China-Nanking

The best time to visit Nanjing is from March to May and from September to November.

Nanjing has four distinct seasons with abundant rainfall. Spring and autumn are the most suitable times for tourism due to their pleasant climate.

In spring, with gentle breezes and warm sunshine, it is perfect for outings, hiking, and jogging along the Xuanwu Lake. While in autumn, the clear skies and cool climate make it a great time to visit various attractions in Nanjing.

Day 1: Xuanwu Gate – Jiming Temple – Nanjing University – Nanjing Presidential Palace – Nanjing 1912 Street

🔺First Destination: Xuanwu Gate ⏱ 1 hour
🚇Take Metro Line 1 to Xuanwu Gate Station and walk for five minutes. Xuanwu Gate is the main entrance to Xuanwu Lake Park. You can visit the park or walk on the city wall to overlook Xuanwu Lake and Zhongshan Mountain. During cherry blossom season, it’s a great spot for cherry blossom viewing.

🔺Next Up: Jiming Temple ⏱ 1-2 hours
🚶Walk through the Cherry Blossom Avenue to reach Jiming Temple. Visit the famous halls such as the Maitreya Hall, the Great Buddha Hall, and the Guanyin Pavilion. Cherry blossom viewing in spring, especially from March to mid-April, offers the best timing to take aerial photos of the Cherry Blossom Avenue, reminiscent of scenes from “The New Legend of White Snake”.

🔺Afternoon Leisure: Nanjing University (Gulou Campus) ⏱ 1 hour
🚶Within walking distance, this century-old university boasts the prominent Western-style North Building and historical inscriptions in front of the Old Library. Zhongshan Building is also worth a visit.

🔺Historical Landmark: Nanjing Presidential Palace ⏱ 2 hours
🚇Take Bus 3 from Xinjiekou Station. This palace combines Chinese and Western architectural styles, with central, western, and eastern zones, as well as historical exhibits and restored displays. Don’t forget to visit Pioneer Bookstore. 🎫Tickets are postcards with postage, and the palace closes at 4 PM and clears out at 5 PM.

🔺Nighttime Feast: Nanjing 1912 Street ⏱ 1-3 hours
🚇Walk for 10 minutes from Daxinggong Station. With quaint and delicate architecture blending classical and modern elements, this street is lined with restaurants and bars. Come here in the evening to taste international snacks and enjoy a drink to end your day.

Day 2: Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders – Yuhua Tai – Lao Mendong Historical District – Xinjiekou

🔺Heavy Memory: Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders ⏱ 1-2 hours
🚇Get off at Yunjin Road Station. This museum comprehensively displays the history of the Nanjing Massacre. It includes plaza displays, historical exhibits, and skeletal remains. Remember history and cherish peace. 🔇No photos allowed, bring tissues, and dress appropriately.

🔺Historic Site: Yuhua Tai ⏱ 1-2 hours
🚇Walk for five minutes from Wudingmen Station. This scenic spot is famous for the “Second Spring in Jiangnan.” It hosts azalea exhibitions from March to June and plum blossom viewing during the Qingming Festival.

🔺Traditional Charm: Lao Mendong Historical District ⏱ 1-2 hours
🚶Within walking distance, this district showcases traditional Chinese wooden architecture and horsehead walls, reviving the original appearance of the southern part of the city. Don’t miss the Deyunshe Cross Talk.

🔺Shopping Fashion: Xinjiekou ⏱ 2 hours
🚇Take Metro Line 1 directly. This is Nanjing’s fashion shopping landmark, surrounded by Sun Yat-sen’s sculpture. It includes Central Mall, New Century Shopping Center, Dayang Department Store, and a bustling underground shopping area.

Day 3: Wuyi Lane – Zhan Garden – Confucius Temple – Qinhuai River

🔺Ancient Charm: Wuyi Lane ⏱ 1 hour
🚇Get off at Sanshanjie Station. This is the scene from Liu Yuxi’s poem “Wuyi Lane,” with historical traces still visible.

🔺Garden Beauty: Zhan Garden ⏱ 1 hour
🚇Get off at Sanshanjie Station or Confucius Temple Station. This is the oldest existing garden in Nanjing, known as the “First Garden in Jinling.” It includes the Southern Rockery, Northern Rockery, Suihan Pavilion, Fish Viewing Pavilion, and Yan’an Hall, all worth seeing.

🔺Cultural Shrine: Confucius Temple ⏱ 2-3 hours
🚇Walk for ten minutes from Sanshanjie Station or get off at Confucius Temple Station. This is a folk art grand garden featuring Confucius’ portrait in the Dacheng Hall, Qinhuai River snacks, and local souvenirs.

🔺Night Cruise on Qinhuai River ⏱ 2-3 hours
🚣‍♂️Board a boat at the pier opposite Confucius Temple for a 50-minute cruise. Visit the Jiangnan Examination Hall to experience the imperial examination system, and take photos of Qinhuai River from Wende Bridge, the best spot.