☀️Morning:
Free exploration of Confucius Temple👀 Imperial Examination Museum (50 CNY to experience ancient exams)
Wuyi Alley check-in at Wang-Xie Ancient Residence (8 CNY)
🌙Evening:
Time-travel photos at Nanjing Museum's Republic of China Hall (Book 3 days in advance!)
Qinhuai River Night Cruise - choose West Route (80 CNY) Best lighting at 20:00💫

Day3️⃣ Zen & Nature Route
📍Niushou Mountain all-day visit (160 CNY)
Buddhist Palace Underground Hall is absolutely breathtaking✨ Wear plain colors!
Evening Hanfu experience at Jinling Xiaocheng (50 CNY + 110 CNY costume rental) Lights turn on at 19:30 - stunningly beautiful😭

✨【5-Day In-Depth Tour Plus】✨
➕Xuanwu Lake cycling (Free bike rental 30 CNY/day)
➕Qixia Mountain maple viewing (Must-visit in October! 40 CNY)
➕Presidential Palace modern history check-in (35 CNY)

🍜【Nanjing Must-Eat Guide】🍜

🌟Top 3 Legendary Eateries:
1️⃣ Li's Halal Restaurant (1 Dading Lane)
🐮Beef pan-fried dumplings 10 CNY/5 pieces! ㊙️Perfect with vinegar+chili oil - less crowded after 15:00
2️⃣ Fangpo Cake Shop (50 Wangfu Street)
🔥Limited black rice balls 5 CNY! Sweet Taro Soup 8 CNY with osmanthus fragrance~ Expect queues 7-9am!
3️⃣ Xiaopanji Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup
Hidden way to eat: add crispy rice (3 CNY)! Soaks up broth perfectly💥

💎Hidden Gems:
▫️Jintongji Pan-fried Dumplings: Crispier skin! Less crowded than Li's
▫️Wang's Wonton: Firewood flavor + chili oil = perfection
▫️Xiangji Pig Skin Noodles: 22 CNY double toppings - heavenly

🚇【Smart Nanjing Travel Tips】🚇
✔️Download "Nanjing Metro" APP for 45 CNY 3-day pass
✔️Book Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum/Nanjing Museum 3 days ahead! Niushou Underground Hall needs separate reservation
✔️Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum free before 6:30am! Enjoy crowd-free scenery
✔️Laomendong Pioneer Bookstore 2nd floor window view + Rainflower Tea Latte 38 CNY☕

🏨【Where to Stay】🏨
▪️Xinjiekou: Golden Eagle International (400-600 CNY) Direct metro access
▪️Laomendong: The Verse Luxury Inn (500-800 CNY) Gorgeous ancient-style courtyard
▪️Budget: Home Inn Neo Confucius Temple (200-300 CNY) 5-min walk to attractions

🌸【Seasonal Specials】🌸
Mar-Apr: Plum Blossom Hill + Jiming Temple Cherry Blossoms
Jul-Aug: Gaochun Fireworks + Grape Picking
Dec: Qinhuai Lantern Festival - breathtaking!

⚠️Local's secret: Xu Aunty's Green Rice Balls at Kexiang Lane 4 CNY each! Starts selling at 6am!