A great place to experience the ancient charm of Nanjing | Laomendong

| Laomendong. During the three days of the Dragon Boat Festival, Nanjing was drizzling continuously, but I still chose to visit Laomendong in the rain at night. Laomendong gets its name from being located east of Zhonghua Gate. Compared to the bustling Confucius Temple, Laomendong exudes a more rustic and tranquil atmosphere, perhaps because, aside from shops, it retains much of the architectural style from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Walking through its alleys, you'll see blue bricks, horse-head walls, and red lanterns everywhere. Combined with the light drizzle, the misty Jiangnan scenery truly comes to life here. When visiting Laomendong, I recommend checking out the "Youjian Chuiyan Wonton" stall in Sanjiaoying. Run by a white-bearded elderly man, this nostalgic little stall greets passing tourists with a friendly "good evening." Unfortunately, I arrived a bit late at 8:30 PM when it was already closed, but the kind old man kept apologizing, making me feel warmly welcomed. If possible, I’ll definitely return next time. For those who love artsy vibes, don’t miss "Yangying's Fire Pond" in Zhongying. It’s incredibly popular, with long queues, but the prices are very affordable. You can enjoy a drink while gathering around to listen to folk singers—it’s super atmospheric. If you want to experience Nanjing’s nightlife, Laomendong is a must-visit.