Must-Read! Complete Nanjing Travel Guide Without Pitfalls

Nanjing, the ancient capital of six dynasties, is where history and modernity blend. As a local, this guide will help you avoid tourist traps and immerse yourself in the authentic Jinling experience: Must-Visit Attractions Zhongshan Scenic Area deserves a full day of leisurely exploration. Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is free before 6:30 AM, while Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum requires reservation and is closed on Mondays. Visit Laomendong in the evening for great food without crowds. Stroll along Yihe Road in the morning to see Republic-era architecture, enjoy coffee at Librairie Avant-Garde, with plane trees providing a therapeutic atmosphere. Hidden Gems Xiaguan Train Park offers stunning Yangtze River sunset views, Six Dynasties Museum showcases I.M. Pei's architectural genius, and in May, the Hydrangea Park blooms with wooden hydrangeas—all secret spots cherished by locals. Food Map For breakfast, try Li's Halal Restaurant's pot stickers and Fangpo Cake Shop's black rice buns with fried dough sticks. For main meals, Qiangye Restaurant's sizzling clay pots and Jinling Hotel's salt-water duck are must-tries. At Nanhu Night Market, the osmanthus rice balls and clay pot dishes are so delicious you'll find it hard to leave. Transportation Tips The subway reaches all major attractions. Xinjieko Station has complex exits, so check in advance. Shared bikes and walking are most convenient in the old town area. Seasonal Recommendations March for Jiming Temple cherry blossoms, July for Linggu Temple fireflies, and November for Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum ginkgo trees—visit during off-peak times for a better experience. Avoiding Tourist Traps Choose Panchi Dock for boat tours to enjoy Confucius Temple night views. For authentic salt-water duck, look for the "Osmanthus Brand"—supermarkets offer better prices than scenic spots. Plan a 3-4 day itinerary and stay near Xinjieko or Confucius Temple. For in-depth exploration, visit Gaochun Old Street or Wuxiang Mountain in Lishui. Bring comfortable sneakers to make hill climbing effortless!