Nanjing, China-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Ancient History

  • Morning: Visit the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and final resting place of Emperor Zhu Di (1368-1398). Take in the stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
    • Location: Ming Xiaoling Road, Qixia District
    • Transportation: Metro Line 3 to Ming Xiaoling Station
  • Lunch: Head to Qianfeng Restaurant for traditional Nanjing cuisine. Try their famous niu ro mian (beef noodle soup).
    • Address: No. 188, Qianfeng Road, Qixia District
    • Price Range: ¥20-¥50 per person
  • Afternoon: Explore the Confucius Temple, a beautiful and historic temple complex dedicated to the great philosopher Confucius.
    • Location: 166, Confucius Temple Street, Xuanwu District
    • Transportation: Metro Line 3 to Confucius Temple Station
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Jinling Grand Hotel’s restaurant, which serves high-end Nanjing cuisine in a beautiful garden setting.
    • Address: No. 318, Mingguang Road, Xuanwu District
    • Price Range: ¥50-¥100 per person

Accommodation: Stay at the Jinling Grand Hotel, a luxurious hotel with beautiful gardens and stunning views of the city.

Things to Know:

  • Nanjing is known for its humid subtropical climate. Be prepared for hot summers and mild winters.
  • Try to learn some basic Chinese phrases, such as “nǐ hǎo” (hello) and “xiè xiè” (thank you).
  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting temples or historical sites.

Day 2: Modern Nanjing

  • Morning: Visit the Nanjing Youth Olympic Games Center, a state-of-the-art sports complex built for the 2014 Youth Olympics.
    • Location: No. 123, Huizi Road, Yuhuatai District
    • Transportation: Metro Line 3 to Huizi Station
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at Xuanwumen Street Snack Street, a bustling street food market with plenty of delicious options.
    • Address: Xuanwu Men Street, Xuanwu District
    • Price Range: ¥10-¥30 per person
  • Afternoon: Explore the Nanjing Museum, which showcases the city’s rich history and culture.
    • Location: No. 22, Mingguguo Road, Xuanwu District
    • Transportation: Metro Line 3 to Nanjing Museum Station

Day 3: Waterfront Nanjing

  • Morning: Visit the Xuanwu Lake, a beautiful lake with stunning views and plenty of walking paths.
    • Location: Xuanwu District
    • Transportation: Metro Line 3 to Xuanwu Lake Station
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Waterfront Restaurant on the lake’s shores. Try their fresh seafood dishes.
    • Address: No. 123, Huizi Road, Yuhuatai District
    • Price Range: ¥20-¥50 per person
  • Afternoon: Take a stroll along the Nanjing Waterfront, which offers beautiful views of the Yangtze River and surrounding cityscape.
    • Location: Xuanwu District

Day 4: Historic Architecture

  • Morning: Visit the Presidential Palace, a stunning palace complex that served as the imperial palace for the Republic of China.
    • Location: No. 505, Qianmen Street, Baixia District
    • Transportation: Metro Line 3 to Presidential Palace Station
  • Lunch: Head to Qianfeng Restaurant again for lunch. Try their famous niu ro mian (beef noodle soup).
    • Address: No. 188, Qianfeng Road, Qixia District
    • Price Range: ¥20-¥50 per person
  • Afternoon: Explore the Nanjing University of Technology, a beautiful campus with stunning architecture.
    • Location: No. 5, Xinmofang Street, Gulou District
    • Transportation: Metro Line 3 to Nanjing University Station

Day 5: Shopping and Relaxation

  • Morning: Visit the Gulou Market, a bustling street market with plenty of shopping and eating options.
    • Location: No. 123, Gulou Street, Gulou District
    • Transportation: Metro Line 3 to Gulou Market Station
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at Shangri-La Hotel’s restaurant, which serves high-end Chinese cuisine in a beautiful garden setting.
    • Address: No. 78, Xinmofang Street, Gulou District
    • Price Range: ¥50-¥100 per person
  • Afternoon: Relax at the Jinling Grand Hotel’s spa or take a stroll around the nearby gardens.

Tips and Other Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for crowds and lines during peak travel seasons.
  • Try to learn some basic Chinese phrases, such as “nǐ hǎo” (hello) and “xiè xiè” (thank you).
  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting temples or historical sites.
  • Don’t drink tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered water.
  • Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas.

Transportation:

  • Metro: Nanjing has a comprehensive metro system with 5 lines covering most areas of the city.
  • Bus: Buses are also available, but less frequent than metro services.
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but be prepared for traffic congestion during peak hours.
  • Bike: Renting bikes is a great way to explore the city, especially along the waterfront.

Getting Around:

  • Google Maps and WeChat are useful apps for navigating the city.
  • Ask locals or hotel staff for directions if you get lost.
  • Be mindful of pedestrian crossings and traffic rules.