How many days to spend in Nanjing
How Many Days to Spend in Nanjing
Nanjing, an ancient capital with a rich history and culture, attracts many tourists to explore its historical sites, cultural attractions, and natural scenery. It is generally recommended to spend 3-5 days in Nanjing to fully experience the charm of this city.
3-Day Itinerary
Day 1:
- Visit Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (Zhongshan Ling) to pay homage to Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s tomb and admire its magnificent architecture.
- Take a tour of Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (Tomb of the First Ming Emperor), renowned for its grand scale and imposing presence.
- Stroll along Xuanwu Lake in the evening to appreciate the beauty of the lakeside scenery and feel the natural charm of Nanjing.
Day 2:
- Visit Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao), a historic architectural complex that is one of Nanjing’s cultural landmarks.
- Take a tour of Jiangnan Examination Hall (Jiangnan Gon院) to experience the atmosphere of ancient imperial examinations.
- Ascend Purple Mountain (Zijin Shan) to overlook the panoramic view of Nanjing and appreciate the city’s grandeur.
Day 3:
- Visit Nanjing Museum to learn about Nanjing’s history and culture.
- Take a tour of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom History Museum to gain insights into the rise and fall of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom movement.
- Embark on a boat tour of the Qinhuai River in the evening to admire the riverside夜景 and feel the prosperous and historical charm of Nanjing.
4-5 Day Itinerary
Based on the 3-day itinerary, you can extend your stay by 1-2 days to explore more attractions and experiences in Nanjing.
Day 4:
- Visit Zhongshan Gate (Zhonghuamen), the best-preserved ancient city gate in Nanjing and the largest existing瓮城 in China.
- Take a tour of Stone City (Shitou Cheng), believed to be the origin of Nanjing, with its abundant historical relics.
- Head to Xinjiekou in the evening to experience Nanjing’s modern cityscape.
Day 5:
- Visit Presidential Palace (Tonglingfu) to learn about Nanjing’s modern history.
- Take a stroll in Xuanwu Lake Park to admire the lakeside scenery and feel the natural charm of Nanjing.
- Depart from Nanjing in the afternoon to end your memorable trip.
Specific Time Allocation
The above itinerary is for reference only, and the specific time allocation can be adjusted according to personal interests and schedule. It is recommended to allocate the following time to each attraction:
- Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (Zhongshan Ling): 2-3 hours
- Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum: 2-3 hours
- Xuanwu Lake: 1-2 hours
- Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao): 2-3 hours
- Nanjing Museum: 2-3 hours
- Purple Mountain (Zijin Shan): 1-2 hours
- Nanjing Presidential Palace (Tonglingfu): 1-2 hours
- Xuanwu Lake Park: 1-2 hours
In addition, there are some optional attractions, such as:
- Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders: Learn about the tragic history.
- Jiming Temple (Jiming Si): One of the oldest temples in Nanjing, famous for its bell.
- Wulongtan Park: A beautiful park known for its lakeside scenery and Wulongtan Reservoir.
Hotel Recommendations
- Zhongshan Ling Hotel: Located near the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, with beautiful surroundings and convenient transportation.
- Zijin Mountain Resort: Situated on Purple Mountain, offering beautiful scenery and comprehensive leisure facilities.
- Nanjing Westin Hotel: Located in the Xinjiekou business district, a modern hotel with convenient transportation.
Restaurant Recommendations
- Salted Duck: A Nanjing specialty known for its savory and delicious taste.
- Osmanthus Duck: A Nanjing autumn specialty, marinated in osmanthus honey and known for its fragrant aroma.
- Nanjing Snacks: Nanjing’s local snacks, such as pide noodles and duck blood vermicelli soup.
Transportation
Nanjing has convenient transportation. You can arrive by plane, train, or high-speed rail. The city has a well-developed public transportation system, and you can take the subway, bus, etc. It is recommended to purchase a Nanjing Metro Day Pass for efficient and convenient travel around the city.
In summary, Nanjing is an ancient capital with a long history and profound cultural heritage. It is recommended to spend 3-5 days in Nanjing to fully experience the charm of this city. You can adjust your itinerary and travel time based on your personal interests and schedule to explore more attractions and cuisine.
