A Shining Pearl of Nanjing, Liangzhou at Xuanwu Lake

Liangzhou at Xuanwu Lake in Nanjing, with its rich historical heritage and serene natural scenery, has become a rare slow travel destination in the city. Let me take you into the poetry and stories of Liangzhou.

Itinerary Overview
Theme: In-depth tour of Liangzhou, touching the cultural veins of Jinling
Core Area: Xuanwu Lake Park · Liangzhou, Nanjing
Accommodation Suggestions: Around Xuanwu Lake or Xinjiekou area
Travel Style: Slow pace, cultural experience, leisure photography

Preparation Before Travel
1. Transportation Guide
After arriving in Nanjing by high-speed train or plane, take Metro Line 3 to Xuanwumen Station, then walk about 20 minutes to Liangzhou. City transportation mainly relies on the metro and shared bicycles, which are convenient and fast.
2. Accommodation Recommendations
Lake view preferred: Hotels around Xuanwu Lake, such as Jinling Hotel and The Westin Nanjing Hot Spring Resort.
Cost-effective options: Xinjiekou area, with chain brands like Home Inn and Hanting, convenient for travel.
3. Essentials
Comfortable shoes, camera, lightweight rain gear, ID card, and a small amount of cash. Liangzhou is suitable for walking, so a good pair of shoes is especially important.

Day 1: First Encounter with Liangzhou, Strolling Among Lake and Mountain Scenery
Morning: Arrive at Xuanwu Lake, check into the hotel
Drop off your luggage and travel light. Enter from Xuanwumen, slowly walk along the lakeside path toward Liangzhou. The lake is wide, a gentle breeze brushes your face, and the city's noise gradually fades away.
Noon: Light meal inside Liangzhou
There are many teahouses and snack shops in Liangzhou. It is recommended to try duck blood vermicelli soup or salted duck, authentic flavors at moderate prices.
Afternoon: Cultural exploration of Liangzhou
Visit Lansheng Tower; from the top, you can overlook the entire Xuanwu Lake. Visit the Lake God Temple to learn about the historical changes of Liangzhou. Ancient trees tower within the islet, lush and green, perfect for photography.
Evening: Lakeside walk to watch the sunset
Stroll slowly along the Liangzhou trail. As the sun sets, the lake surface glistens, and the distant Purple Mountain appears faintly, creating a pleasant scene.
Night: Night tour of Xuanwu Lake
Xuanwu Lake at night has a unique charm, with dazzling lights and a gentle lake breeze. You can sit on a lakeside bench and enjoy a moment of tranquility.

Day 2: Deep into Liangzhou, Feeling History and Nature
Morning: Visit the Ming City Wall
Walk from Liangzhou to Jiefangmen, then climb the Ming City Wall. This is a classic spot for photographing Jiming Temple and Xuanwu Lake together, with a broad view and magnificent scenery.
Noon: Taste Nanjing specialty cuisine
Head to the nearby Hunan Road Shiziqiao Food Street. Recommended dishes include salted duck, candied taro shoots, and duck oil crispy pancakes from Nanjing street stalls.
Afternoon: Joint tour of Jiming Temple and Xuanwu Lake
Visit Jiming Temple to feel the tranquility of the ancient temple. Then return to Xuanwu Lake, where you can choose to take a boat tour to enjoy Liangzhou’s scenery from the water perspective.
Evening: Return full of memories, end the journey
With a heart full of memories and photos, head to the train station or airport to conclude this pleasant in-depth trip to Liangzhou at Xuanwu Lake in Nanjing.

Blogger’s Private Tips
1. Best Seasons
Spring (March-May) when cherry blossoms and crabapple flowers bloom; autumn (September-November) when osmanthus fragrance fills the air and the weather is crisp. Liangzhou is at its most beautiful during these two seasons.
2. Transportation Tips
Xuanwu Lake is large, and the islets are connected by ferries. If time permits, try taking a boat tour to see Liangzhou from the water, offering a different charm.
3. Photography Spots
Lansheng Tower top: panoramic views of Liangzhou and Xuanwu Lake.
Ming City Wall (Jiefangmen section): classic angle for shooting Jiming Temple and Xuanwu Lake together.
Liangzhou lakeside trail: capture lake reflections and sunsets.
4. Food Bonus
At the entrance of Xuanwu Lake or metro stations, you can buy plum blossom cakes or red bean glutinous rice balls as sweet treats for the journey—flavors that Nanjing locals have enjoyed since childhood.

Liangzhou at Xuanwu Lake in Nanjing is worth your time to savor slowly. It is not a checklist for a rushed visit but a deep dialogue with history, nature, and the soul of the city. I hope you find your own peace and touch on this "Penglai in the lake." Follow me to unlock more interesting travel destinations.