Nanjing Travel Guide
Nanjing is the capital of Jiangsu Province, known in ancient times as Jinling and Jiankang, and has long been called the "Ancient Capital of Six Dynasties" and "Capital of Ten Dynasties," with a profound historical and cultural heritage. The Yangtze River runs through the city, Zhongshan (Purple Mountain) stands majestically in the east, and the Qinhuai River winds through the city, integrating mountains, water, city, and forest.
From the World Heritage Sites of Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum to the lights of Confucius Temple and the romance of plane-tree avenues, Nanjing has both profound history and warm, everyday life.
Must-Visit Attractions
Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum — a grand mausoleum at the southern foot of Zhongshan, with 392 stone steps leading up to pay respects to the great man; Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum — the joint burial mausoleum of Emperor Taizu of Ming and Empress Ma, a World Cultural Heritage Site, especially beautiful for its sacred way stone carvings and autumn scenery; Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River — the lights and street life of the Ten-Li Qinhuai, with painted boats for night cruises; Laomendong — Ming and Qing dynasty lanes and traditional foods; Presidential Palace — an important witness to modern Chinese history; Nanjing Museum — one of China's earliest large museums, with rich collections; Xuanwu Lake — a city lake reflecting the city wall; Qixia Mountain — a famous Jinling mountain, with fiery red leaves in autumn; Niushou Mountain — Usnisa Palace and mountain forest scenery; Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders — a place to remember history.
Specialty Cuisine
Saltwater duck, roast duck, duck blood vermicelli soup, soup dumplings (xiaolongbao), beef potstickers, red bean yuanxiao, osmanthus sugar taro sprouts, pidu noodles, plum blossom cake; Confucius Temple and Laomendong gather Jinling snacks.
Best Time to Travel
Spring and autumn (March–May, September–November) have pleasant climates, with plum blossoms in spring and red leaves in autumn, making them the most comfortable; summer is hot and rainy, while winter is damp and cold but offers snowy scenery.
Transportation Guide
Nanjing Lukou International Airport, Nanjing South Railway Station, and Nanjing Railway Station connect to many places nationwide, with convenient high-speed rail; the city's metro network is well developed and covers major attractions; between attractions in Zhongshan, you can take sightseeing buses or public buses.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic two-day tour: Day 1 visit Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, and Zhongshan Scenic Area; Day 2 visit Confucius Temple, Laomendong, and the Presidential Palace. A three-day tour can add Nanjing Museum, Xuanwu Lake, and Qixia Mountain for a deeper feel of the ancient capital.
Travel Tips
The Zhongshan Scenic Area is large, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and allow more than half a day; attractions such as Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum require reservations, so please arrange in advance; during spring plum blossom and autumn leaf seasons there are more visitors, so it is best to avoid peak times.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
In the early morning, stroll along the plane-tree avenue on Lingyuan Road; in the afternoon, look at Republican-era architecture and cafes in the Yihe Road mansion district; in the evening, take a painted boat for a night cruise on the Qinhuai River; visit Librairie Avant-Garde and the artsy shops of Laomendong to experience the slow life of the ancient capital.
One-Day Trips Around Nanjing
Qixia Mountain — a famous mountain for maple viewing; Niushou Mountain — Usnisa Palace and forest; Tangshan Hot Springs — hot spring resort; Yangzhou — Slender West Lake and morning tea (about one hour by high-speed rail); Zhenjiang — Jinshan Temple and Xijindu.
