Nanjing, China-7-day-itinerary
Nanjing 7-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration
- Morning: Arrive at Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) and take a taxi or metro (Line 3) to your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the Xuanwu Lake (), a popular scenic spot with beautiful gardens, temples, and walking paths. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake and enjoy the local street food.
- Evening: Head to the famous Fuzimiao Scenic Area () for a taste of traditional Nanjing cuisine and nightlife.
Accommodation: Stay at the Hilton Nanjing Riverside Hotel or similar, located near the city center with convenient access to major attractions.
Tips:
- Learn some basic Chinese phrases, such as “hello” (nǐ hǎo), “thank you” (xiè xiè), and “excuse me” (duì bù qǐ).
- Download a VPN (Virtual Private Network) app to access popular social media platforms and Google services.
Day 2: History and Culture
- Morning: Visit the Nanjing Museum (), which features exhibits on Nanjing’s history, including the Ming dynasty and the Republic of China era.
- Afternoon: Explore the Confucius Temple (), a historic temple complex dedicated to the great philosopher Confucius.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Chinese performance, such as Peking Opera or acrobatics, at the Nanjing Grand Theater.
Food: Try some local specialties like salted duck (), Yangzhou fried rice (), and Nanjing small wontons () at restaurants like Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant or Yangzhou Fried Rice Restaurant).
Day 3: City Walls and Gates
- Morning: Visit the Nanjing City Wall (), one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China. Take a stroll along the wall and enjoy the views of the city.
- Afternoon: Explore the Zhonghua Gate (), the largest and most well-known gate of the Nanjing City Wall.
Tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the city walls and gates.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Day 4: Nature Escapes
- Morning: Take a day trip to the Laoshan National Forest Park (), a scenic area with lush forests, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
- Afternoon: Visit the Nanjing Botanical Garden (), which features various plant species and beautiful gardens.
Transportation: Take bus no. 202 or 206 from Nanjing South Railway Station to Laoshan National Forest Park.
Day 5: Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
- Morning: Visit the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the burial site of the first Ming dynasty emperor, Zhu Di.
- Afternoon: Explore the surrounding scenic area, which includes the Linggu Temple () and the Paozhuang Temple ().
Food: Try some local snacks like roasted chestnuts or sweet potatoes at street vendors near the mausoleum.
Day 6: Yangtze River
- Morning: Take a day trip to the Yangtze River (), the longest river in China and Asia. Enjoy a scenic cruise or take a stroll along the riverbank.
- Afternoon: Visit the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge (), an iconic bridge that spans the Yangtze River.
Transportation: Take bus no. 201 or 205 from Nanjing South Railway Station to the Yangtze River scenic area.
Day 7: Departure
- Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market, such as the Nanjing Fuzimiao Market or Xinjiekou Department Store.
- Afternoon: Depart from Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) or take a train to your next destination.
Tips:
- Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
- Learn some basic Chinese characters, such as those for numbers, directions, and common phrases.
Other Tips and Information
- Currency: The Chinese yuan (RMB) is the local currency. You can exchange money at banks or use ATMs to withdraw cash.
- Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but many locals in Nanjing also speak the Wu dialect. English is not widely spoken, so it’s a good idea to learn some basic Chinese phrases or download a translation app.
- Safety: Nanjing is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
- Health: Vaccinations are not typically required for travel to China, but consult your doctor or a travel clinic for advice.
I hope you enjoy your trip to Nanjing!