Off-season Nanjing has returned! It's really not recommended to visit in April-May...

Nanjing is a city where history and modernity intertwine, boasting a rich cultural heritage, abundant natural landscapes, and diverse cuisine. Below is a detailed Nanjing travel guide, covering attractions, food, transportation, and itinerary suggestions: --- ### **1. Must-See Attractions** **1. Historical and Cultural Sites** - **Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum (Zhongshan Mausoleum):** - The mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, a magnificent structure surrounded by lush greenery. Free admission. It is recommended to visit in the morning when there are fewer people. - Nearby attractions include the **Music Stage** (feeding pigeons), the **Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum** (the Stone Elephant Road is stunning in autumn), and the **Meiling Palace**. - 🎫 Combined ticket: CNY 100 (includes Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Meiling Palace, Music Stage, etc.). - **Confucius Temple - Qinhuai River Scenic Belt:** - Nanjing's cultural landmark, beautifully illuminated at night. Take a boat tour on the Qinhuai River (night tours are recommended). - **Laomendong** is nearby (a cultural and artistic district, ideal for taking photos and enjoying snacks). - 🎫 Confucius Temple: Free admission. Boat tour: CNY 80 (daytime)/CNY 100 (night). - **Nanjing Museum:** - One of the three major museums in China. Must-sees include the "Republic of China Pavilion" and the "History Pavilion." Free admission, but reservations are required. - ⏰ It is recommended to allow 3 hours for your visit. - **Presidential Palace:** - An important site of modern Chinese history, featuring both Republic of China architecture and Jiangnan gardens. - 🎫 CNY 40. Closed on Mondays. **2. Natural Scenery** - **Xuanwu Lake:** - Nanjing's "urban living room," perfect for strolling, boating, and enjoying the sunset. Free admission. - Nearby, you can climb the **City Wall** (the Taicheng section offers a panoramic view of Xuanwu Lake and Zifeng Tower). - **Qixia Mountain:** - Famous for its stunning autumn foliage (best in November). Peaceful and less crowded during other seasons. - 🎫 CNY 20 (off-season), CNY 40 (peak season). - **Niushou Mountain:** - A Buddhist holy site. The **Foding Palace** is an architectural marvel, perfect for taking photos. - 🎫 CNY 98. It is recommended to take the scenic area shuttle bus. **3. Niche and Artistic Spots** - **Yihe Road Mansion Area:** - A cluster of Republic of China-era buildings, shaded by plane trees. Ideal for cycling or walking. - **Librairie Avant-Garde (Wutaishan Branch):** - One of the most beautiful bookstores in China, perfect for quiet reading. - **Nanjing Eye Pedestrian Bridge:** - Modern and stylish, with a stunning light show at night. --- ### **2. Food Recommendations** **1. Local Specialties** - **Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup:** Recommended "Xiao Pan Ji" or "Hui Wei." - **Salted Duck/Roast Duck:** Locals often buy from "Jin Hong Xing" or "Zhang Yun Ban Ya." - **Soup Dumplings:** Ji Ming Tang Bao, Yin Shi Tang Bao. - **Pork Skin Noodles:** Recommended "Yi Ji Pi Du Mian." - **Sweet Taro Pudding/Red Bean Glutinous Rice Balls:** Nanjing Da Pai Dang or traditional dessert shops. **2. Food Streets** - **Laomendong:** Lu Shi Mei Hua Gao, Lan Lao Da Tang Zhou Ou, Jiang You Ji Guo Tie. - **Kexiang:** Xu Ayi Gao Tuan Dian, Dezhou Braised Chicken (famous for lotus root cakes). - **Mingwalang:** Yi Ji Pi Du Mian, Jin Wei Li Zi (seasonal). --- ### **3. Transportation Guide** - **Airport:** Nanjing Lukou International Airport. Subway Line S1 provides direct access to the city center. - **High-Speed Rail:** Nanjing South Railway Station (mainly high-speed rail), Nanjing Railway Station (near Xuanwu Lake). - **Local Transportation:** - The subway covers most major attractions (get the "Nanjing Subway E-Card" on Alipay). - Shared bikes are suitable for short distances (e.g., Yihe Road, some sections of Zhongshan Scenic Area). --- ### **4. Itinerary Suggestions** **2-Day Classic Tour** - **Day 1:** Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum → Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum → Meiling Palace → Confucius Temple (Qinhuai River Night Tour). - **Day 2:** Nanjing Museum → Presidential Palace → Laomendong → Xuanwu Lake/City Wall. **3-Day In-Depth Tour** - **Day 3:** Niushou Mountain (or Qixia Mountain) → Librairie Avant-Garde → Nanjing Eye Pedestrian Bridge. --- ### **5. Things to Note** 1. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit (cherry blossoms in March-May, maple leaves in November). 2. Reservations are required for some attractions (e.g., Nanjing Museum, Presidential Palace). 3. The Zhongshan Scenic Area is large. Wear comfortable shoes. Electric car rentals are available. 4. The Nanjing dialect phrase "a yao la you" means "do you want chili oil?" You might hear it when buying snacks.