Explore the best of Nanjing with this 3-day itinerary, featuring must-see historic landmarks, scenic parks, and modern attractions.
Nanjing (南京), the former capital of China and now the capital of Jiangsu Province, has a rich history and is known as an important cultural center. Whether you’re drawn to history, natural beauty, or modern urban charm, Nanjing has something for everyone. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit.
Quick Facts About Nanjing:
- Location: Eastern China, situated on the southern bank of the Yangtze River, bordered by Anhui Province and Zhejiang Province.
- Established: With a history spanning over 2,500 years, Nanjing served as the capital for several Chinese dynasties, including the Ming Dynasty, and was also the capital before Beijing (here is my guide).
- Population: Mostly Han Chinese with a growing number of international residents due to its status as a major educational hub.
- Main Attractions: the Nanjing City Wall, the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, the Nanjing Museum, the Presidential Palace, and Niushoushan Cultural Park.
Best time to visit Nanjing
The best times to visit Nanjing are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). As I explained in my China Travel Guide, this is pretty much the case for all of China. Summer is extremely hot and humid. Avoid the national holidays at all costs. Most places are so packed with people that enjoying your time there will be very hard.
Where to Stay
The Xinjiekou area is a good place to stay. It’s close to the Nanjing Presidential Palace, Confucius Temple, and various shopping malls and is also well-connected by subway. I recommend using Trip.com instead of Booking.com. You’ll find more options, and they tend to be cheaper.
What to see in Nanjing in 3 days
Three days should give you more than enough time to explore Nanjing, but if this is your first time in China, you may only have one or two days. The following list is a good starting point to help you organize your trip.
Day one: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Taien Temple Ruins/Grand Bao’en Temple
The first day in Nanjing focuses on cultural heritage and historic landmarks.
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (中山陵景区)
You can start your first day by visiting the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, the founding father of modern China.
This mausoleum honors Dr. Sun Yat-sen, and it features a grand staircase of 392 steps, symbolizing his dedication to elevating the nation. At the top, you’ll have a nice view of Nanjing. Inside, there is a marble statue and hall commemorating Dr. Sun.
Take Line 2 of the subway to Minggugong Station (明故宫) and transfer to the Purple Mountain Tourist Shuttle to reach the mausoleum.
The Grand Baoen Temple Heritage and Scenic Area (大报恩寺遗址公园)
This site traces its roots back to the Ming Dynasty, and it was once regarded as one of the most magnificent temples in China and a center of Buddhist culture. Today, the heritage area has been revitalized with modern exhibits and reconstructions, including a glass replica of the original pagoda, which illuminates at night. The area combines indoor and outdoor displays, and the modern exhibition inside the museum is quite impressive. Don’t miss the floating Buddha head made up of small light beams or the room of mirrors, reflecting thousands of colorful light bulbs.
Take Line 3 to Fuzimiao Station (夫子庙) and walk for about 10 minutes.
Laomendong Historic District (老门东历史街区)
Laomendong (老门东) is a historic district known for its preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. This area has narrow lanes, stone-paved streets, and classic Chinese buildings. I think this is a good place to end your first day in the city
Take Line 1 to Sanshanjie Station (三山街).
Day two: Memorial Hall, City Wall, and Nantai Alley
On the second day, I recommend visiting the following areas.
Memorial Hall of the Nanjing Massacre (南京大屠杀纪念馆)
This memorial hall is an emotional journey remembering the three hundred thousand people killed during the Japanese invasion of Nanjing on December 13th, 1937. Built on top of a Japanese burial and execution site, known as ‘The Mass Grave of 10,000 Corpses’, the memorial hall recounts the horror of the time through music, imagery, and objects.
The space itself is a vast and intense experience, but one worth taking to truly understand the tragic history and resilience of the people of Nanjing. Although exhibitions in the hall can be gruesome and shocking, the ultimate message is hope—as displayed in the Peace Park, where visitors can read about ending the war. Information throughout the center is in Chinese, Japanese, and English. The Memorial Hall may not be suitable for very young children.
Take Line 2 to Yunjin Road Station (云锦路) and walk for about 10 minutes.
Nanjing City Wall (南京城墙) and Xuanwu Lake (玄武湖)
Head to this impressive Ming Dynasty structure, which, with its 25 km, is one of the world’s longest and best-preserved city walls. Some 350 million bricks were used in the wall’s construction, each inscribed with the name of the person responsible for its quality. You can access the walls from the Jiefangmen Gate and walk along it, enjoying the contrasting views between this ancient site and the city’s modern side.
Take Line 1 to Zhonghua Gate Station (中华门) and walk to the city wall entrance.
From the wall, you can view Xuanwu Lake, a beautiful scenic area surrounded by gardens and temples. Then, you can walk around the lake, making it a relaxing way to unwind in the afternoon.
Nantai Alley (南台巷) and Qinhuai River Night Cruise (秦淮河夜游)
Nantai Alley is another traditional street with local restaurants and coffee shops. It’s very popular, especially in the late afternoon and evening
From Xuanwu Lake, take Line 1 to Zhongshan North Road Station (中山北路) and walk to Nantai Alley.
After exploring Nantai Alley, end your day with a scenic night cruise on the Qinhuai River. The riverbanks are illuminated, showcasing ancient-style buildings and bridges, creating a nice atmosphere.
Take Line 3 to Fuzimiao Station (夫子庙), where the cruise docks are located.
Day three: Niushoushan Cultural Park, Deji Plaza, and Jiangsu Grand Theatre
You can spend your last day exploring some of the most interesting modern areas of the city.
Niushoushan Cultural Park (牛首山文化园)
Niushoushan Cultural Park and the Usnisa Palace are the most scenic places in Nanjing and, I personally believe, are among the most beautiful modern buildings in all of China. Built on an ancient mine, this Buddhist complex is quite new. Completed in 2015, it displays the remains of Buddha. The park where the Palace was built is huge, and you’ll need several hours to visit the structure. Here you can find my complete travel guide to this area.
From the city center, take Line 1 to Jiqingmen Station (集庆门) and then transfer to a taxi or local bus, as the park is outside the city.
Deji Plaza (德基广场) and the World’s Most Expensive Toilets
I’m not a fan of shopping malls, but Deji Plaza is quite worth your time. On the last floor, you’ll find a museum with several interesting art exhibitions, and on the floors below, you can check out four different thematic toilets (yes, you read it right). They are allegedly known as the “world’s most expensive toilets,” and I can guarantee you that you have never seen anything like them. It’s quite worth it, especially for some cool Instagram pictures.
Take Line 1 to Gulou Station (鼓楼), where Deji Plaza is a short walk away.
Jiangsu Grand Theatre (江苏大剧院)
End your trip with a visit to the modern Jiangsu Grand Theatre, which often hosts operas, ballets, and live performances. Its impressive architecture, set by the riverside, makes for a beautiful evening visit. It has six halls, including an opera house that can host 2,300 people and a 3,000-seat conference hall
Take Line 2 to Yuantong Station (元通), then walk to the theater.
Final thoughts
I really love Nanjing because it perfectly represents today’s China: a blend of ancient history and modern architecture. However, this city doesn’t get the attention it deserves among foreign tourists. If you are planning your first trip to China, you should consider adding at least a couple of days to your itinerary to explore Jiangsu’s capital and maybe continue your trip exploring some of Jiangsu’s water towns, as I recommend here.
Remember to download a VPN or get an eSim before coming to China.
If you are interested in Chinese history, don’t miss my guide to Xuzhou and Suqian in Jiangsu, and here is my Jiangsu travel guide. Here you can find my Shanghai travel guide.
