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Home / Nanjing / Travel itinerary

Nanjing Unlocked: The Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary for History Buffs & Food Lovers (2025 Update)

3-Day Cultural Immersion: Nanjing Highlights Tour With Presidential Palace Of Nanjing & Nanjing University (Gulou Campus) & Jiming Temple

Best season: March to May, September to November
Overview Of Itinerary
Time Highlights(Playtime)
Day 1 Presidential Palace Of Nanjing (2 h) Nanjing University (Gulou Campus) (2 h) Jiming Temple (1 h) Xuanwu Lake Park (2 h)
Day 2 The Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum (3 h) Ming Tomb (3 h) Fuzimiao (Confucius Temple) Qinhuai Scenic Area (2-3 h)
Day 3 The Memorial Hall Of The Victims In Nanjing Massacre By Japanese Invaders (1-2 h) Yuhuatai Scenic Area (3 h)
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Detailed Travel Itinerary
D1

Game Strategy

All Day

In the morning, we will first visit the Presidential Palace, which has a history of over 600 years. Then visit Nanjing University, which has become popular due to the success of 'To Youth', and experience the wonderful college time again. After lunch, choose Jiming Temple, which has a very photogenic appearance. The cherry blossom avenue here is also a great place to enjoy cherry blossoms in spring. Finally, visit Xuanwu Lake Park, which is composed of five continents, each with its own unique characteristics and beautiful scenery. Go to Lion Bridge Pedestrian Street in the evening to enjoy the scenery and taste delicious food.

Presidential Palace Of Nanjing (2 hours)
Bus ride for 30 minutes
Nanjing University (Gulou Campus) (2 hours)
Bus in 20 minutes
Jiming Temple (1 hour)
Walk for 6 minutes
Xuanwu Lake Park (2 hours)
Presidential Palace Of Nanjing
A 600-year blend of serene gardens, ancient pavilions & revolutionary history spanning Ming to Republic eras. Koi ponds, maple forests, and echoes of emperors-turned-rebels.
Nanjing University (Gulou Campus)
Jiming Temple
Located in Nanjing’s lively district, this serene temple boasts a cherry blossom-lined path and ancient Buddhist halls. Explore its legendary Rouge Well and local offering traditions. Best visited early for blooms and calm.
Xuanwu Lake Park
Discover Nanjing’s crown jewel: a sprawling royal lakeside garden with five scenic islands, ancient walls, and year-round blossoms. Perfect for boat rides, flower feasts, and peaceful strolls—all just a metro ride from downtown!

Traffic Guide

Nanjing city is not very large, and public transportation is very convenient, with both subways and buses able to quickly reach the destination.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 for more than 3 kilometers. Take Bus 65 from the Presidential Palace Station to Nanjing University, get off at Shanghai Road · Beijing West Road Station, and walk 310 meters to reach the destination. Nanjing University to Guming Bell Temple requires taking Bus No. 15 from Gulou Park Station, then getting off at Beijigao Station, and walking 300 meters to reach there. Xuanwu Lake Park to the Lion Temple Food Street, take Subway Line 1 from Nanjing Station to Xuanwu Gate Station (Exit 4) and walk 750 meters to reach.

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. Lunch options include dining at restaurants near Southeast University, where you can try some of Nanjing's local snacks.Choose dinner at the Lion Bridge Food Street, which is one of the most bustling areas in Nanjing. It not only has a unique style but also boasts numerous food shops.

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.

D2

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 sightseeing sequence 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 take a boat ride 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

Zhongshan Mausoleum can be reached by taking the Guangguan Bus 3/5 (10 yuan per person). Arrive at Ming Xiaoling and visit the Confucius Temple. Take Line 2 to Daxinggong Station from Chuyuan Station, transfer to Line 3 at Confucius Temple Station, get off at the station, and walk 1.1 kilometers to arrive.

Catering Guide

D3

Game Strategy

All Day

The Memorial Hall Of The Victims In Nanjing Massacre By Japanese Invaders (1-2 hours)
Subway in 40 minutes
Yuhuatai Scenic Area (3 hours)
The Memorial Hall Of The Victims In Nanjing Massacre By Japanese Invaders
A somber memorial in Nanjing preserving mass grave sites, survivor testimonies, and war artifacts to confront the truth of WWII atrocities. Essential historical reflection.
Yuhuatai Scenic Area
A serene Nanjing escape blending lush hills, revolutionary history, and local culture. Explore azaleas, martyrs' memorabilia, stone art, and tea gardens in this green haven.

Traffic Guide

Nanjing city is not very large, and public transportation is very convenient, with both subways and buses able to quickly reach the destination.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 for more than 3 kilometers. From Confucius Temple-Qinhuai River to the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, you need to take subway Line 3 at Confucius Temple Station, then transfer to subway Line 2 at Daxinggong Station. Get off at Yujin Road Station (Exit 2) and walk 300 meters to reach the destination. From the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall to the Yuhuatai Scenic Area, take Metro Line 2 to Xianjiekou Station and transfer to Metro Line 1. Get off at the Zhonghua Gate Station (Exit 3), and walk for 700 meters to reach the destination.

Catering Guide

Lunch options are around the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, where there are many snacks and Jiangsu-Zhejiang cuisine restaurants, delicious and not expensive.

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.

Nanjing Trip FAQ: What You Need to Know

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