3 days in Nanjing
The essential first trip: the mountain monuments, Nanjing Museum and the Qinhuai old city, then one full day for Niushoushan and a gentle lake finish.
Best for three full sightseeing days. Stay around Xinjiekou for central metro access or Fuzimiao for a more atmospheric evening base. Reserve Nanjing Museum first; leave rain, heat and mountain-shuttle decisions flexible.
Zhongshan Mountain, done realistically
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum → Ming Xiaoling or Meiling Palace → mountain shuttle → central dinner.
08:00 — arrive before the stairs and heat
Start at the Purple Mountain Scenic Area with the original passport and any current reservation. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum has steps and a large site footprint, so wear actual walking shoes and carry water; a city-fashion itinerary is not enough here.
11:30 — choose one second monument
Pick Ming Xiaoling for imperial history and a woodland route, or Meiling Palace for a shorter additional stop. Do not attempt every mountain attraction. Use the official sightseeing shuttle only after checking the day’s route and last return.
16:00 — return to the centre
Finish early enough for a shower and dinner. If rain is heavy or visibility is poor, swap this day with the museum; the mountain deserves a clear, cooler morning.
Move: save 中山陵, 明孝陵 and the exact gate in Chinese. Muxuyuan metro is a useful starting point for parts of the scenic area, but do not assume it is beside every entrance.
Museum by day, Qinhuai after dark
Nanjing Museum → lunch/rest → Confucius Temple → Qinhuai river → Laomendong.
09:00 — Nanjing Museum reservation
Arrive for the session you reserved with the same passport. This is a major museum, not a 30-minute stop: choose the historical galleries that interest you and leave time for security, galleries and a quiet lunch.
15:30 — rest before the lights
Use the metro back to your hotel or central base. Qinhuai is better in the late afternoon and evening, when lanterns, river views and street life make sense; do not waste the museum morning trying to combine both at a sprint.
18:00 — old city without tourist traps
Walk the Confucius Temple area and the Qinhuai riverbank, then continue to Laomendong if energy allows. Buy food from busy stalls with clear prices, avoid unsolicited “tea-house” invitations and keep a power bank for the metro ride home.
Move: save 南京博物院, 夫子庙 and 老门东. The garden-like neighbourhoods are easier when you know the Chinese name and exact entrance.
Niushoushan and a lake sunset
Niushoushan → return to central Nanjing → Xuanwu Lake or a relaxed dinner.
08:30 — go south with a clear plan
Niushoushan is outside the historic centre and works as its own day. Check the current ticket, entry time, transport and shuttle arrangement before departure. Dress respectfully for temple areas and keep shoulders/legs suitably covered where required.
15:30 — do not add a second paid monument
Return to the centre and use Xuanwu Lake for a gentle sunset walk if weather and energy are good. If it is hot or wet, choose a long dinner or a small indoor stop instead.
Evening — prepare for your next train
Confirm whether your onward ticket is from Nanjing South (南京南站) or Nanjing Railway Station (南京站). They are different stations; save the exact Chinese station and terminal before booking a car.
Move: a metro-plus-bus/taxi connection is often simpler than attempting a long walk at Niushoushan. Save 牛首山 and 玄武湖.
Three-day Nanjing checklist
- Passport: carry the original document used for hotel, rail and museum booking.
- Payment and data: set up Alipay/WeChat Pay and eSIM/roaming before arrival; keep small RMB cash as a backup.
- Heat: outdoor stairs happen early, then use the museum or an afternoon rest.
- Respect: memorial and religious spaces require quiet, time and whatever current photography guidance they post.
- Stations: confirm “Nanjing South” versus “Nanjing Railway Station” before your departure day.