Nanjing China 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Historical Sites

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Fuzimiao Scenic Area. This is a large historical area with numerous attractions like the Confucius Temple, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, and the Han Yangling Museum. You can explore these places on foot or by taking a rickshaw ride.

  • Lunch: Have a traditional Chinese lunch at one of the many restaurants in Fuzimiao area. Try the famous Nanjing Salted Fish (盐魚) and Steamed Bun with Red Beans Paste (胡蓉包).

  • Afternoon: Head to Xiaoling Tomb Park where Ming Emperor Zhuphu’s tomb is located. The park also offers a beautiful view of the city.

  • Dinner: Dine at Nanjing Road Night Snack Street. You can find various street food, from grilled skewers to local snacks like Nanjing’s famous steamed bread (馒头).

  • Stay: Consider staying at the Sofitel Wanda Nanjing, located in the heart of the city. It offers luxurious rooms and a rooftop bar with great city views.

Day 2: Discover Modern Nanjing

  • Morning: Visit Nanjing Museum. It’s one of the largest comprehensive museums in China, showcasing Chinese art, archaeology, and natural history.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a lunch at Yi Fa Jie, a food street known for its variety of local and regional dishes. Try Nanjing’s famous dish - Duck in Hot Pot (炭火鸭).

  • Afternoon: Spend your afternoon at Zhongshan Mausoleum and the nearby Memorial Hall of Chiang Kai-shek. The gardens are beautiful, and you can learn about Chinese history.

  • Dinner: Have dinner at Xuanwu Lake Area. There are several restaurants offering various cuisines. Don’t miss trying local dishes like Nanjing Steamed Sticky Rice (炉饭) and pickled vegetables (酱菜).

Day 3: Relax and Shop

  • Morning: Visit Mingguang Pavilion, a beautiful park with a pond, bridges, and traditional Chinese architecture. It’s perfect for a peaceful morning walk.

  • Lunch: Have lunch at Zhong Hua Gate Food Street. You can find both traditional and modern dishes here.

  • Afternoon: Spend your afternoon shopping at Nanjing City Mall or the local markets like Qinhuai Snack Market for souvenirs and local products.

  • Dinner: Have a farewell dinner at one of the high-end restaurants in the city. For a special experience, consider dining at La Maison de la Rivière, a French restaurant with a river view.

Transportation: Nanjing has an extensive public transport network including buses, subways, and taxis. A single journey ticket for the metro is around 3 Yuan. Taxis are also affordable and easy to find. If you prefer a more leisurely mode of transport, consider renting a bike or taking a rickshaw ride.

Things to Know:

  • Nanjing’s weather can be quite humid and hot in summer, so carry an umbrella and wear light clothing.
  • Some attractions may have entry fees, so it’s good to carry small change.
  • Mandarin is the primary language spoken in Nanjing, but many people also understand some English.
  • Tipping is not customary in China, except for in high-end restaurants and hotels.