Nanjing, China 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Itinerary for Exploring Nanjing, China

Day 1: Arrival and Ancient City

Places to Go:

  1. Nanjing City Wall: A must-visit for any first-time traveler, this ancient wall offers a glimpse into the rich history of Nanjing. You can walk along its top, enjoying panoramic views of the city.

  2. Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum: Burial place of the Hongwu Emperor and his empress, this mausoleum is a significant cultural relic and architectural wonder.

  3. Preserved City Wall (Fuzimotou): Experience life in the Ming Dynasty at this preserved watchtower on the city wall.

Activities:

  1. Take a rickshaw ride around the city, especially around Fuzimotou and Xuanwu Lake.

  2. Visit the Memorial Hall of the Nanjing Massacre for a solemn and moving experience.

Where to Eat:

  1. Nanjing Impressions: Try local delicacies like Salted Duck, Duck in Orange Sauce, and Stewed Pork Belly.

  2. Confucius Temple Snack Street: A lively street packed with food stalls offering a variety of local snacks.

Where to Stay:

Recommended hotels include the Sofitel Legend Pecking, Nanjing, The Ritz-Carlton, Nanjing, and the Crowne Plaza Nanjing City Centre.

Things to Know:

  1. Mandarin is the primary language spoken in Nanjing, but many people also understand some English.
  2. The city can be quite hot and humid during summer, so pack accordingly.

Day 2: Museums and Lakeside Walk

Places to Go:

  1. Nanjing Museum: One of the largest museums in China, it houses a vast collection of Chinese art and historical artifacts.

  2. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum: The final resting place of Sun Yat-sen, the founder of modern China.

  3. Xuanwu Lake: Enjoy a leisurely walk around this beautiful lake, visit the Temple of Chen Huang and enjoy the views from Dragon Boat Tower.

Activities:

  1. Take a boat ride on Xuanwu Lake.
  2. Visit the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall Museum.

Where to Eat:

  1. Nan Xuan Restaurant: Known for its traditional Chinese dishes and beautiful lake views.
  2. Qinhuai Lu Snack Street: Another bustling street filled with food stalls, perfect for a casual dinner.

Day 3: Ming Dynasty Tombs and Modern Architecture

Places to Go:

  1. Purple Mountain (Zijin Shan): Visit the tombs of the Ming and Qing dynasties, including the tomb of the founder of the Ming dynasty, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang.

  2. Nanjing University: One of China’s most prestigious universities, known for its beautiful architecture.

  3. Nanjing International Youth Olympic Park: An impressive architectural complex that hosts various events and exhibitions.

Activities:

  1. Take a cable car to the top of Purple Mountain for stunning views.
  2. Visit the Nanjing University Museum to learn about China’s history and culture.

Where to Eat:

  1. Nanjing Road: A popular food street with a variety of dishes, including local specialties and international cuisine.
  2. Liuyuan Dongpo: A restaurant chain famous for its Sichuan cuisine.

Day 4: Departure and Last Minutes

Places to Go:

  1. Confucius Temple: A must-visit cultural site, also home to the Nanjing Library and the Nanjing Museum of Art.

  2. Dragon’s Well (Longjiao Temple): A famous Buddhist temple known for its clear spring water.

Activities:

  1. Relax at Xuanwu Lake one last time, or visit the nearby Minggugong Park.
  2. Shop for souvenirs at the Confucian Temple Market.

Where to Eat and Stay:

End your trip with a memorable meal at one of Nanjing’s top restaurants, such as Liuhe Jie Snack Street or Lao Jia Ji Xiao Cong Rou Si. If you have an extra night, consider staying at the luxurious Nanjing Wanda Reign Hotel for a fitting end to your trip.

Transportation:

  1. Bus: Nanjing’s public bus system is extensive and relatively affordable.
  2. Metro: The metro is a convenient way to get around the city, with multiple lines connecting key attractions.
  3. Taxis: Taxis are widely available and reasonably priced compared to other major cities in China.
  4. Rickshaws: Rickshaws offer a unique way to explore the city, especially around Fuzimotou and Xuanwu Lake.