Nanjing Time Travel: Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum to Qinhuai Nightlights in 1 Day

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Overview Of Itinerary

Time		Highlights(Playtime)
Day 1		The Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum (3 h) Ming Tomb (3 h) Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple) Qinhuai Scenic Area (2-3 h)

day 1

Discover Nanjing’s rich history and culture on this classic 1-day tour. Begin at the majestic Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum, paying homage to China’s revolutionary father amidst serene forests and grand architecture. Next, explore the ancient imperial grandeur of the Ming Tomb (Xiaoling), the burial site of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, founder of the Ming Dynasty, located on the Purple Mountain slopes. Conclude your day at the vibrant Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple) Qinhuai Scenic Area. Wander through charming traditional streets, admire the historic temple complex, experience the lively atmosphere along the Qinhuai River, and perhaps enjoy a boat ride. This tour perfectly blends reverence, history, and cultural immersion.

Detailed Travel Itinerary

Game Strategy

All Day

In the morning, first visit the place where Dr. Sun Yat sen was buried - Zhongshan Mausoleum. Please note that photography is not allowed inside. In the afternoon, visit the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. The best order to visit here is Sifang City - Shengong Shengde Stele - Shendao - City Wall - Imperial Bridge, among which Shendao is the most unmissable! In the evening, you can go to the busiest Confucius Temple in Nanjing to stroll through the night market or enjoy the night view by boating on the Qinhuai River.

The Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum (3 hours)

^{Take the light viewing car for 20 minutes}

Ming Tomb (3 hours)

^{Subway 50 minutes}

Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple) Qinhuai Scenic Area (2-3 hours)

The Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum

Located in Nanjing’s forested hills, this serene spot blends natural beauty with symbolic architecture. Climb 300+ "wake-up bell" stairs, cleverly designed to trick the eye, reaching a historic tribute with panoramic forest views. A peaceful escape mixing nature, culture, and striking design.

Ming Tomb

Discover Nanjing’s ancient stone-lined path, winding through forested hills with towering statues of elephants and officials. Spring’s white blossoms and autumn’s red maples frame this historic Ming Dynasty mausoleum, blending nature’s beauty with 600-year-old imperial grandeur. Explore early for golden light and quiet wonder.

Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple) Qinhuai Scenic Area

Nanjing's historic riverside charmed by lantern-lit canal cruises, ancient temples, and bustling night markets. Daytime calm gives way to glowing boats, silk stalls, and Ming-Qing era exam halls. Perfect for culture, food, and river magic!

Traffic Guide

Nanjing is not very big, and you can reach your destination by subway and bus.In addition, the starting fare for taxis is 9 yuan for the first 3 kilometers, with an additional fuel surcharge of 2 yuan, and 2.4 yuan per kilometer beyond 3 kilometers. The Presidential Palace to Zhongshan Mausoleum, take subway Line 2 at Daxinggong Station, exit at Muxuyuan Station (Exit 1), then take sightseeing bus Line 1, get off at Zhongshan Mausoleum Station. Zhongshan Mausoleum can be reached by taking the Guangguan Bus 3/5 (10 yuan per person). Arrive at Ming Xiaoling, take Line 2 at Shuyuan Station to get off at Daxinggong Station, transfer to Line 3 of the subway, get off at Confucius Temple Station, walk 1.1 kilometers to arrive.

Catering Guide

Nanjing people have a fondness for ducks and geese, hence the long-standing reputation of duck-making techniques. Famous local snacks include Weihui duck blood rice noodles, Shifu Wang's lion's head, Yin's chicken essence soup dumplings, Lianhu sweet rice balls shop, and the "Can't Forget" pickled fish in vinegar. Choose to dine near Zhongshan陵 in the afternoon, where you can find Nanjing's characteristic snacks, tea restaurants, and vegetarian noodles. In the evening, I recommend dining near Confucius Temple, where there are various snacks on both sides of the street for you to choose from.

Accommodation Guide

• Fuzi Temple at the center, the Qinhuai River as the link, the most bustling area of Nanjing, and also the concentration of Nanjing folk culture. • A variety of special snacks and handcrafts, where you can taste authentic local cuisine and find little treasures while strolling through the Confucius Temple. Surrounding areas include cultural and tourist attractions such as the Chinese Gate Castle and the former residence of Gan Xi.

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