If you are fond of Chinese history, ancient architecture, and the city’s culture, it’s worth traveling to Nanjing. You can also extend your Shanghai tour to Nanjing, with a 2-to-3-day itinerary.
Nanjing is famous for key historical sites from the Ming dynasty, the late Qing dynasty, the Republic of China, and modern China. For those travelling to Nanjing for the first time, a 2-day itinerary would cover the highlights, while 3 days is ideal for an immersive experience.
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- Is Nanjing Worth Visiting?
- Places to Visit during the First Trip in Nanjing
- How Many Days in Nanjing & Recommended Itineraries
- Best Time to Visit Nanjing
- How to Get to Nanjing?
- Best Area to Stay in Nanjing for First-Timers
- Nanjing Street Food, Nightlife & Shopping Guide
- Nanjing Travel Tips
- Plan Your Nanjing Tour with China Xian Tour
Is Nanjing Worth Visiting?
If you fall into one of these three categories, a Nanjing trip is definitely worth it:
- History & culture lovers;
- Museum lovers;
- Travelers who plan to travel to Shanghai, but want to spend an additional 2 to 3 days for an East China tour.
You might also wonder how to choose between Nanjing and the other two popular travel destinations near Shanghai: Suzhou and Hangzhou.
- Nanjing vs Suzhou:
If you are interested in Chinese history, travelling in Nanjing would immerse you in rich history and ancient Chinese culture; if the Chinese garden culture of the Southern Yangtze River intrigues you more, then Suzhou is a better choice.
- Nanjing vs Hangzhou:
Nanjing attractions feature historical buildings and museums, while traveling in Hangzhou is more about the lake scenery, tea gardens, and hiking.
If your interest in Chinese history is kindled by tours in ancient capital cities in China like Beijing, Xi’an, and Luoyang, travelling to Nanjing is still worth considering for your itinerary.
However, if you prefer natural landscapes, shopping, and theme parks, Nanjing attractions may not cater to your needs.
Discover Shanghai's dynamic Bund skyline, Suzhou's elegant classical gardens, Nanjing's imperial mausoleums, and Hangzhou's poetic West Lake on an eight-day eastern China journey.
Places to Visit during the First Trip in Nanjing
Nanjing has plenty of tourist attractions, but it’s not recommended to cover them all if it’s your first time travelling in Nanjing.
It would be a good idea to compare their historical value, geographical locations, and travel experience.
Attractions |
Why It’s Worth Visiting |
Recommended Time Spent |
Recommendation Rating |
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum |
Nanjing’s iconic early modern historical landmark |
1-1.5 hours |
★★★★★ |
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum |
The mausoleum of Zhu Yuanzhang, Taizu Emperor of the Ming dynasty; A core historical attraction about the Ming dynasty |
2 hours |
★★★★★ |
Nanjing Museum |
A site with a rich collection for systematic learning of the history of Jiangsu and China |
2-3 hours |
★★★★★ |
Presidential Palace |
A key place that witnesses the history of the late Qing dynasty and the Republic of China |
1.5-2 hours |
★★★★★ |
Confucius Temple |
A traditional business and cultural zone in Nanjing |
1-1.5 hours |
★★★★ |
Qinhuai River |
The most impressive night cruise experience in Nanjing |
1-2 hours |
★★★★★ |
Nanjing City Wall |
Well-preserved city layout of the Ming dynasty and the old city landscape in Nanjing |
1-1.5 hours |
★★★★ |
Xuanwu Lake |
Suitable for taking a leisurely walk and watching the Nanjing City Wall and the city scenery |
1.5 hours |
★★★★ |
Jiming Temple |
A smooth route connecting the Jiming Temple, Nanjing City Wall, and the Xuanwu Lake |
1 hour |
★★★★ |
Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall |
The most historically significant memorial hall for learning the history of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression |
1.5-2 hours |
★★★★ |
If you still have time available, you can add Purple Mountain, Linggu Temple, Meiling Palace, Music Stage, Niushou Mountain, and Yuejiang Tower to your itinerary.
The most important travel planning strategy is “based on proximity”, for example, planning the visit to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum on the same day, and Jiming Temple, Nanjing City Wall, and Xuanwu Lake on another day. Or, you may spend the entire afternoon and evening on the route of Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum + Confucius Temple + Qinhuai River.
Explore Shanghai's futuristic skyline from Shanghai Tower and historic Bund, then ride a high-speed train to Nanjing's royal mausoleums and ancient city walls.
How Many Days in Nanjing & Recommended Itineraries
As mentioned above, a 2-day itinerary can cover the highlights of Nanjing attractions, while a 3-day itinerary grants you the most comfortable experience.
If you only plan to travel in Nanjing for a single day, then it’s better to stick to one area like Purple Mountain or Nanjing’s old city district.
Nanjing 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1：Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum → Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum → Confucius Temple → Qinhuai River
Morning at Zhongshan Scenic Area:
- Take a tour around Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
- The recommended time spent is 4 hours
- You can save time by taking the shuttle bus at the attraction
Afternoon at the CBD:
- Try authentic Nanjing snacks
- Take a tour around Confucius Temple
Evening at Qinhuai River:
- Take a boat ride or take a walk along the Qinhuai River after dark
Day 2：Nanjing Museum → Presidential Palace → Jiming Temple/ Nanjing City Wall → Xuanwu Lake
The focus of Day 2 is Nanjing city’s history. You can spend the morning at the Nanjing Museum and then set off to the Presidential Palace around noon or in the afternoon. If you have enough time and energy in the afternoon, you can also head to Jiming Temple and the Nanjing City Wall nearby. And you can wrap up the day with the sunset view and a relaxed walk along Xuanwu Lake.
If you prefer a slower pace, you can choose between Jiming Temple + Nanjing City Wall and Xuanwu Lake.
Explore Nanjing's 3000-year legacy at Zhongshan Ling, the Ming-era Xiaoling mausoleum, and the lantern-lit Qinhuai River in China's ancient southern capital.
Nanjing 3-Day Itinerary
For a 3-day itinerary in Nanjing, you can just add a few more attractions on the basis of the 2-day itinerary above. For history lovers, Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall + Laomengdong + Zhonghua Gate is a perfect combination. If you are a big fan of architecture and photography, pick Niushou Mountain + Laomengdong.
Best Time to Visit Nanjing
Generally, the best time to visit Nanjing is October to November. It’s the time when Nanjing weather turns the most satisfactory, and the sycamore and ginkgo around Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum take on autumn colours— the best time for walking and photography.
March to May is also a comfortable travel season in Nanjing:
- Late February to early March: plum blossom
- Late March: sakura along Jiming Temple and Xuanwu Lake
- April to May: city walk & late spring blossom scenery
Nanjing weather shows clear divisions between the four seasons. July to August (summer) is usually humid and hot. The weather conditions would significantly affect your outdoor travel experience in Nanjing.
If you can only make it to your Nanjing trip during the summer vacation, it’s recommended to finish tours at outdoor sites like Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Nanjing City Wall in the morning and leave Nanjing Museum and Presidential Palace in the afternoon. Please also be aware of the Meiyu period (wet season) from late June to early July.
Nanjing weather turns really wet and cold from December to the following February, so fewer tourists are expected.
Discover the essence of Jiangsu province through Suzhou's classical gardens, Wuxi's lakeside scenery, and Nanjing's imperial heritage in five days.
How to Get to Nanjing?
For most foreign tourists, the high-speed train is the most convenient way to travel to Nanjing. Nanjing is situated in the core of the Yangtze River Delta high-speed train network. The convenient location makes the city can be easily included in a travel route with Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou.
The high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao Station to Nanjing South Railway Station takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours; Suzhou to Nanjing takes around 1-1.5 hours; Hangzhou East/West to Nanjing South Railway Station takes as little as 70 minutes. There are also direct trains that take around 1.2-1.5 hours.
When booking train tickets, please note that some detours may take 2-3 hours. You should pay attention to the “running time” rather than the departure time only.
Another thing you need to be aware of is that Nanjing has two major railway stations: while most high-speed trains operate at Nanjing South Railway Station, Nanjing Railway Station, which is close to Xuanwu Lake, has both high-speed trains and slow trains.
The most efficient way to travel within Nanjing city is subway + Didi/taxi. Foreign tourists can connect their international bank cards to their Alipay or WeChat Pay. Short-term travelers can also purchase single-trip tickets directly at the subway station.
Nanjing has also introduced the “Happy Tour (Le You) Card” targeting foreign tourists in 2026. The card is an all-in-one for public transport in Nanjing, which can be used for subway, bus, and ferry. Foreign tourists can apply for the card with passports.
Best Area to Stay in Nanjing for First-Timers
For those traveling to Nanjing for the first time, Xinjiekou is the most recommended accommodation area. It’s located in Nanjing’s core district, with dense subway lines, which makes your trip to the Presidential Palace, Confucius Temple, Xuanwu Lake, and Zhongshan Scenic Area more hassle-free.
Area |
Most suitable for |
Strengths |
Notice |
Xinjiekou |
Travelling to Nanjing for the first time |
Convenient transport and dining |
Crowded business zones |
Confucius Temple/Qinhuai River |
Appreciating night views and photographing |
Best atmosphere for night views |
High tourist volume during holidays |
Xuanwu Lake |
Enjoying quiet solitude and walking |
Nice lake views; close to Nanjing Railway Station |
Limited night life options |
Nanjing South Railway Station |
Taking early departure trains or transferring |
Convenient transfer |
Not recommended for a long-term stay |
Hotels that are located within 500 meters of the subway stations are preferred. A 300-500-meter distance would make it more convenient when you carry bulky luggage.
Nanjing Street Food, Nightlife & Shopping Guide
Street Food in Nanjing
“Duck” is the most outstanding symbol of Nanjing food. If you have trouble deciding what to eat in Nanjing for your first trip, start with Nanjing salted duck, then try duck blood vermicelli soup, Nanjing soup buns, pan-fried beef dumplings, plum blossom cakes, and desserts made from osmanthus.
If you are looking for a gathering hub for Nanjing snacks and street food, Laomendong is always the top pick. If you prefer a proper meal in a restaurant, then Xinjiekou offers the most diverse dining options.
What to Do in Nanjing at Night
If you can spend only one night in Nanjing, choose Confucius Temple + Qinhuai River instead of the bar street. Take a tour around Confucius Temple in the evening, have some Nanjing snacks, and then head to Qinhuai River for a magnificent night view of the colorfully lit river.
If you still feel like a glass of wine or simply don’t want to end your night in Nanjing, the 1912 Street near the Presidential Palace adds more flavor to your Nanjing nightlife experience. However, for those traveling to Nanjing for the first time, a night cruise on the Qinhuai River may still be the winner.
Shopping in Nanjing
If you are looking for souvenirs with distinct Nanjing characteristics, consider cloud brocade products, gold leaf craftsmanship, Yuhua tea, Nanjing pastries, museum souvenirs, and vacuum-packed Nanjing salted duck. For traditional creative and cultural products, check out Laomendong and Confucius Temple. If you want a more modern Nanjing shopping experience, Xinjiekou is the best option.
Nanjing Travel Tips
- Make a booking for popular Nanjing attractions in advance. You may check the real-name reservation rules for popular sites like Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Nanjing Museum, and Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall. The Memorial Hall is currently implementing a real-name, time-split reservation.
- Don’t try your luck at the Nanjing Museum. Nanjing Museum is packed with tourists throughout the year. The entry tickets are usually released online earlier than the actual entry date.
- Don’t overplan your itinerary at Zhongshan Scenic Area. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum + Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum would take up to a half day. You might need to spare extra time if you plan to visit Linggu Temple and Meiling Palace as well.
- Nanjing weather is hot in summer, especially from July to August, so try to finish your outdoor tours in Nanjing in the morning.
- It’s recommended to save a Nanjing map with Nanjing tourist attractions and your hotel address written in Chinese, so you can use it when you take a taxi or Didi.
- Please be aware that Nanjing Museum is closed on Mondays.
Plan Your Nanjing Tour with China Xian Tour
If you are interested in travelling to Nanjing, China, yet a bit intimidated by the hassle of travel planning, get in touch with China Xian Tour now! Our professional consultation team is happy to tailor a Nanjing tour itinerary exclusively for you! We also offer a travel package that makes Nanjing part of an amazing history and culture tour around the Yangtze River Delta.
