Here IsNanjing
Plan

Nanjing Itineraries

Ready-made trip plans designed by a local. Pick one that fits your timeline, then customize it to match your interests.

A Word of Caution

These itineraries look packed on paper, and they are. China travel is more tiring than you expect — the walking, the crowds, the language barrier, the heat. Most travelers I meet try to do too much and end up exhausted by day 3.

My advice: treat these as options, not obligations. Skip an attraction if you are tired. Spend an extra hour at a cafe. Some of my best Nanjing memories are from unplanned moments, not checklists.

Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River at night in Nanjing
2 DaysBest for: First-time visitors, weekend trips, cruise ship stopovers

Nanjing Essentials

The perfect first-timer's introduction

Hit the absolute must-sees: Purple Mountain, Confucius Temple, and the ancient City Wall. This is the itinerary I recommend to friends visiting for the first time.

1
Day 1
Ancient Nanjing
  • Morning: Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum & Sacred Way (arrive at 7:30 AM to beat crowds)
  • Lunch: Local duck restaurant near Purple Mountain
  • Afternoon: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum & Linggu Temple
  • Evening: Confucius Temple district & Qinhuai River boat ride
2
Day 2
City History
  • Morning: Nanjing City Wall (Taicheng section near Jiming Temple)
  • Lunch: Street food at Laomendong Historic District
  • Afternoon: Presidential Palace
  • Evening: Xuanwu Lake sunset walk
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Purple Mountain scenic view in Nanjing
3 DaysBest for: History buffs, cultural travelers, photographers

History & Culture Deep Dive

Add depth to your Nanjing experience

Everything in the 2-day plan plus the Massacre Memorial, Nanjing Museum, and time to actually enjoy the food scene. My personal favorite itinerary.

1
Day 1
Purple Mountain
  • Morning: Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (early start)
  • Afternoon: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum & Meiling Palace
  • Evening: Confucius Temple night market
2
Day 2
City Center
  • Morning: Presidential Palace
  • Afternoon: Nanjing Museum (allow 3+ hours)
  • Evening: 1912 District for dinner & drinks
3
Day 3
Memory & Reflection
  • Morning: Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall (2-3 hours)
  • Afternoon: Nanjing City Wall & Xuanwu Lake
  • Evening: Local food tour in Laomendong
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Tangshan hot springs near Nanjing
5 DaysBest for: Slow travelers, remote workers, couples, retirees

Nanjing & Surroundings

The full experience with day trips

See everything Nanjing has to offer plus escape the city for hot springs and nearby water towns. This is the itinerary for travelers who want to really know the region.

1
Day 1
Arrival & Central Nanjing
  • Arrive & check in
  • Afternoon: Xinjiekou (city center) orientation walk
  • Evening: Confucius Temple & Qinhuai River
2
Day 2
Purple Mountain
  • Full day at Purple Mountain: Ming Xiaoling, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Linggu Temple
  • Evening: Rest & local dinner
3
Day 3
History & Museums
  • Morning: Presidential Palace
  • Afternoon: Nanjing Museum
  • Evening: 1912 District
4
Day 4
Day Trip — Tangshan Hot Springs
  • Morning: Travel to Tangshan (1 hour by metro)
  • Day: Hot springs resort & relaxation
  • Evening: Return to Nanjing
5
Day 5
Memory & Departure
  • Morning: Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall
  • Afternoon: Last-minute shopping at Xinjiekou
  • Evening: Farewell dinner & departure
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