Nanjing, Zhenjiang & Yangzhou: Ancient Capitals & Grand Canal

Connect Nanjing, Zhenjiang, and Yangzhou by high-speed rail to explore Six Dynasties and Republican history, scenic mountains, historic ferries, and Grand Canal salt merchant gardens.

Spend three full days in Nanjing exploring the old city, Zhongshan, and the Nanjing Museum. Take one day in Zhenjiang to visit Jinshan, Beigushan, and Xijindu, then cross the river to Yangzhou for the Grand Canal Museum, Slender West Lake, and classic gardens. Short intercity distances and minimal transfers make this ideal for first-timers and slow travel with seniors. Jiaoshan and Qixiashan are omitted to ensure a relaxed daily pace.

Crowds peak during the spring flower season (March–April) and the October holidays. Reservations are required in advance for museums and the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum.

Day by day

Day 1 · Southern Old City & Qinhuai Nightlife

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

Upon arrival in Nanjing, take the metro to Zhonghuamen or Fuzimiao. Explore the southern old city on foot from the afternoon, walking less than 3 km in total.

Stay: Confucius Temple / Laomendong

Day 2 · Zhongshan Mausoleums & Wutong Avenue

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

Take the metro to Muxuyuan Station to enter the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. Explore on foot and by sightseeing car inside the scenic area for about 6 to 7 hours.

The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum requires real-name reservation and is usually closed on Mondays for maintenance; avoid scheduling this on a Monday.

Stay: Confucius Temple / Laomendong

Day 3 · Nanjing Museum & Presidential Palace

Central Nanjing（Nanjing Museum、Presidential Palace、Six Dynasties Museum、Nanjing 1912 Block）

Take the metro to and from the Nanjing Museum. In the afternoon, walk or take a taxi to the Presidential Palace area (about 20 minutes one way).

Both the Nanjing Museum and the Presidential Palace are closed on Mondays. The Nanjing Museum is free but requires booking in advance.

Stay: Confucius Temple / Laomendong

Day 4 · Zhenjiang's Mountains & Historic Ferry

Zhenjiang（Beigu Mountain、Jinshan Temple (Jiangtian Temple)、Xijindu Ancient Ferry Street）

Take the high-speed rail from Nanjing to Zhenjiang Station (about 20+ minutes). Use taxis or buses to connect the sights in the city.

Make sure to use Zhenjiang Station; Zhenjiang South Station is quite far from the city center.

Stay: Xijindu Area

Day 5 · Cross the River to the Canal & Slender West Lake

Yangzhou（China Grand Canal Museum、Slender West Lake、Dongguan Street）

Take a taxi or intercity bus across the Runyang Bridge to Yangzhou (about 1 hour), then use taxis within the city.

The Grand Canal Museum is closed on Mondays and must be booked about a week in advance.

Stay: Dongguan Street & He Garden

Day 6 · Morning Tea & Salt Merchant Gardens

Yangzhou（Fuchun Teahouse、He Garden (Jixiao Mountain Villa)、Ge Garden）

Walk between tea houses and gardens in the old city. In the afternoon, take a taxi (about 30 minutes) to Yangzhou East Railway Station for departure.

For weekend morning tea, try to arrive before 8:00 AM to avoid long queues.

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