2026 First Things To Do in China: 3 Days in Nanjing

Hey there, fellow travelers! If you’re planning to go to Nanjing, you’re in for a treat! This ancient yet vibrant city blends history, culture, and cozy vibes perfectly—especially during the holiday season. Let me walk you through a 3-day itinerary that’s equal parts fun, fascinating, and easy to follow. No stuffy guides here—just a friend sharing the best spots to hit, hidden tips, and why each place is totally worth your time.

Where to Stay: Sleep Like a Local (with a Touch of Luxury)

I’d recommend the Nanjing Suning Zhongshan International Golf Hotel. It’s a bit of a splurge (around ¥1099 for 2 nights), but trust me, it’s worth it. Super comfy, surrounded by greenery, and if you’re driving an electric car, there’s a NIO supercharger right next to it—handy, right? Perfect for recharging both you and your ride after a long day of exploring.

Day 1: Arrival & Classic Nanjing Vibes

Morning: Settle In

Start by driving to the hotel (it’s about 3.5 hours from most nearby cities, 288km). Drop your bags, grab a coffee, and if you need to, charge your car—done in no time with that supercharger.

Afternoon: Lakes, Temples & Book Lovers’ Heaven

Xuanwu Lake (玄武湖)First stop: Xuanwu Lake. Think of it as a smaller, cozier version of Hangzhou’s West Lake, but with its own charm. Rent a bike (super cheap!) or stroll along the shore—sunset here is *chef’s kiss*—pinks and oranges painting the sky over the water. If you’re driving, park at the Nanjing International Exhibition Center nearby.
Jiming Temple (鸡鸣寺)Just a short drive from the lake, this ancient temple is stunning. The golden walls and red gates make for amazing photos, and their little cultural souvenirs—think cute keychains or postcards—are totally worth grabbing. Pro tip: Locals say it’s lucky for love—maybe pick up a charm? Walk the nearby city wall for killer views too.

Evening: Books & Bites

Vanguard Bookstore (Pukou Main Store 先锋书店五台山总店)This isn’t your average bookstore. It’s huge, with cozy nooks and even a wall where you can leave a note to yourself or someone you miss. Park at the Paulaner Beer Garden lot—it’s easy.
Xinjiekou & Deji Plaza (新街口德基)Head here for dinner and a little shopping. Deji has tons of restaurants (try local snacks like salted duck or stinky tofu—trust me, it’s good!) and the area feels lively, especially with New Year decorations. Parking’s a breeze here, so no stress.

Day 2: History, Animals & Night Lights

Morning: Zhongshan Scenic Area (钟山风景区)

Skip the crowds and head straight for Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and **Meiling Palace**—they’re the stars here. Ming Xiaoling’s stone statues and tree-lined paths feel like stepping back in time, while Meiling Palace (once home to a 1930s leader’s wife) is full of that old-world glamour. Park at the Nanjing Ten Dynasties Cultural Park (Entrance 2)—super convenient.

P.S. We skipped the Presidential Palace, but if history’s your thing, go for it! Book tickets in advance though.

Afternoon: Animal Cuteness

Hongshan Forest Zoo (红山动物园)This place is way more fun than your average zoo. They’ve got pandas, but the real star is *Dudu*—a super popular red panda (you’ll see why when you spot that fluffy tail!). Park at the North Gate.

Evening: Qinhuai River Magic

Confucius Temple & Qinhuai River (夫子庙秦淮河)This is non-negotiable. The night views here are *unreal*—lit-up ancient buildings reflecting in the river, street food stalls everywhere (try tangyuan—sweet rice dumplings, perfect for New Year!), and the vibe is electric. Take the night cruise (¥80 per person)—gliding past the lights as musicians play traditional music? Pure magic. Wander over to Laodongmen (老东门) after—quaint lanes with shops and cafes, great for picking up last-minute gifts.

Day 3: Culture & Serenity

Morning: Nanjing Museum (南京博物院)

This place is a must. It’s huge, with everything from ancient jade to modern art—you could spend hours here. Important: Book tickets 7 days in advance on their WeChat official account (it’s free, but gets booked up fast!). Park at the hotel next door, or use the official street parking—even on holidays, it’s organized.

Afternoon: Niushou Mountain (牛首山)

A 40-minute drive from the museum, this mountain is famous for its stunning temples and peaceful vibes. The architecture here is wild—modern yet timeless, and the views from the top are worth the trip. It’s a nice, calm end to your trip before heading home.

Pro Tips for Your Trip

Booking: Nanjing Museum, Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and the Presidential Palace need bookings 7 days ahead—set a reminder!
Parking: Most spots are easy, but note the ones I mentioned (like Nanjing International Exhibition Center for Xuanwu Lake) to save time.
Avoid Mondays: Many museums close then—luckily, New Year’s 2024 is a Monday? Wait, no—check the date, but better safe than sorry!
Weather: It’s cold in January—pack layers, scarves, and warm shoes!

Nanjing’s got this amazing mix of old and new, and spending New Year here? You’ll leave with full photo albums and even fuller hearts. Enjoy every second—can’t wait for you to fall in love with it as much as I did!