Nanjing Outskirts: Langya Mountain and Gaochun

Classic Nanjing sights plus Niushou Mountain, a day trip to Langya Mountain in Chuzhou, and a night in Gaochun Slow City, blending city and countryside.

The first three days cover South Nanjing, Zhongshan, and Niushou Mountain and Yuhuatai on the outskirts. On day four, take the high-speed train to Chuzhou to climb Langya Mountain and visit the Pavilion of the Drunken Old Man. On days five and six, head south to Gaochun, stay one night, and explore the old street, Gucheng Lake and the countryside of Yaxi Slow City. The last day returns to the city for the Presidential Palace and the museum before departure. The route avoids Zhenjiang and Yangzhou, which many itineraries already cover. Suitable for return visitors or anyone who wants to see Nanjing's countryside.

Spring brings rapeseed flowers at Yaxi, and autumn is hairy crab season at Gucheng Lake.

Day by day

Day 1 · Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River

Central Nanjing（Jiangnan Examination Hall (China Imperial Examination Museum)、Zhan Garden、Confucius Temple & Qinhuai River、Bailuzhou Park）

Take Metro Line 3 for about 15 minutes from Nanjing South Railway Station to Confucius Temple station, then walk around in the afternoon and evening.

Stay: Confucius Temple / Laomendong

Day 2 · Zhongshan Scenic Area

Central Nanjing（Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum、Meiling Palace、Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum、Music Stage of Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum）

Take Metro Line 2 to Muxuyuan station. Sightseeing buses cover Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Meiling Palace and Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. The full day takes about 7 hours.

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum requires real-name reservations.

Stay: Confucius Temple / Laomendong

Day 3 · Niushou Mountain and Yuhuatai

Central Nanjing（Niushou Mountain & Usnisa Palace、Yuhuatai Martyrs' Cemetery、Porcelain Tower & Da Bao'en Temple Heritage Park、Laomendong Historic District）

Take a taxi or the metro about 40 minutes to Niushou Mountain. In the afternoon, return to the city for Yuhuatai, then Dabao'en Temple and Laomendong, walking back to your hotel in the evening.

Fodingong Palace at Niushou is large, so allow half a day.

Stay: Confucius Temple / Laomendong

Day 4 · Chuzhou Langya Mountain Day Trip

Chuzhou（Langya Mountain、Zuiweng Pavilion、Langya Temple）

Take the high-speed train about 20 minutes from Nanjing South to Chuzhou Station, then a taxi about 15 minutes to Langya Mountain. Return to Nanjing by high-speed train in the evening.

Mountain paths have many steps. Wear non-slip shoes.

Stay: Confucius Temple / Laomendong

Day 5 · Gaochun Old Street and Gucheng Lake

Gaochun & Yaxi Slow City（Gaochun Old Street、Guchengwan Scenic Area、Gucheng Lake Water Slow City）

Take Metro S1 and transfer to S9 to Gaochun, about 1.5 hours, or drive about 1.5 hours. Walk the old street and Gucheng Bay, then take a taxi about 15 minutes to Gucheng Lake.

Autumn is the season for Gucheng Lake hairy crabs.

Stay: Gaochun Old Street

Day 6 · Yaxi Slow City Countryside, Then Back to the City

Gaochun & Yaxi Slow City（Yaxi International Slow City、Qiqiao Ancient Village）

Take a taxi about 30 minutes to Yaxi Slow City and cycle around, then visit Qiqiao Ancient Village. In the afternoon, drive or take Metro S9 about 1.5 hours back to Nanjing.

Buses to the Slow City run infrequently, so hiring a car saves time.

Stay: Confucius Temple / Laomendong

Day 7 · Presidential Palace and Museum, Then Departure

Central Nanjing（Presidential Palace、Nanjing Museum）

Take the metro to Daxinggong station to visit the Presidential Palace, then Metro Line 2 to Ming Palace station to see Nanjing Museum. About 30 minutes afterward to Nanjing South Railway Station.

Nanjing Museum is closed on Mondays and requires a reservation.

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