Just arrived in Nanjing... I deeply regret it!!!

Of course, I regret not coming earlier to see Nanjing in spring! 🚗🚗🚗 Travel Route Day 1: Librairie Avant-Garde (Wutaishan Store) → Confucius Temple Qinhuai River Scenic Area Day 2: Nanjing Museum → Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum → Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Scenic Area Day 3: Jiming Temple → Nanjing Presidential Palace → More Cinema Apartment (Nanjing South Railway Station) 🌴 Must-Visit Attractions ### **Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum** **Introduction**: Tomb of Ming Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma, with a stone animal-lined path known as "Nanjing's Most Beautiful 600 Meters" featuring lifelike stone animal sculptures. **Highlights**: Free admission before 7am; feed sika deer at Changsheng Deer Park; golden ginkgo trees in autumn, beautiful flower fields at Plum Blossom Hill in spring. **Recommended time**: 2-3 hours, best combined with Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Meiling Palace for a full day tour of Zijin Mountain. ### **Confucius Temple Qinhuai River Scenic Area** **Introduction**: Cultural landmark of the Six Dynasties ancient capital; night cruise on the Qinhuai River with dancing lantern reflections feels like traveling through a thousand years. **Highlights**: - Choose the western route of inner Qinhuai River for night cruise (less commercialized); boat tickets cost 120 yuan/person in the evening; board at Confucius Temple Pier No. 1. - Laomendong area has hidden wisteria walls and creative shops; Jiezi Garden back alley is perfect for Hanfu costume photos. **Tips to avoid scams**: Ignore scalpers selling "fast track tickets" at the East Memorial Archway; best night photography spot is at the rooftop of Hostel No. 18 on Chaoku Street. ### **Nanjing Museum** **Introduction**: China's third-largest museum with 420,000 artifacts spanning from prehistoric to Republican era; free admission but advance reservation required. **Must-see**: Republican Hall recreates old Nanjing street scenes; the museum's treasure "Jade Burial Suit" is in the History Hall; Digital Hall offers novel interactive experiences. **Tips**: Last entry at 4pm, closed on Mondays, journal enthusiasts can collect stamps. ### **Nanjing Presidential Palace** **Introduction**: A microcosm of modern history, transformed from Qing Dynasty's Liangjiang Governor's Office to the Republican government center, blending Chinese and Western architecture. **Activities**: Trumpet creeper flowers bloom in the West Garden in June; adjacent to 1912 Bar Street for experiencing Republican-era themed nightlife. **Note**: Closed on Mondays, ID card required, arrive before 9am to avoid crowds. ### **Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Scenic Area** **Introduction**: Dr. Sun Yat-sen's tomb with 392 steps representing China's population of 392 million at that time; panoramic view of Purple Mountain from the top. **Connected activities**: Feed pigeons at Music Terrace for 10 yuan (pigeons most active before 10am); fireflies at Linggu Temple are a July-only attraction. **Transportation**: Take subway Line 2 to Muxuyuan Station and transfer to sightseeing bus; comfortable walking shoes recommended. --- ## 🚀 Itinerary Optimization Suggestions ### **Day 1: Literary Pilgrimage + Qinhuai River Night Stay** - **Morning**: Librairie Avant-Garde (Wutaishan Main Store) - Visit "China's Most Beautiful Bookstore," impressive underground garage conversion design, buy phoenix tree leaf bookmarks as souvenirs. - **Afternoon**: Yihe Road Republican-era Architecture → 52 Ninghai Road spiral staircase (ask residents quietly for entry). - **Evening**: Confucius Temple Qinhuai River night cruise, avoid commercialized east route boats, recommended dinner at "Qiangye Restaurant" in Laomendong for stir-fried kidney. ### **Day 2: Historical Walking Tour** - **Morning**: Nanjing Museum (reserve 3 days in advance, focus on Republican Hall) → Lunch at Kexiang (Dezhou Roast Chicken with Lotus Root Cake, Xu Auntie's Rice Cakes). - **Afternoon**: Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (walk the Sacred Way + feed deer) → Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (overlook Purple Mountain) → watch pigeons circling at Music Terrace. - **Late night snack**: Chen Lin Duck Restaurant in Suojin Village (crispy skin, tender meat), or Director Dong's Minced Meat Pancake at Nanhu (opens at 11pm). ### **Day 3: Ancient Temple Exploration + Republican Era History** - **Early morning**: Jiming Temple to pray for love (10 yuan incense ticket includes three sticks), climb Medicine Buddha Pagoda for Xuanwu Lake views. - **Morning**: Presidential Palace (immersive modern history) → Jiangning Weaving Museum (Dream of the Red Chamber special exhibition). - **Afternoon**: Xuanwu Lake Taicheng City Wall (photograph ancient-modern contrast with Zifeng Tower) → return to More Apartment (near South Station, convenient transportation). --- ## 💡 Important Notes (Pitfall Guide) 1. **Reservations**: Nanjing Museum, Presidential Palace, and Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum require 1-7 day advance booking, closed on Mondays! Photography prohibited in memorial halls. 2. **Transportation**: - Eating and drinking prohibited on subway, violators will be fined; avoid parking shared bikes in Ming City Wall restricted areas. - Choose Airport Bus at Terminal 2 Column 7 with clearly marked prices; be cautious of unlicensed taxis. 3. **Food warnings**: - For duck blood vermicelli soup, choose light brown broth (not milky pre-made soup); "Blue Sleeve Auntie" in Kexiang sells rice balls for 3 yuan each. - Look for "H" or "X" marks on authentic Confucius Temple salted duck; scenic area "rain flower pebbles" are often artificially colored. 4. **Clothing**: Many mountain paths in Zijin Mountain scenic area, wear comfortable athletic shoes; masks essential in summer to protect against willow catkins.