A Spring Outing in Nanjing This May: Your Guide to Effortless Fun

Spring in Nanjing is like a grand floral event. Plum blossoms, Chinese flowering crabapples, magnolias, cherry blossoms, camellias, hydrangeas, and other flowers bloom in succession, immersing the city in a rich floral fragrance. The spring in this city is like a melodious poem and a beautiful painting, worthy of our repeated visits. If you plan to come to Nanjing during the spring outing season, then accept this guide to easily beat 95% of out-of-town tourists! I. Recommended Itineraries Zhongshan Mountain National Park Route (1–2 Days) Start your journey at the Nanjing Museum, and experience the weight of history and the charm of culture. Enter from Gate 3 of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum to appreciate the solemnity of this Ming Dynasty imperial tomb. Then go to the Meiling Palace to learn about the turbulent history of the Republic of China. Stroll along the sycamore tree-lined avenue of Huanling Road, passing through tall sycamore trees. Next, come to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum to commemorate the revolutionary pioneers. The Music Stage will allow you to feel the fusion of nature and art amidst the flying doves and melodious birdsong. Finally, go to Zijin Mountain Adventure Park and take the fairytale cable car to Linggu Temple, immersing yourself in the serene atmosphere. Downtown Literary and Romantic Route (1–2 Days) Start your day with the curling incense at Pí Lú Temple, then walk into the Presidential Palace to explore the vicissitudes of modern China. At Librairie Avant-Garde, enjoy a moment of tranquility surrounded by books. Stroll along Shanghai Road and Yihe Road to admire the unique charm of the Republic of China architecture. Then go to Xuanwu Lake to enjoy the scenery of the lake and mountains. Then go to Jiming Temple to feel the charm of the ancient temple for thousands of years, and climb the Taicheng section of the Ming City Wall to overlook the city. The adorable animals in Hongshan Forest Zoo will surely bring you a healing experience. Old Southern Nanjing Route (1 Day) Experience the everyday life of Nanjing's Old Southern Town at Laomendong, then stroll through Xiaoxihu to experience the local customs of Nanjing. The glazed tile pagoda of the Great Bao'en Temple shines in the sun, and the Gate of China city wall has witnessed the rise and fall of history. Go to Jiangnan Examination Hall to learn about the ancient imperial examination system. When night falls, enjoy the beautiful night view of the Qinhuai River at the Confucius Temple. City North Riverside Scenic Belt Route (Half Day) Take the Zhongshan Wharf Ferry to admire the magnificence of the Yangtze River. At the Yangtze finless porpoise observation point, you may encounter adorable Yangtze finless porpoises. Walk along Xiaguan Damalu, visit the Xiaguan Railway Relics Park, and overlook the Yangtze River from the glass trestle bridge. Finally, come to the Yangtze River Bridge to feel the majesty of this bridge. II. Accommodation Options - Ample budget: It is recommended to choose hotels near Xuanwu Lake, Xinjiekou, and Confucius Temple, which are not only convenient for transportation, but also allow you to experience the prosperity and charm of Nanjing up close. - Limited budget: Accommodation in Maigaoqiao, Maqun, and Shangyuanmen and other places are cost-effective and convenient for travel. Highly recommend Hongshan Forest Zoo Light Stay Hotel! The price is two to three hundred per night, and the location is near the subway station, making it super convenient to travel. III. Flower Viewing Schedule 1. Cherry blossoms (mid-March–early April): The cherry blossoms in Jiming Temple, Yingzhou of Xuanwu Lake, Sifang Art Museum, and Muyan Riverside Avenue are dreamlike and beautiful. 2. Magnolia (mid-March–late March): The magnolias in Chaotian Palace, Linggu Temple, Yuyuan Garden, and Qingliang Temple are white and elegant, like fairies descending to earth. 3. Chinese flowering crabapple (mid-March–mid-April): The Chinese flowering crabapples in Mochou Lake Park, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, and Zhanyuan Garden are delicate and charming, showing the romance of spring. 4. Hydrangea (early April–early May): The hydrangea in Xuyuan Garden, Chongzheng Academy, and Wuchaomen are clustered together, like elves in spring. 5. Rose (late April–early May): The roses on Yihe Road and Daxing Palace are enthusiastic and unrestrained, adding a bright color to the city. 6. Peony and azalea (early April–late May): The peony and azaleas in the Lover's Garden of Xuanwu Lake are vying for beauty and are a good place to admire flowers.