Nanjing works well as a two- or three-day history city: stay near Xinjiekou, Confucius Temple, or a useful metro line, and do not underestimate the time needed for Purple Mountain.
Arrival
Nanjing South is the main high-speed rail hub and is useful for Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Beijing, and many regional routes. Nanjing Lukou airport sits outside the city, so plan transfer time if arriving late.
Nanjing South
Best rail arrival for most visitors. Connect by metro, taxi, or ride-hailing.
Lukou Airport
Useful for domestic flights. Check late-night transport before booking a far hotel.
Metro
Strong enough for most visitor routes, especially if your hotel is near a station.
Where to stay
Xinjiekou is the most convenient central base. Confucius Temple/Qinhuai River is atmospheric but can be busy. Areas near Nanjing University or Gulou can feel calmer and practical.
Transport
The metro is useful for most visitor routes, but historical sights can still involve walking, security checks, and large grounds. Use ride-hailing when moving between Purple Mountain, river areas, and a tired evening return.
Food and daily basics
Nanjing is good for duck dishes, noodles, snacks, and river-delta style food. If you are visiting museum-heavy or memorial-heavy sites, keep meals simple and avoid planning a huge restaurant detour in the middle of the day.
First day plan
- Check in and save your hotel address in Chinese.
- Walk Qinhuai River or a central neighborhood rather than crossing the whole city.
- Plan museums or Purple Mountain for a full daylight block.
- Use metro for predictable movement.
Simple 3-day structure
- Confucius Temple, Qinhuai River, city wall, and central food streets.
- Presidential Palace, Nanjing Museum, or Memorial Hall depending on interest.
- Purple Mountain, Ming Xiaoling, or Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum with generous walking time.
Avoid
Do not stack Purple Mountain with too many central sights. Nanjing rewards slower historical days and comfortable shoes.