Experience the autumn at Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, wait for the cherry blossoms at Jiming Temple

You must visit Nanjing! A super detailed three-day, two-night travel guide

You must visit Nanjing, feel the evening breeze along the Qinhuai River, stroll along Yihe Road, see the Zifeng Tower, and experience the unique charm of Jinling. This super detailed three-day, two-night Nanjing travel guide will immerse you in the city!

Itinerary

Day 1: First taste of history and culture

- Morning: Arrive at Nanjing South Railway Station, take Metro Line 3 then transfer to Line 2 to Nanjing Museum. Book free tickets in advance via the official WeChat account. Here you can see the depth of history; don’t miss the museum’s treasures. The Republic of China exhibition hall is a perfect photo spot with retro streets, rickshaws, and old cinemas, instantly transporting you back in time.
- Noon: Dine near the museum at Nanjing Dapai Dang to savor authentic Nanjing flavors. Meiling porridge is sweet and soft, a must-try! Also don’t miss specialties like salted duck and duck blood vermicelli soup.
- Afternoon: Take a taxi to Laomendong, stroll the ancient streets, try Lu’s plum blossom cake—small, chewy, with a delicate sweet red bean filling; also try Miaodong pork ribs, crispy outside and tender inside, to experience traditional Nanjing flavors. The Vanguard Bookstore Junhui Book House here is also worth a visit, full of artistic atmosphere.
- Evening: Walk to Confucius Temple Qinhuai Scenic Area, take a painted boat night tour on the Qinhuai River, feeling the rhythm of oars and lanterns in Jinling. After disembarking, enjoy local snacks like plum blossom cake, red bean glutinous rice balls, and stinky tofu in the surrounding ancient streets—carb happiness maxed out!

Day 2: Blend of nature and culture

- Morning: Take Metro Line 2 to Muxuyuan Station, first visit Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. See the 600-year-old sacred way with majestic stone beasts, full of mystery in the light and shadow. Walk along the sacred way to feel the weight and vicissitudes of history.
- Noon: Have a simple meal near the scenic area to recharge. Choose a local small restaurant and try farmhouse dishes to enjoy rustic flavors.
- Afternoon: Visit Meiling Palace, known as the "Far East’s first villa," with unique architecture and interesting exhibits that tell many historical stories. Then go to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum to pay tribute to Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Climb 392 steps to the top for a breathtaking view of Nanjing city. Finally, visit the Music Stage to feed pigeons and watch them take flight—an overwhelmingly healing experience.
- Evening: Head to Xinjiekou, Nanjing’s shopping paradise with many malls. When tired, visit Fengfu Road and Mingwailang Snack Street for Nanjing roast duck, egg burgers, Acai vegetable pancakes, and more—so many delicious options it’s hard to choose. After eating, you can go to a bar for a light buzz and enjoy Nanjing’s nightlife.

Day 3: Ancient charm and leisurely moments

- Morning: Take Metro Lines 3 or 4 to Jiming Temple Station to pray for love and admire cherry blossoms (best in March-April). You can also buy cultural and creative products as souvenirs. Jiming Temple has been famous for its bustling incense since ancient times and is known as the "First Temple of the Southern Dynasties." Climb the Medicine Buddha Pagoda for panoramic views of Xuanwu Lake and Nanjing city.
- Noon: Dine at a restaurant near Jiming Temple and try vegetarian dishes to enjoy light and elegant flavors.
- Afternoon: Climb the Nanjing City Wall (Taicheng section) for views of Xuanwu Lake and the cityscape. Enter Xuanwu Lake Park from Xuanwu Gate, stroll along the lake, enjoy the scenery, and see Jiming Temple in the distance. Relax and enjoy leisure time, or take a boat ride on the lake for a different perspective of its beauty.
- Evening: Pack up and prepare to return home, carrying wonderful memories of Nanjing.

Food Recommendations

1. Li Ji Halal Restaurant: Must-try beef potstickers, crispy on the outside, juicy inside, bursting with flavor in every bite.
2. Xiao Pan Ji Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup: Fresh and delicious soup with smooth vermicelli, a representative of Nanjing duck blood vermicelli soup.
3. Nanjing Dapai Dang: One-stop place to try Nanjing specialties, including Meiling porridge, salted duck, and sweet, soft sugar taro shoots, full of Nanjing flavor.
4. Aunt Xu’s Pastry Shop: A paradise for glutinous rice lovers, popular items include green rice balls and osmanthus cakes. The salted egg yolk and pork floss green rice ball is a signature—one bite brings pure happiness.
5. Zhang Yun Salted Duck: Their salted duck is tender with a perfect balance of salty and fragrant flavors—you won’t be able to stop eating.
6. Jiang You Ji: Beef potstickers are also a specialty here, with thin skin, tight meat filling, and delicious broth. Pair with a bowl of beef soup for ultimate comfort.

Accommodation Suggestions

Recommended to stay near Xinjiekou for convenient transportation. Metro Lines 2 and 1 intersect here, making it easy to reach all attractions. Plenty of food and shopping malls nearby.

- For a generous budget: Nanjing Golden Eagle International Hotel, a landmark in Xinjiekou with panoramic city views and attentive service.
- For value: Orange Hotel is a good choice, with clean and tidy rooms at affordable prices.

Transportation Guide

1. Airport: Nanjing Lukou International Airport has airport buses to the city and Metro Line S1 connecting to other lines, making it easy to reach anywhere in the city.
2. High-speed rail: Nanjing South Station and Nanjing Station both have metro access directly to the city, convenient for travel.
3. City transport: The metro reaches almost all attractions. Getting a metro card or using a ride code is very convenient. You can also ride shared bikes to freely explore Nanjing’s streets and experience the city’s vibrant life.

Tips:

1. Attractions like Nanjing Museum and Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum require advance booking to avoid disappointment, especially during holidays and peak seasons. Plan ahead.
2. Zhongshan Scenic Area is large; it’s recommended to buy sightseeing bus tickets to save energy, or you might feel exhausted walking.
3. There are many snacks near Confucius Temple, but be cautious—some have high prices and uneven quality. Choose well-reviewed old shops to avoid bad experiences.
4. Nanjing’s weather is changeable; bring rain gear and sun protection just in case.
5. Attractions can be crowded; keep your belongings safe, travel civilly, and enjoy your trip.