Nanjing

Nanjing has pleasant autumn weather, though temperatures vary considerably between morning and evening, so bring a light jacket. Nanjing combines a rich historical heritage with lively local street life. Its plane trees gradually turn yellow in autumn, making this an especially good time to visit. The itinerary below covers major attractions, dining districts, and practical travel information.

Classic Three-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: History, Culture, and the Qinhuai Riverside: Visit the Presidential Palace in the morning to learn about Nanjing's modern history. In the afternoon, explore Nanjing Museum for an overview of the city's cultural heritage spanning thousands of years. Head to Laomendong in the evening for local snacks, then visit the Confucius Temple at night and take a traditional painted boat cruise along the Qinhuai River to admire the illuminated waterfront.

• Day 2: In-Depth Tour of the Purple Mountain Scenic Area: Head to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum early in the morning and climb up for views over Nanjing. Then feed the white pigeons at the Music Stage before visiting Meiling Palace to appreciate its Republican-era architecture. In the afternoon, walk along the Sacred Way at the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and the plane-tree avenue in its autumn colors, then return to the city center to rest in the evening.

• Day 3: Lakes, Hills, and Historic Streets: Visit Jiming Temple early in the morning to pray for blessings, then climb the Ming City Wall for views over Xuanwu Lake. In the afternoon, stroll around Xuanwu Lake or visit the Republican-era mansions on Yihe Road, taking photos among the historic buildings and plane-tree-lined avenues before concluding your trip.

Must-Try Nanjing Food and Dining Streets

Nanjing cuisine is known for its sweet and savory flavors, and the city also offers a wide variety of snacks. For better value, look for restaurants and food stalls in neighborhoods popular with local residents rather than eating inside major tourist attractions.

Look for food around Kexiang, Sanqiba Lane, Chanan Street, and Laomendong. A few dozen yuan per person is usually enough for a filling meal.

Accommodation and Transportation Tips

• Where to Stay: Consider staying near Daxinggong, an interchange for Metro Lines 2 and 3. The Presidential Palace and Six Dynasties Museum are within walking distance, while Purple Mountain and the Confucius Temple are also easy to reach. Accommodation here generally offers better value than in Xinjiekou. Those who prefer a busy commercial district and convenient shopping can stay in Xinjiekou, but the station has many exits, and some routes involve longer walks.
• Getting Around: Nanjing's main attractions are relatively close together, and the metro is the most convenient way to travel. You can obtain a “Nanjing Metro Electronic Card” through Alipay and scan it at the gates. Shared bicycles are useful for short trips, but parking them is prohibited in the central areas of the Confucius Temple and Laomendong.

Important Information and Practical Tips

• Book in Advance: Nanjing Museum, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders all require advance reservations through their official WeChat accounts. Tickets for Nanjing Museum are especially difficult to obtain, so book seven days ahead as soon as reservations open.
• Closing Days: Most attractions and museums, including Nanjing Museum, the Presidential Palace, and Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, are closed on Mondays except on public holidays. Avoid scheduling these visits on a Monday.
• Choose an Official Cruise: When visiting the Qinhuai River, take an official sightseeing boat. Avoid the unofficial 10-yuan “Qinhuai boat rides” offered by touts along the roadside, and be wary of other unusually cheap offers.
• Footwear: A Nanjing itinerary usually involves long periods of walking, and the Purple Mountain Scenic Area has especially many steps. Wear comfortable flat shoes.
• Autumn Visits: From mid-to-late October through mid-to-late November, the plane-tree avenues gradually turn golden, and the Sacred Way at the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum also enters its best period for autumn scenery. This is peak season, so start early and avoid the busiest times.