Nanjing
The Southern Capital
Welcome to Nanjing! The "Southern Capital" and home to the Republic of China era history. This guide outlines a comprehensive 3-day route covering history, culture, and nature.
1. Attractions
Tap copy & paste icon at the right side of attraction name and paste in map app to see the location.
Note: Some major attractions require reservations even with tickets. Be sure to use Trip.com to purchase and reserve simultaneously
Day 1: The Mountain & The River
Purple Mountain Scenic Area (紫金山风景区)
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (Free), Music Stage, Meiling Palace, and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (UNESCO).
Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) (夫子庙)
The historic center of Nanjing, filled with shops and traditional architecture.
Cost:Free to walk
Hours:Open all day
Qinhuai River Boat Tour (秦淮河画舫)
Take a painted pleasure boat at night to see the illuminated pavilions. The classic 'Nanjing night view.'
Day 2: City History & Old Streets
Nanjing Museum (南京博物院)
One of China's largest museums. Don't miss the Republic of China street recreation downstairs.
Cost:Free (Reservation mandatory)
Hours:9:00 – 17:00
Presidential Palace (总统府)
The headquarters of the Republic of China government (1927-1949). A mix of Chinese gardens and Western offices.
Jiming Temple & Ming City Wall (鸡鸣寺 & 明城墙)
Visit the yellow-walled temple (great for cherry blossoms) then walk the adjacent Ancient City Wall for lake views.
Lao Men Dong (老门东)
A renovated historic block south of Fuzimiao. Less commercial, excellent street food.
Cost:Free
Hours:Open all day
Day 3: Remembrance & Modern Vibes
Zhonghua Gate & Porcelain Tower (中华门 & 大报恩寺)
See the massive ancient castle-style gate, then visit the futuristic Grand Bao'en Temple nearby.
Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall (南京大屠杀遇难同胞纪念馆)
A sobering museum documenting the 1937 tragedy. Respect is paramount.
Cost:Free (Strict reservation)
Hours:8:30 – 16:30 (Closed Mon)
Chanan Street (茶南大街)
A local foodie street perfect for lunch/snacks.
Cost:Free
Hours:Open all day
Yihe Road (颐和路)
Photogenic Republic-era mansions on Yihe Road, then sunset by the Yangtze River at Yuzui Park.
Cost:Free
Hours:Open all day
2. Food
Tap copy & paste icon at the right side of food name and paste in Dianping app to find restaurants.
Note: Food items may contain allergens. Please confirm with restaurant staff directly
Local Favorites & Snacks
Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup
鸭血粉丝汤
A savory soup made with duck broth, blood curd, and vermicelli. The ultimate comfort food of Nanjing.
Crab Roe Soup Dumplings
蟹黄汤包
Large, delicate dumplings filled with rich crab roe broth. Often eaten with a straw to savor the soup first!
Spicy Salted Duck
酱板鸭
A flavorful, dried, and spiced duck dish, known for its chewy texture and rich taste.
Plum Blossom Cake
梅花糕
A sweet, flower-shaped pastry filled with red bean paste, fruit, and sticky rice.
Scholar's Beans
状元豆
Spiced aromatic soybeans, a traditional snack with a history related to the imperial exams.
Nanjing Salted Duck
盐水鸭
The city's signature dish. Tender, white-skinned duck with a clean, savory, and salty flavor.
3. Transportation
Arrival
- Air:
Metro (S1): Best option; connects Airport to Nanjing South Station (High-Speed Hub) in ~35 mins (7 RMB). Transfer there to Line 1/3 for city center.
Taxi: ~100-130 RMB to Xinjiekou center (45-60 mins).Check flights via
- Train:
Nanjing South: Massive high-speed hub. 15-20 mins to downtown via Metro Line 1 or 3. Best for arrivals from Shanghai/Beijing.
Nanjing Station: Located on the north shore of Xuanwu Lake. Very scenic arrival! Closer to the city center but serves a mix of high-speed and older trains.Check trains via
City Transport
- Metro: 13 lines cover almost all scenic spots.
- Bus: Generally 2 CNY. Use Alipay.
4. Where to Stay
Xinjiekou (Recommended)
Intersection of Line 1 & 2. Direct access to main sites. Surrounded by food streets like Mingwalang.
5. Essential Tips
💡 Top Tips
- Advance Booking is Critical: Popular spots (Museum, Mausoleum, Presidential Palace) require online reservations days in advance.
- Dress Code & Etiquette: Dress modestly for the Memorial Hall. No slippers, sleeveless tops, or loud noises.
- Mingwalang: Stay near Xinjiekou to easily walk here for late-night snacks!