Nanjing, China-5-day-itinerary

Nanjing 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: History and Culture

  • Morning: Visit the Nanjing Museum (南京博物馆) to learn about the city’s rich history and culture.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Confucius Temple (文庐), a famous temple dedicated to the great philosopher Confucius.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Chinese dinner at Xin Bai Lu Restaurant (新百路餐厅), known for its delicious Jiangsu cuisine.

Accommodation: Stay at Jiangsu Hotel (江苏酒店), a comfortable hotel located in the heart of Nanjing.

Transportation: Take metro line 2 to Xin Bai Lu Station, then walk to the museum and temple.

Tips: Try to avoid visiting during peak hours or weekends when the museums and temples are crowded.

Day 2: Imperial History

  • Morning: Visit the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (明孝陵), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the tomb of the first Ming dynasty emperor.
  • Afternoon: Explore the City Wall of Nanjing (南京城墙), one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China.
  • Evening: Enjoy a stroll along the Xuanwu Lake (宣武湖) and take in the beautiful scenery.

Accommodation: Stay at Jiangsu Hotel (江苏酒店).

Transportation: Take metro line 2 to Ming Xiaoling Station, then walk to the mausoleum. For the city wall, take bus no. 302 from the mausoleum.

Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the city wall.

Day 3: Modern Nanjing

  • Morning: Visit the Nanjing Olympic Sports Center Stadium (南京奥林匹克体育中心), a modern sports complex that hosted the 2008 Olympics.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Xinjiekou (新街口) shopping district, one of the busiest commercial areas in Nanjing.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant (全聚德烤鸭店), a famous restaurant serving delicious Peking roast duck.

Accommodation: Stay at Jiangsu Hotel (江苏酒店).

Transportation: Take metro line 2 to Olympic Sports Center Station, then walk to the stadium. For Xinjiekou, take bus no. 10 from the stadium.

Tips: Be prepared for crowds and long lines at Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant.

Day 4: Scenic Nanjing

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Purple Mountain (紫山), a popular scenic area with stunning views of Nanjing.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum (孙中山墓), a historic site dedicated to the founder of modern China.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Yangzhou Restaurant (扬州菜馆), serving traditional Yangzhou cuisine.

Accommodation: Stay at Jiangsu Hotel (江苏酒店).

Transportation: Take bus no. 203 from Nanjing South Railway Station to Purple Mountain, then take a taxi to Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum.

Tips: Bring sunscreen and comfortable shoes for hiking on Purple Mountain.

Day 5: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring the local markets.
  • Afternoon: Depart from Nanjing Lukou International Airport (南京禄口国际机场) or Nanjing South Railway Station (南京南站).

Things to Know

  • Nanjing is a city with a rich history, so be prepared to learn about its imperial past and cultural heritage.
  • The city has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Pack accordingly.
  • Mandarin Chinese is the predominant language spoken in Nanjing, but many locals also speak the Jianghuai dialect.
  • Tipping is not expected in China, but it’s becoming more common in tourist areas.

Transportation

  • Metro: Nanjing has a comprehensive metro system with 9 lines. A single ride costs ¥2-5 (approximately $0.30-$0.80 USD).
  • Bus: An extensive network of buses covers the city, with fares starting from ¥1 (approximately $0.15 USD).
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but be prepared to negotiate prices or use a taxi app.

Tips

  • Learn some basic Chinese phrases, such as “hello” (nǐ hǎo), “thank you” (xiè xiè), and “excuse me” (duì bù qǐ).
  • Download a VPN to access social media and other blocked websites in China.
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist attractions.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Nanjing, China!