Nanjing, China-4-day-itinerary

Nanjing 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: History and Culture

  • Morning: Start at the Nanjing City Wall (), a well-preserved ancient city wall with a history of over 600 years. Take a leisurely walk along the wall and enjoy the scenic views.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Nanjing Museum () to learn about the city’s rich history and culture. The museum features a collection of artifacts, paintings, and calligraphy.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Chinese dinner at Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant (), a popular spot for Peking roast duck.
  • Accommodation: Stay at the Nanjing Central Hotel () or similar, located in the heart of the city.

Day 2: Scenic Views and Gardens

  • Morning: Take a stroll in Xuanwu Lake Park (), a beautiful lake surrounded by scenic walking paths and gardens. Rent a boat and enjoy the views from the water.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (), the tomb of Zhu Di, the first Ming dynasty emperor. The mausoleum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features stunning architecture and gardens.
  • Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at Xinjiang Fengwei Restaurant (), serving traditional Nanjing cuisine.
  • Accommodation: Stay at the same hotel as Day 1.

Day 3: Modern Nanjing

  • Morning: Visit the Nanjing Olympic Sports Center Stadium (), a state-of-the-art stadium that hosted the 2005 National Games of China. Take a guided tour to learn about its architecture and history.
  • Afternoon: Explore the trendy Xinjiekou district (), known for its shopping malls, restaurants, and bars. Try some street food or visit the Nanjing 1912 Block () for a taste of modern Nanjing.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at the popular restaurant chain, Din Tai Fung (), serving Taiwanese cuisine.
  • Accommodation: Stay at the same hotel as Day 1.

Day 4: Imperial History

  • Morning: Visit the Presidential Palace (), a historic site that served as the presidential palace of the Republic of China. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and significance.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Confucius Temple (), a beautiful temple dedicated to the great philosopher Confucius. Learn about Confucianism and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Jiangnan Restaurant (), serving traditional Nanjing cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.

Transportation:

  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport () is connected to the city center by taxi, bus, or subway (Line 3).
  • The city has an efficient metro system with English signs and announcements.
  • Taxis are widely available, but not all drivers speak English. Consider using a translation app or carrying a map with Chinese characters.

Tips:

  • Learn some basic Chinese phrases to help you navigate the city.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak holiday seasons (e.g., National Day, Spring Festival).
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular tourist attractions.
  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting temples or historical sites.

Things to Know:

  • Nanjing is a city with a rich history, so be prepared to learn about its complex past.
  • The city has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and chilly winters. Pack accordingly.
  • Chinese yuan (RMB) is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand.

Other Things of Interest:

  • Take a day trip to the nearby Yangtze River () or Zhenjiang City (), known for its vinegar production.
  • Visit the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge (), an iconic landmark with great views of the river.
  • Explore the city’s many parks and gardens, such as the Nanjing Botanical Garden ().