Itinerary Suggestions: Nanjing

-Hour Layover Highlights

A packed schedule focusing on central attractions accessible by Metro, offering immediate cultural immersion.

Book exciting activities for your layover on GetYourGuide.

Express Nanjing

Morning/Arrival: Explore Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) and Qinhuai River area.
Afternoon: Visit Nanjing Museum for history and art.
Evening: Qinhuai River night cruise and local dinner.

Weekend & Comprehensive Exploration

Maximize your time in Nanjing with structured plans for short and longer stays.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

A balanced mix of imperial history, republican legacy, and natural beauty.

Day 1: History & Legacy

Morning: Purple Mountain Scenic Area (Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum).
Afternoon: Presidential Palace.
Evening: Xinjiekou for dinner and shopping.
Optional Day 3: Nanjing Massacre Memorial and Laomen Dong.

Group activities geographically: Purple Mountain & Presidential Palace on Day 1; City Wall, Xuanwu Lake, Fuzimiao on Day 2.

Day 2: Ancient Walls & Serenity

Explore historical defenses and tranquil urban oases.

Nanjing's Heritage

Morning: Nanjing City Wall (Zhonghua Gate section).
Afternoon: Xuanwu Lake Park (strolling, boating).
Evening: Final traditional dinner, night market.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

A relaxed pace to explore main sites, hidden gems, and cultural activities.

Extended Exploration

Integrate all Weekend Getaway sites with more time.
Add Jiming Temple, Qixia Mountain (autumn).
Allocate a full day for a trip to Suzhou or Hangzhou.
Include a cooking class or tea ceremony.

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration

A very thorough exploration of Nanjing and extended multi-day trips to surrounding regions.

Deep Dive Journey

Combine all elements of the one-week itinerary.
Add multiple day trips or an overnight to Huangshan.
Engage in specialized interests or longer cultural workshops.
Enjoy leisure time in cafes and local neighborhoods.

Long-Term Stay Recommendations

For stays longer than two weeks, consider a local living experience.

Local Immersion

Rent a serviced apartment for a local living experience.

Regional Adventures

Explore more distant regional attractions (e.g., Anhui province).

Cultural Deepening

Focus on cultural immersion through language exchange.

Planning Tip

For a weekend trip, group your activities geographically. Focus on Purple Mountain sites and the Presidential Palace on one day, and the City Wall, Xuanwu Lake, and Fuzimiao on another.

Interest-Based Itineraries

Tailor your Nanjing itinerary to your specific passions.

Historical & Heritage Focus

Explore Nanjing's rich past from imperial to republican eras.

History Buff's Path

Core Sites: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, City Wall, Presidential Palace.
Dive: Nanjing Massacre Memorial, Jiming Temple, Laomen Dong.
Excursions: Day trip to Zhenjiang or Yangzhou.
Nanjing Museum is a must-visit.

Nanjing offers profound insights into China's historical narrative and pivotal moments.

Food & Culinary Experiences

Savor the flavors of Huaiyang cuisine and local delicacies.

Foodie's Feast

Market & Street Food: Fuzimiao, Laomen Dong for snacks.
Signature Dishes: Nanjing Salted Duck, Pressed Duck.
Activities: Guided food tour, explore wet markets.
Beverages: Traditional Chinese tea ceremony.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Embrace Nanjing's natural beauty and active pursuits.

Outdoor Explorer

Hiking: Purple Mountain for scenic trails.
Cycling: Xuanwu Lake Park, accessible City Wall sections.
Water Activities: Paddle boating on Xuanwu Lake, Qinhuai River cruise.
Excursion: Yixing Bamboo Forest or Mount Huangshan (overnight).

Family-Friendly Itinerary

Engaging activities and spacious areas for travelers with children.

Family Fun

Animals & Nature: Nanjing Red Mountain Forest Zoo.
Xuanwu Lake Park: Open spaces, boat rentals.
History Fun: Accessible City Wall, Presidential Palace grounds.
Interactive Fun: KTV session, family-friendly dining.

Art & Architecture Emphasis

Appreciate Nanjing's diverse architectural styles and artistic heritage.

Artistic Journey

Historical Architecture: Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Nanjing City Wall.
Museums: Nanjing Museum, Jiangsu Provincial Art Museum.
Traditional Blocks: Laomen Dong for preserved architecture.
Explore contemporary art galleries.

Spiritual & Wellness Journey

Seek tranquility and historical spiritual sites.

Inner Peace Path

Temples: Jiming Temple, Linggu Temple.
Nature: Tranquil Xuanwu Lake Park, quieter Purple Mountain areas.
Wellness: Traditional Chinese massage, yoga studios.
Mindful walks in serene gardens.

Family Focus

For families, the Nanjing Red Mountain Forest Zoo and Xuanwu Lake Park offer engaging and open spaces for kids.

Budget-Based & Seasonal Plans

Nanjing offers experiences for every budget, with unique highlights each season.

Backpacker's Guide Low Budget

Experience Nanjing without breaking the bank.

Economical Travel

Accommodation: Hostels or budget guesthouses (CNY 80-200/night).
Food: Street food, local noodle/dumpling shops (CNY 50-100/day).
Transportation: Nanjing Metro, public buses, bike-sharing.
Activities: Free attractions (Xuanwu Lake, Fuzimiao, Nanjing Museum).

For budget travel, prioritize street food and public transportation. Nanjing's Metro is efficient and very affordable.

Mid-Range Traveler's Itinerary

Comfortable travel with a mix of local experiences and convenient services.

Balanced Journey

Accommodation: Comfortable 3-4 star hotels (CNY 300-600/night).
Food: Mix of local eateries, mid-range restaurants.
Transportation: Metro, buses, occasional Didi Chuxing.
Activities: Major attractions, Qinhuai River night cruise, half-day tours.

Luxury Experience Plan

Indulge in premium accommodations, fine dining, and personalized services.

High-End Stay

Luxury accommodation (CNY 800-2000+/night).
Fine dining at upscale establishments.
Private car services for transport.

Exclusive Activities

Spa treatments and wellness.
High-end shopping at Deji Plaza.
Private Qinhuai River boat tour.

Seasonal Highlights - Spring & Summer

Experience Nanjing during its most and warmest months.

Spring March-May

Cherry blossoms at Jiming Temple and Xuanwu Lake (late March-early April).
Comfortable weather for outdoor sightseeing, hiking.
Ideal for Purple Mountain and historical sites.
Summer (June-August) offers warm evenings for river cruises.

Seasonal Highlights - Autumn & Winter

Enjoy Nanjing's picturesque foliage and cozy winter charm.

Autumn September-November

Stunning fall foliage, notably Qixia Mountain and Purple Mountain.
Pleasant, dry, and mild weather for all outdoor activities.
Harvest flavors and seasonal produce.
Winter (December-February) offers fewer crowds.

Important Festival Considerations

Peak Travel Periods

National Day Golden Week (early Oct) brings extreme crowds and higher prices.

Avoid if Possible

Plan travel outside these periods if avoiding congestion and elevated costs is a priority.

Autumn Foliage

For stunning fall foliage, visit Nanjing in late autumn (late October to November), notably Qixia Mountain and Purple Mountain.

Itinerary Suggestions