Nanjing is not only heavy with history but also rich with the lantern shadows of Qinhuai, the elegance of mist, and the warmth of local life

【3 days 2 nights, about 3300 RMB per person! Nanjing Guide: The Six Dynasties Ancient Capital, Homes Amidst the Wutong Trees】

Day 1: Arrive by high-speed train at **Nanjing South Station** (round trip from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen about 500-900 RMB), take the subway directly to the city center and check in at a hotel near **Confucius Temple/Xinjiekou** (such as Orange Hotel or a boutique guesthouse, 500 RMB/night). In the evening, stroll along the **Confucius Temple Qinhuai River Scenic Area**, take a painted boat night tour (ticket 80 RMB), and enjoy the lantern-lit towers along the "Ten-Mile Qinhuai." For dinner, try duck blood vermicelli soup and salted duck, recommended at "Qifangge."

Day 2: In the morning, visit **Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum** (free, reservation required), walk through the lush forest of Purple Mountain, and experience the Republic of China atmosphere. Then visit **Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum** (70 RMB) and **Meiling Palace** (30 RMB), admire the romantic wutong tree necklace encircling the city. In the afternoon, bike around **Xuanwu Lake**, check in at the city wall reflections, and gaze at the Zifeng Tower blending ancient and modern.

Day 3: Explore the **Nanjing Museum** (free, advance reservation required, one of China’s top three museums), see the gold-threaded jade burial suit and celadon mythical beasts. In the afternoon, wander through **Laomendong** — an artsy alley with intangible cultural heritage crafts and authentic snacks: Jiang Youji potstickers, Lu’s plum blossom cakes. Check out before 3:00 PM and return.

💰Budget breakdown:
Transportation (round-trip high-speed train + city subway) 1000 + Accommodation 1000 (500×2) + Food 400 + Tickets + Boat 200 + Taxi and miscellaneous 700 ≈ **3300 RMB**

📌Tips:
- Nanjing Museum is closed on Mondays, so it’s best to visit on the second morning;
- Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum has many steps, wear comfortable shoes;
- The best time to enjoy Qinhuai River night view is 6:30-8:00 PM.

⚠️Avoid:
❌ The Confucius Temple snack street is relatively expensive, just sample a little;
❌ Don’t trust “low-price one-day tours” around scenic spots.

Three days and two nights, wandering through the Republic-era streets shaded by wutong trees. Nanjing is not only heavy with history but also filled with the lantern shadows of Qinhuai, the elegance of its museums, and the warmth of its local life. Come to this city to understand the depth and softness of Jiangnan.

Post by OwenFletcher19 | Sep 25, 2025