Nanjing Family Trip: Zoo, Hot Springs and Theme Park

Hongshan Forest Zoo, Nanjing Museum, Tangshan hot springs and Happy Valley, with one main attraction per day.

Each day has just one main focus. On day one, visit Hongshan Forest Zoo in the morning and go boating on Xuanwu Lake in the afternoon. On day two, see Nanjing Museum and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, then enjoy the lantern-lit Qinhuai River at night. On day three, head to Tangshan in the eastern suburbs for hot springs and see the Yangshan Stele Quarry. On day four, spend the full day at Happy Valley before leaving. Staying around Xuanwu Lake puts both the zoo and the museum within easy reach. This trip suits families with school-age children, and spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons.

Summer brings midday animal naps and heat, and Happy Valley's water rides only operate in summer.

Day by day

Day 1 · Hongshan Zoo and Xuanwu Lake

Central Nanjing（Hongshan Forest Zoo、Xuanwu Lake）

Take Metro Line 1 from Nanjing South Railway Station to Hongshan Zoo Station, about 30 minutes. Allow about 4 hours for the zoo. In the afternoon, take a taxi to Xuanwu Lake, about 10 minutes.

Buy zoo tickets in advance and avoid midday, when the animals rest.

Stay: Xuanwu Lake / Gulou

Day 2 · Museum, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and Qinhuai at Night

Central Nanjing（Nanjing Museum、Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum、Confucius Temple & Qinhuai River）

Take Metro Line 2 to Minggugong Station for Nanjing Museum, then ride two stops to Muxuyuan Station for Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. In the evening, take the metro to the Confucius Temple area. Returning to your hotel takes about 20 minutes.

Book Nanjing Museum 7 days in advance. It is closed on Mondays.

Stay: Xuanwu Lake / Gulou

Day 3 · Tangshan Hot Springs and Yangshan Stele Quarry

Central Nanjing（Yangshan Stele Quarry、Tangshan Hot Springs）

Take a taxi, or Metro Line 2 plus a bus, to Tangshan, about 50 minutes. The Yangshan Stele Quarry is about 10 minutes by car from the hot spring area. Taking a taxi back to the city in the evening takes about 50 minutes.

Book a hot spring time slot in advance. Children must be accompanied by a parent.

Stay: Xuanwu Lake / Gulou

Day 4 · A Day at Happy Valley, Then Departure

Central Nanjing（Nanjing Happy Valley）

Take a taxi, about 30 minutes, or Metro Line 4 to Happy Valley. After spending the afternoon there, take a taxi to Nanjing South Railway Station, about 50 minutes.

Leave time for the return trip. Some Happy Valley rides are closed in winter.

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