Nanjing China 2 Day Itinerary

48 Hours in Nanjing: A Two-Day Itinerary

Nanjing, the former capital of China during six dynasties, is a city brimming with history, culture, nature, and modern attractions. This two-day itinerary offers a glimpse into Nanjing’s diverse charm.

Things to know about Nanjing:

  • History: Nanjing boasts a rich history, from its ancient imperial past as the seat of power for the Ming Dynasty to its role in World War II. Be prepared to be amazed by historical sites like the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall and the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum.
  • Culture: Immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culture with a visit to the Purple Mountain Observatory, the Nanjing Museum, or the Nanjing Arts Institute for a glimpse into traditional and contemporary Chinese art.

Day 1: Ancient History & Modern Charm

Morning:

  • Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional breakfast at Nanjing Qinhuai Snack Street, a haven for local delicacies like steamed buns (baozi), sesame cakes (jianbing), and savory pancakes (sou bing).
  • Activity: Explore the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the final resting place of Emperor Hongwu, the founder of the Ming Dynasty.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Nanjing Confucius Temple: This historical landmark is a must-see for its rich architecture, cultural performances, and vibrant atmosphere.

Day 2: A Modern & Artistic Exploration

  • Morning: Explore the Nanjing Presidential Palace, the former seat of power for the Republic of China government.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a delicious meal at Huangshan Restaurant near the Nanjing Qinhuai River. They are known for their authentic Jiangsu cuisine.

  • Dinner: Experience a modern and elegant dinner in the Xinjiekou area, renowned for its restaurants offering diverse culinary options.

Afternoon/Evening:

  • Explore the Xuanwu Lake Park: Take a relaxing boat ride on the lake, admire the pavilions and gardens, and enjoy the scenic views.
  • Dinner at Nanjing’s Jinling Restaurant: This restaurant offers stunning views of the Qinhuai River and is known for its refined Jiangsu cuisine, which is known for its delicate flavors and emphasis on fresh ingredients.

Explore the city’s modern side:

  • Walk along 1912 Pedestrian Street: This pedestrian street is a great place to see the history of Nanjing come alive. It’s lined with shops and restaurants, but it also has many historical buildings that have been preserved and turned into museums and cultural centers.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in the XinjieKou area. This is a great way to experience Chinese culture in a beautiful setting.

Things to do in Nanjing’s modern & vibrant side:

  • Explore the Nanjing Arts Institute: See if they have any public performances scheduled or exhibitions open, and enjoy the vibrant arts scene
  • Visit the Nanjing Presidential Palace: This is a great place to learn about the history of China, particularly the Six Dynasties period.
  • Experience the Nanjing Museum: Discover ancient artifacts and artworks from the Ming Dynasty and other periods.

Afternoon/Evening:

  • Take a boat ride on the Yangtze River: A classic tourist experience in Nanjing, this will allow you to see the city from a different perspective.
  • Enjoy a performance at the Nanjing Qinhuai Theater: This venue hosts a variety of traditional and modern Chinese performances.

Food:

  • Try a local dish like “salted duck” or “duck blood and vermicelli soup” for lunch.
  • In the evening, explore the bustling street food scene at the Confucius Temple market in the evening.

Accommodation:

  • For a comfortable stay with a touch of history, consider the Jinling Hotel, located near the Xinjiekou Pedestrian Street. This iconic hotel offers stunning views and luxurious accommodations.

Food to try:

  • Nanjing salted duck: A classic Nanjing dish, this salt-cured duck is known for its tender meat and salty skin.
  • Soup dumplings (xiaolongbao): These delicate soup-filled dumplings are a delicious treat, and a great way to experience a variety of flavors in one bite.

Accommodation:

  • Where to stay:
    • For a luxurious experience with modern amenities and stunning city views, check out the Four Seasons Hotel Nanjing.
    • If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly but still centrally located, **Jinling Hotel (Xinjiekou) is a fantastic option.

Accommodation:

  • Jinling Hotel (Nanjing Xiaoying): This hotel offers a blend of traditional and modern aesthetics, providing a unique experience for visitors.

  • Where to stay: For a more budget-friendly but still comfortable stay, consider the Hilton Nanjing: They offer a variety of amenities, including a fitness center, swimming pool, and luxurious accommodations.

Transportation:

  • Use the efficient public transportation system, including the subway and bus network.

Other things to know:

  • Learn a few basic Chinese phrases: While many people in Nanjing speak English, it’s always helpful to be able to say hello, thank you, and please in the local language.
  • Download a map app: This will help you navigate the city and find your way around.

Tips:

  • Visit during the spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) for pleasant weather and stunning scenery.**
  • Consider purchasing a Nanjing Tourist Card, which offers discounts on attractions and transportation.**

Transportation tips:

  • Purchase a Nanjing Transportation Card: This card provides convenient access to the city’s public transportation system.

  • Use Didi Chuxing (Chinese Uber) for taxis.

  • Buy a Nanjing subway card: A convenient option for getting around the city, especially if you plan on using the subway frequently.**

Enjoy a performance of “The Legend of the White Snake”: This is a classic Chinese love story and you can experience it in a beautiful setting with a traditional Chinese opera performance.

  • For a unique experience, consider a cooking class at the Nanjing Cooking School.

Activities:

  • Visit the Confucius Temple, a historical landmark dedicated to the Confucian philosopher, Zhuangzi.

  • Explore the Nanjing Museum’s: Extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits

Enjoy the beauty of the Purple Mountain: Hike through the breathtaking scenery, visit the majestic mausoleum of Emperor Hongwu of the Ming Dynasty, or enjoy the panoramic views from the top.**

Other things to know:

  • Visit the Nanjing Museum, which is renowned for its collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the history of Nanjing.
  • Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony: This is a great way to experience Chinese culture.
  • Experience the culinary delights: Enjoy the otherworldly beauty of the city’s parks and gardens.

Accommodation options:

  • For a comfortable stay, consider staying at a hotel in the modern 1912 district, which offers a variety of hotels for every budget.
  • Try a local delicacy: You can enjoy the traditional feel of Nanjing’s history with a delicious meal:

Accommodation:

  • Stay near the historic Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall to be close to this important site.**

  • Get a guidebook: To help you plan your trip and learn about the history of Nanjing.

  • Enjoy the city’s vibrant arts scene by exploring the city’s theaters, museums, and art galleries.

  • Visit the Nanjing Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from various periods in the history of Nanjing.

  • Experience the beauty of the Purple Mountain: A historic landmark and a popular place for hiking and sightseeing.

“The Mausoleum” is a beautiful building that offers a glimpse into the history of the city.

Things to keep in mind:

  • Travel insurance: It’s highly recommended to have travel insurance when visiting Nanjing (or anywhere else) for unexpected events.

  • Language barrier: While Mandarin Chinese is the official language, learning basic phrases or having a translation app can be helpful for navigating and interacting with locals.

Enjoy the vibrant nightlife:

  • Experience the nightlife of 1912 Pedestrian Street, which is known for its lively atmosphere and many bars and restaurants.
  • Pack accordingly: Nanjing experiences hot summers and mild winters. Pack light, breathable clothing for summer and layers for winter.
  • Be aware of local customs:

Enjoy a variety of dining experiences:

  • Experience the vibrant nightlife:

  • Visit the Nanjing Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from different eras.

  • Nanjing’s cuisine:

For a delicious meal:

  • Consider visiting the “Zhonghua Gate”, where you can experience traditional Chinese architecture and enjoy a variety of local dishes.

Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, and learn about the history of tea in China.

Be sure to try the tea at the Nanjing Museum’s: This can be a great opportunity to taste authentic tea and learn about the city’s rich culinary history.

Travel:

  • For a truly unique experience, consider taking a trip to the Four Seasons Hotel (Nanjing).

  • Enjoy a variety of traditional Chinese dishes at the many restaurants in the city, with a focus on local specialties.

  • Explore the vibrant Nanjing:

Learn about the history:

  • Visit the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall:

  • The museum is dedicated to remembering the victims of the massacre.

  • Take a cooking class at the hotel and enjoy a delicious meal.

Enjoy the local culture:

Enjoy the tea experience, you can enjoy a variety of traditional and local dishes while learning about the history of these dishes.

Experience Nanjing’s culinary delights

For a truly authentic experience, you can visit the Nanjing Museum’s:

  • Visit the city’s many restaurants: This is a great way to experience the local culture.

  • **Enjoy a delicious meal, like “The Legend of the Tea Ceremony”

  • Travel insurance

is recommended for all visitors.

Consider purchasing a good travel guide and researching the best places to visit.

  • Try a variety of traditional Chinese dishes: Enjoy the local cuisine and learn about the history of food in Nanjing.

Other things to consider:

  • For a pleasant experience, you can enjoy the beauty of the city’s historical parks and gardens.
  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife by visiting the night markets, which are a great way to experience the local culture.

Enjoy the bustling atmosphere:

  • Enjoy the bustling atmosphere

Enjoy the diversity of Jiangsu cuisine.

Remember:

This is a great starting point for your Nanjing food journey.