Nanjing Travel

Nanjing, Jiangsu — home to Zhongshan Mausoleum, Confucius Temple, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and other famous attractions. As the ancient capital of six dynasties, it is a tourist destination integrating historical culture, mountain and water scenery, and modern city life.

4500+
Years of city history
1
National historical and cultural city
5.6
Square kilometers Xuanwu Lake area
9.42M+
Permanent residents

Nanjing Districts & Counties Travel

Xuanwu District

Core urban area of Nanjing, historical and cultural concentration

Zhongshan MausoleumMing Xiaoling MausoleumXuanwu LakeNanjing Museum
Qinhuai District

Root of Nanjing culture, Qinhuai River runs through it

Confucius TempleQinhuai RiverZhonghua GateLaomendong
Jianye District

Nanjing's modern new urban area, location of Hexi New Town

Nanjing EyeYouth Olympic VillagePoly Grand TheatreGreen Expo Park
Gulou District

Nanjing's science, education and cultural center, university concentration

Nanjing UniversityNanjing Normal UniversityYuejiang TowerYihe Road Villa Area
Qixia District

Eastern gateway of Nanjing, location of Qixia Mountain

Qixia MountainQixia TempleYangshan ParkMuyan Riverside Scenic Area
Yuhuatai District

Southern gateway of Nanjing, red tourism destination

Yuhuatai Martyrs CemeteryChrysanthemum Terrace ParkNanjing Science and Technology Museum
Jiangning District

Largest district in Nanjing, rich ecological resources

Niushoushan Cultural Tourism ZoneTangshan Hot SpringGeneral MountainFangshan Scenic Area
Pukou District

Core area of Nanjing Jiangbei New Area, rich mountain and water resources

Pearl SpringLaoshan National Forest ParkQiuyu Mountain Cultural Park
Liuhe District

Northern gateway of Nanjing, ecological agriculture characteristic area

Golden Bull LakeGuizi Mountain Stone Pillar ForestLingyan Mountain
Lishui District

New southern city of Nanjing, eco-livable area

Shijiu LakeTiansheng Bridge Scenic AreaWuxiang Mountain National Forest Park
Gaochun District

Southern gateway of Nanjing, slow city culture characteristic area

Gaochun International Slow CityGucheng LakeOld StreetYouzi Mountain

Nanjing 3-Day Jinling Culture Tour

Explore the cultural veins of six dynasties, enjoy Jinling landscapes, experience the charm of the ancient capital

Duration
3 days, 2 nights
Main Destinations
Zhongshan Mausoleum, Confucius Temple, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Presidential Palace
Suitable For
History and culture enthusiasts, families, food explorers
Budget per person
¥1800-¥3500
01
Zhongshan Culture
A Journey Blending History and Nature
Highlights

In the morning, visit Zhongshan Mausoleum and pay tribute to the revolutionary pioneer; in the afternoon, tour Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and experience the grandeur of Ming imperial tombs; in the evening, take a leisurely stroll around Xuanwu Lake and enjoy the lake and mountain scenery.

Attractions
Zhongshan Mausoleum
National 5A-level tourist attraction, the mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the great pioneer of China's democratic revolution. The architecture is magnificent and imposing.
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
The joint mausoleum of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and Empress Ma. A World Cultural Heritage site, it represents the highest achievement of early Ming architecture and stone carving art.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Hotels in Xinjiekou commercial area
  • Resort hotels near Xuanwu Lake
  • Guesthouses near Confucius Temple
Food Recommendations
  • Duck blood vermicelli soup
  • Salted duck
  • Beef pot stickers
  • Red bean glutinous rice balls
Travel Tips
  • Zhongshan Scenic Area is large, consider taking the sightseeing bus
  • Zhongshan Mausoleum is free but requires reservation
  • Comfortable shoes recommended
02
Qinhuai Charm
Folklore & Night Scenery Tour
Highlights

In the morning, visit Nanjing Museum and experience historical and cultural charm; in the afternoon, explore Laomendong and feel the Ming and Qing architectural style; in the evening, enjoy a night tour of Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River, admiring the ancient capital's night scenery.

Attractions
Confucius Temple-Qinhuai River Scenic Belt
A cultural scenic area integrating tourism, food shopping, and science education. Known as the "Ten-Mile Qinhuai," its night scenery is particularly enchanting.
Nanjing Museum
One of China's three major museums, housing over 430,000 cultural relics ranging from the Paleolithic Age to contemporary times, covering both national and regional exhibits from Jiangsu.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Confucius Temple accessible via Metro Line 3
  • Museum requires advance reservation
  • Qinhuai River boat rides are liveliest at 8 PM
Ticket Info
  • Confucius Temple area: Free
  • Nanjing Museum: Free (reservation required)
  • Qinhuai River boat: ¥80
Photography Tips
  • Qinhuai River night scenery suits long exposure
  • Laomendong ancient buildings suit vintage-style photography
  • Flash photography prohibited inside the museum
03
Republican Era Memories
Modern History Exploration Tour
Highlights

In the morning, visit the Presidential Palace and learn about modern Chinese historical changes; in the afternoon, tour Yihe Road Villa Area and experience Republican-era architectural charm; in the evening, depart, ending the Nanjing cultural journey.

Attractions
Presidential Palace
An important site of modern Chinese history, once the Heavenly Prince's Mansion of the Taiping Rebellion and the Presidential Palace of the Republic of China. Now serves as the Museum of Modern Chinese History.
Yihe Road Villa Area
A high-end residential area from the Republican era in Nanjing, featuring over 200 Republican-era buildings. Known as the "Museum of Republican Architecture."
Practical Info
Departure Suggestions
  • From city center to Nanjing South Station: about 30 minutes
  • Distance to Lukou Airport: about 1 hour
  • Suggest departing before 3 PM for return trip
Food Map
  • Nanjing Impressions
  • Yin's Soup Dumplings
  • Lianhu Cake Shop
  • Lu's Plum Blossom Cake
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Nanjing Yunjin Brocade
  • Vacuum-packed salted duck
  • Yuhua stone ornaments
  • Jinling folding fan

Must-Try Foods in Nanjing

Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup

A traditional Nanjing dish made with duck blood, duck offal and vermicelli, simmered in broth. Delicious in taste and rich in nutrition, it is a beloved local specialty snack.

Salted Duck

A Nanjing specialty, also known as "Osmanthus Duck." White skin, tender meat, rich but not greasy, fresh and delicious. One of the most representative Nanjing delicacies.

Beef Pot Stickers

A traditional Nanjing snack with crispy outer skin and tender filling. Bursting with savory juice when bitten into, best enjoyed with vinegar.

Red Bean Glutinous Rice Balls

A Nanjing specialty dessert made with red beans and glutinous rice balls. Sweet, soft and chewy with a rich texture, a beloved post-meal dessert in Nanjing.

Nanjing Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • March-April: Spring plum blossoms and cherry blossoms bloom, pleasant climate
  • September-November: Clear autumn weather, suitable for outdoor activities and cultural tours
  • Avoid summer heat (July-August) and rainy season (June-July)
  • Holidays attract larger crowds, suggest traveling off-peak
Must-Do Experiences
  • One-day tour of Zhongshan Scenic Area
  • Night boat ride on Qinhuai River
  • In-depth visit to Nanjing Museum
  • Explore history at the Presidential Palace
  • Taste authentic Nanjing snacks
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. ¥350-600
  • Accommodation: ¥500-1000/night
  • Meals: ¥250-400/day
  • Transport: approx. ¥200
  • Total: ¥1800-3500
FAQ
  • How long to spend at Zhongshan Scenic Area? → Suggest allocating a full day
  • Does Nanjing Museum require a reservation? → Yes, advance reservation on official website
  • When is Qinhuai River night scenery at its best? → 7-9 PM for the most brilliant lights
  • Where to eat Nanjing specialties? → Recommend Confucius Temple food street and Laomendong