Nanjing 3 Days 2 Nights Guide: Eat Through Time-Honored Brands and Explore Hidden Gems

Hey darlings! As a new Nanjinger who has lived in Nanjing for many years, I personally took friends around Nanjing spending only about 1000+ RMB per person! We avoided crowded places the whole time, focusing on local secret foods and off-the-beaten-path attractions. Students and workers, just copy this👇
🏠 Accommodation Guide
✅ First choice: near Xinjiekou/Fuzimiao subway stations
✨ Recommended: Lichao·Yayue Executive Apartment (Xinjiekou branch, super clean with an Instagram vibe! 5-minute walk to Mingwailang beside Yangpi Alley)
🍜【Food Hits and Misses】Cry with just 30 RMB per person
⚠️ Key point: Avoid touristy and internet-famous spots! Dive into the alleys!
▶️ Suojincun (Backyard of Nanjing Normal University)
Jinghua Soup Dumplings (12 RMB/basket) – the juicy crab roe buns are amazing!
Jinyuan Duck Blood Vermicelli (16 RMB) – ten times better than a certain famous place!
Zhao Ming Egg Pancake (7 RMB) – add pork tenderloin for a fragrant surprise
▶️ Nanhu East Road (Retro Food Street)
Anjia Osmanthus Rice Balls (10 RMB) – handmade black sesame filling + fermented rice wine
Minji Fried Chicken (6 RMB/leg) – taste of old Nanjing childhood
Chen’s Duck Shop (20 RMB for hind leg) – same style as Jay Chou’s favorite!
▶️ How to eat in Kexiang without missing out
Freshly made egg cake with free-range eggs (16 RMB/jin) – glutinous rice flour version is a must-buy
Taoji Authentic Dezhou Braised Chicken (5 RMB) – lotus root cake even more amazing than the chicken!
Lao Mi’s Fermented Rice Shop (12 RMB) – red bean fermented rice jelly, a perfect palate cleanser
🌿【Hidden Attractions】Avoid the crowds
DAY 1: Slow Life in the South of the City
📍 Afternoon: Yuyuan (18 RMB ticket)
👉 A lesser-known version of the Humble Administrator’s Garden, white walls and black tiles + koi pond, perfect for Hanfu photos with exclusive access
📍 Evening: Alleys beside Laomendong
👉 Avoid the main street! Eat Lu’s Plum Blossom Cake at San Tiaoying, see the rose wall at Bianying
📍 Night: Bailuzhou Park (free)
👉 Local people’s walking spot, take a painted boat to see Qinhuai River’s lantern reflections (40 RMB totally worth it)
DAY 2: Fresh Air in the North of the City
📍 Morning: Linggu Temple (35 RMB combo ticket)
👉 A budget alternative to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum! Climb Linggu Tower for panoramic views of Purple Mountain, eat 10-element noodles
📍 Afternoon: Xiaguan Train Theme Park (free)
👉 Abandoned green train cars + Yangtze River lighthouse, full Japanese film vibe
📍 Evening: Zhongshan Wharf (2 RMB ferry)
👉 Take the boat to chase the sunset over the Orange Sea, directly to Pukou Train Station, a filming location for the movie "Love Letter"
DAY 3: Artsy Street Stroll Day
📍 Morning: Yihe Road (free)
👉 Republican-era villas under the shadows of phoenix trees, the Vanguard Bookstore branch is here!
📍 Afternoon: Nanjing Museum (advance reservation required!)
👉 Avoid the crowded history hall! Get stamps at the special exhibition hall + shoot vintage-style photos at the Republican-era hall
📌 Local Insider Tips
1. For duck, choose the queues at residential entrances, Xu’s Duck and Jin Hongxing are reliable
2. Taking bus 34 in Zhongshan Scenic Area is three times cheaper than the sightseeing bus
3. Nanjing Museum is closed on Mondays! Bring a notebook for collecting stamps, very therapeutic
4. At Xinjiekou subway station, find the exit by looking for Xinbai or Laidi signs
Finally, here’s my walking route map (pic 9)‼️ All food and attractions are marked clearly~ Follow it and you won’t get lost! Nanjing is really delicious and photogenic, darlings, let’s go✨