Nanjing First Visit: 3 Classic Days

Qinhuai night views, the Zhongshan mausoleum grounds and the Presidential Palace museum, covering Nanjing's core ancient capital and Republican-era highlights in three days.

Organized by district: day one covers the city walls in South Nanjing, Laomendong and the Qinhuai River at night. Day two is spent in the Zhongshan Scenic Area: the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Meiling Palace and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. Day three, in the city center, covers Nanjing Museum and the Presidential Palace, then wraps up at Jiming Temple and Xuanwu Lake. The whole trip is based around the Fuzimiao area, with metro and walking enough to get around. Ideal for a first visit to Nanjing on a weekend or short holiday.

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Nanjing Museum require advance booking. Both are closed on Mondays and crowded during holidays.

Day by day

Day 1 · South City Walls and Qinhuai Night Views

Central Nanjing（Zhonghua Gate、Laomendong Historic District、Confucius Temple & Qinhuai River）

Take Metro Line 1 or Line 3 from Nanjing South Railway Station for about 15 minutes to South Nanjing, then walk through Zhonghua Gate, Laomendong and Fuzimiao.

Qinhuai River boats have long night queues, so buy tickets online in advance.

Stay: Confucius Temple / Laomendong

Day 2 · Zhongshan Scenic Area Day

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 and walk into Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. Inside the area, ride the sightseeing bus to Meiling Palace, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and the music stage.

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum is free but requires real-name reservations. The mausoleum grounds are closed to visitors on Mondays.

Stay: Confucius Temple / Laomendong

Day 3 · Museum, Presidential Palace and Xuanwu Lake

Central Nanjing（Nanjing Museum、Presidential Palace、Jiming Temple、Xuanwu Lake）

Take Metro Line 2 to the Ming Palace area. From the museum to the Presidential Palace is about 15 minutes, then take the metro to Jiming Temple station. The return to Nanjing South Railway Station takes about 25 minutes.

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

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