Three days is the right length for a first visit to Nanjing, long enough to see the headline sights without rushing and to leave room for food, strolling and a river cruise. The plan below groups sights by area to keep travel time low, and it can be reshuffled around the weather and opening days. Many museums close one day a week, so check before you go.
Day one, Purple Mountain and the old south
Start early with the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, climbing the long staircase to the blue-roofed hall while the crowds are thin. Then continue to the Ming Xiaoling tomb and walk the Sacred Way of stone animals. A private tour with a driver is the most efficient way to link these sites, since they are spread across a large park. If you have energy, add the Linggu Temple area, where the Beamless Hall and the pagoda are among the quietest corners of the mountain. After lunch, head to the south of the old city to climb the Ming wall near Zhonghua Gate, which gives sweeping views of the moat and rooftops.
Day one evening
Walk into the Confucius Temple district as the lanterns come on. Stroll the pedestrian lanes, try a few snacks and board a Qinhuai River cruise. If you prefer a full evening, book a cruise with dinner, which handles the meal and the boat in one go. Afterward, wander through the quieter lanes of Laomendong, where the old brick houses glow in the evening light.
Day two, lake, temple and republic
Begin at Xuanwu Lake, walking the causeways or taking a short boat ride, and climb a stretch of the city wall for views over the water. Continue to Jiming Temple, with its yellow walls, its tall tower and, in spring, its cherry blossom. Have lunch near Xinjiekou, then spend the afternoon at the Presidential Palace and the surrounding Republic-era streets, where the story of the early twentieth century unfolds. If you want a deeper focus on the theme, consider a guided Republic Era tour.
Day two, a sombre stop
If your interests include modern history, set aside time for the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall. Allow at least two hours, go on a weekday morning if you can and plan something quiet afterward. The memorial is an important part of understanding the city, and it is best approached with respect and without a tight schedule. Check the entry rules, since reservations and identification are commonly required.
Day three, food and flexibility
Spend the morning on a guided local food tour, tasting salted duck, duck blood soup, dumplings and pancakes. The tour gives you recommendations for the rest of your stay and a feel for neighbourhood life. In the afternoon, choose between three options. For relaxation, visit the Tangshan hot springs, which are easy with a private transfer. For temples and scenery, go to Qixia Temple and Swallow Rock, especially in autumn. For quiet and Buddhist architecture, visit the Niushoushan cultural park.
If you want a day trip instead
Swap day three for a full day outside the city. Yangzhou is a graceful garden and canal city about an hour away, Zhenjiang offers Jinshan Temple and black vinegar, and Wuxi's Lingshan Grand Buddha is easy by bullet train. Each deserves a full day, so choose the one that matches your interests.
Practical tips for the three days
Carry your passport for entry to major sights and for any train tickets. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, since the mausoleum stairs and the wall can be steep and slippery in wet weather. Bring water, sun protection and a light rain layer. Use the metro to avoid rush-hour traffic, and keep your hotel address in Chinese for taxis. In summer, start early and rest in the afternoon, and in winter dress warmly, especially for evenings by the river.
Pacing and flexibility
Do not overschedule. Nanjing rewards slow wandering, and some of the best moments come from sitting in a teahouse, watching tai chi by the lake or lingering over dumplings. If rain arrives, swap outdoor sights for the Presidential Palace, the museums and a food tour. If you feel tired, a hot spring session or an easy lake walk can reset your energy.
Where to base yourself
The Confucius Temple area is the most atmospheric base for this plan, because the evening sights are on your doorstep. The lake district and Xinjiekou are good alternatives, with easy metro links to everywhere on the list.
