2026 Nanjing Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

✨🏮 An Easy-to-Follow 4-Day, 3-Night Nanjing Itinerary Nanjing, one of China's ancient capitals, is brimming with historical charm, rich culture, and stunning architecture. It’s the perfect destination for a 4-day, 3-night trip. With its incredibly convenient subway system, you can easily check off all the major landmarks! 📍 Recommended Spots 🏮 Confucius Temple & Qinhuai River – Take a stroll through the old town, admire the Confucius Temple, and soak in the beautiful riverside vibes. 🛕 Dabaoen Temple Heritage Park – An ancient temple featuring striking architecture and a deep, rich history. 🏯 Zhonghua Gate – A massive ancient city gate and one of Nanjing's most iconic symbols. ⛰️ Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum – A significant historical landmark nestled beautifully in nature. 🕊️ Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall – A powerful and moving museum that recounts a crucial chapter in history. ✨ Niushoushan Cultural Park – Marvel at the Foding Palace and its truly breathtaking, majestic architecture. 🏮 Laomendong Historic District – A charming historic neighborhood packed with cafes, souvenir shops, and highly aesthetic photo spots. 🏛️ Presidential Palace – A fascinating historical complex complete with beautiful gardens right in the heart of the city. 🏺 Nanjing Museum – A comprehensive museum showcasing an extensive collection of Chinese antiquities and historical narratives. If you have 4 days and 3 nights to spare, this itinerary perfectly captures the history, culture, and unique atmosphere of Nanjing. It's highly recommended for anyone looking to explore China on their own! 🇨🇳✈️ China Solo Travel Museum

If you're planning a trip to China and want to experience the starting point of the Silk Road, explore world-class historical sites, and taste authentic local cuisine, Xi'an is a must-visit destination! In this City Guide, I've compiled all the essential information for travelers into a quick, easy-to-read 6-page guide. It's highly practical and covers top attractions, must-eat food, and a perfect 4-day, 3-night itinerary. Must-See Highlights 🏯 Terracotta Army – The world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage mausoleum 🚶 Ancient City Wall – Walk or bike along one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China 🕌 Great Mosque – A stunning blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture 🥟 Muslim Quarter – A famous street food hub filled with delicious eats and a vibrant atmosphere Must-Try Food 🍜 Biang Biang Noodles 🥙 Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger) 🍲 Yangrou Paomo Suggested Itinerary 📅 4 Days & 3 Nights Day 1 – Bell Tower • Muslim Quarter Day 2 – Terracotta Army • Huaqing Palace Day 3 – Ancient City Wall • Great Mosque Day 4 – Big Wild Goose Pagoda • Giant Wild Goose Square Know Before You Go 🌸 Best Time to Visit: March–May and September–November 🚇 Getting Around: Convenient travel via Xi’an Metro, taxis, Didi, and high-speed rail Xi’an is more than just an ancient city; it’s a place where the stories of Chinese civilization come alive in every alley, street, and dish. If you want to embark on a journey through China's rich history, this city is a once-in-a-lifetime destination ❤️🇨🇳

Whose childhood memories just got triggered😭!! The 1986 Journey to the West really came to life✨ Located in Huai’an, Jiangsu, the hometown of Wu Cheng’en, this is the only full Journey to the West theme park in the world Step into the park and instantly enter a mythical world with real-life recreations of Flower-Fruit Mountain, Flaming Mountain, and the Great Thunderclap Temple Perfect for nostalgic young adults, couples on short dates, or families with kids Weekend trips from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai take just 2–3 hours. No need to travel abroad to immerse yourself in a pilgrimage adventure🐒 📌|Basic park info 📍Address: No. 6, Journey to the West Avenue, Qingjiangpu District, Huai’an, Jiangsu Province ⏰Opening hours ▪️Weekdays (Mon–Fri): 9:30 AM–5:30 PM (no night fireworks) ▪️Weekends/public holidays: 9:00 AM–9:30 PM (full night shows included) ▪️Night entry: after 4:00 PM 🎫2026 ticket prices (buy online in advance for better deals) ▪️Adult all-day ticket: 199 CNY on weekdays|249 CNY on weekends/holidays (one ticket for all rides) ▪️Discount tickets: 135–155 CNY (children 1.2–1.5 m tall, seniors 60–69 years old, full-time students; ID required) ▪️Free admission: children under 1.2 m and seniors 70+ with valid ID enter free ▪️Night ticket: 99–158 CNY, best value if you only want to see the night view and fireworks 🚗|Complete transportation guide ✅High-speed rail (top choice for Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai) Arrive at Huai’an East Station ▪️Taxi: about 20 minutes, 25–30 CNY direct to park entrance ▪️Bus: routes You 7 and You 8, 2 CNY, 25 minutes direct, last bus at 6:20 PM. After night shows, taxi recommended for return ✅Driving Navigation: Huai’an Journey to the West Park P2 main parking lot, closest to ticket gate Parking fee: 10 CNY/day on weekdays, 20 CNY all day on weekends/holidays, plenty of spaces From Nanjing: 2.5 hours|Suzhou: 3.5 hours|Shanghai: 4 hours, perfect for a weekend trip ✅City bus Route 91 goes directly to the park entrance, ideal for local visitors 🎢|Must-try attractions|two categories to check off 🔥Thrill rides|for young adults (most recommended for 1.4 m and taller) ▪️Three Battles with the White Bone Demon|the park’s longest lines Dark ride + 360° rotating cars, real demon cave + 3D effects, White Bone Demon suddenly appears close up, atmosphere maxed out ❗Motion sickness warning|📸Photo spot: cave entrance stone tablet, dark suspense vibe ▪️Havoc in Heaven|naked-eye 5D dome flight theater Journey to the West version of “Soaring Over the Horizon”! Suspended seats fly with the Monkey King through the clouds, over Heaven and Flower-Fruit Mountain Almost no weightlessness, fun for all ages|📸Photo spot: theater exit Heavenly Corridor ▪️Boundless Buddhism|circular roller coaster Twists and turns around the Golden Roof of the Thunderclap Temple, strong centrifugal force, nonstop screams 📸Photo spot: under the coaster looking up, Golden Roof backdrop is stunning ▪️Flaming Mountain Fury|launch roller coaster Launches instantly from the volcano crater with fire and heat wave effects, speed sensation maxed out, perfect stress relief 👨‍👩‍👧Family-friendly rides|easy for parents to enjoy with kids ▪️Birth of the Monkey King|4D track theater Immersive viewing of the stone monkey breaking out of the rock, gentle story, cute visuals, great for young kids 📸Photo spot: entrance Water Curtain Cave mist scene, very magical ▪️Jade Pool Tea Cups|Journey to the West themed spinning tea cups Slow, dreamy colors, kids love it, couples can take atmospheric photos 📸Photo spot: side view with Tang Town’s ancient-style buildings in the background ▪️Banana Fan (Cleverly capturing the Banana Fan) 4D immersive film, enter Princess Iron Fan’s cave, wind and mist effects, fun story 📸Photo spot: in front of the giant banana fan installation 🗺️|All-day itinerary|copy this plan ▫️One-day efficient route (for day-trippers who want to see it all) 9. 00 AM park opens > head straight to Havoc in Heaven 10. 15 AM > Three Battles with the White Bone Demon (go early to avoid lines!!) 11. 30 AM > Boundless Buddhism > Flaming Mountain Fury 12. 30 PM lunch and rest in Tang Town 2:00 PM family rides: Birth of the Monkey King, Jade Pool Tea Cups, Banana Fan 5:00 PM stroll the park, take photos, wait for night lights 7:30 PM parade > 8:30 PM drone + fireworks show 💡Line avoidance tips: 1. Wait at the entrance 15 minutes before opening to be among the first in 2. After 3:00 PM, visit popular rides in reverse order to avoid midday crowds 3. Use the app to check wait times and adjust your route flexibly ▫️Family-friendly two-day route (take it slow, no rush) Day 1: enter in the afternoon, do all family-friendly rides, explore Tang Town, watch fireworks at night, then rest Day 2: morning thrill rides, revisit favorites, catch park theater shows, leisurely shop for souvenirs, return in the afternoon 🌃|Night highlights|show times + best viewing spots ▪️7:30 PM Journey to the West themed parade✨ The four pilgrims and various gods and monsters interact and high-five along the route ✅Best spot: front rows along the main parade route from Tang Town to Thunderclap Hall, arrive 30 minutes early ▪️8:20 PM drone light show Lights form the golden staff, Monkey King, and White Dragon Horse shapes, with music that hits the heart ▪️8:30 PM fireworks + water screen show (weekends & holidays only) ✅Best spot: stone steps in front of Thunderclap Hall plaza, facing the main stage, beautiful water reflections, arrive 45 minutes early The Great Thunderclap Temple lit up at night looks like a fairyland in the west, perfect for stunning night photos 💡|Money-saving tips & warnings ▪️Bring your own supplies: water bottles allowed! Many drinking fountains in the park. Small snacks allowed, no self-heating food. Bring sunscreen hats and power banks. Expect to walk 20,000 steps daily ▪️Park dining: Tang Town commercial street and Gao Laozhuang noodle shop, 50–70 CNY per person, average taste and prices typical for theme parks. To save money, eat before entering ▪️Nearby lodging: for convenience, choose guesthouses or hotels near the park, 10–15 minutes by car, 150–260 CNY per night. Riyuezhou Resort is within walking distance, great for families ▪️Souvenir shopping: buy at the exit gift shop, fridge magnets and keychains offer good value. Avoid overpriced souvenirs from street vendors ▪️Beware: the park has no official fast pass! Do not buy fast passes from scalpers to avoid scams Be sure to stay until night! Only visiting during the day is a missed opportunity. The night view and fireworks are the soul of the experience🥳

If you wanna take your chill game to the next level, China’s nature is THE move. 🌿 From jaw-dropping mountain views in Zhangjiajie (National Forest Park, open daily 8:00–18:00, Address: Zhangjiajie, Hunan) to the crazy beautiful lakes of Jiuzhaigou (Jiuzhaigou Valley, open daily 8:00–17:00, Address: Jiuzhaigou County, Sichuan), it’s honestly so next-level chill. Hit up the bamboo forests in Anji (Anji Bamboo Forest, open daily 7:30–18:30, Address: Anji County, Zhejiang) if walking through endless green vibes sounds like your kind of therapy. Or catch some zen at the natural hot springs in Tangshan (Tangshan Hot Springs, open daily 10:00–22:00, Address: Tangshan Town, Nanjing). Whether you wanna hike, snap those Insta-worthy pics, or just vibe with nature, China’s got you covered. So pack your comfy shoes and bring your best chill vibes. Your feed (and your soul) will thank you! 😎

#touristtrap I stepped into the historic alleys of China's ancient tourist towns, and I noticed the exact same phenomenon everywhere. Thousands of tourists were crowding into minimalist, deep Morandi-blue boutiques, scanning walls of a brand called CHUNKIAN (春弦). It’s a national hand cream cult, and it is a masterclass in emotional retail psychology. 💎 The Color Hypnosis: The visual trap starts before you even cross the threshold. The brand paints their entire store in one solid, deep aesthetic color, creating a striking modern Insta-zone slammed right in the middle of a traditional, chaotic Chinese market. You walk in just for the photo, and you leave with a shopping bag. 💎 The Scarcity Trap: They don't just sell cream. They sell "365 Days Birthday Flower" profiles. Every calendar date has its own unique floral scent and illustration. The staff intentionally leaves gaps on the shelves under specific popular dates, creating an artificial marketing scarcity. You see your birthday is "almost sold out," you panic, and you buy it instantly. 💎 The Localization Illusion: In Chongqing, the box states "Chongqing Exclusive Souvenir" with local stilt houses on the cover. In Suzhou, it changes to traditional gardens. Don't fall for it! It is the exact same mass-produced factory formula shipped nationwide. The price is rigidly locked across all tourist scenic zones at $6.50 to $7.30 USD (45 to 49 RMB). 💎 The Smart Verdict: Is the cream good? Honestly, yes. It’s non-greasy, absorbs fast, and smells beautiful. But here is the ultimate insider truth: you can find the exact same high-quality moisturizing formulas at local Chinese supermarkets or pharmacies for less than $2 USD. You just won't get the blue aesthetic lighting, the tourist landmarks on the box, or your birth date stamped on the cap. 💎 The Takeaway: It comes down to a simple question: are you paying for what is inside the jar, or are you paying for the emotional luxury of the experience outside? If you want a cute, thoughtful $7 gift for a friend, it’s worth the splurge. But don't break your back hauling 20 boxes across China thinking it's a rare, unattainable artifact. 📍 Location: Chunxian Flagship Stores (春弦护手霜) Address: Located in almost every major historical/scenic district in China (e.g., Fuzimiao in Nanjing, Jinli in Chengdu, Ciqikou in Chongqing).

Traveling to Nanjing with kids, we discovered a hidden gem of a guesthouse full of atmosphere. No need to rush or travel far—staying here is a healing travel photo experience in itself. The public area right at the entrance is stunning. A large screen continuously shows panoramic views of Xuanwu Lake, the Ming City Wall, the Olympic rings, and the clear lake scenery—all iconic sights of Jinling you can check in to without stepping outside. Lush greenery surrounds the space, with lively butterfly decorations nestled among the branches. Paired with the "Yushe Tea Ceremony" tea setup, after exploring Nanjing’s old streets, you can brew a pot of tea and relax, smoothing away the travel stress. Step into the guest room, where a gentle, soothing creamy wabi-sabi design awaits. Rounded lines and built-in arched niches create a high-end Instagram-worthy vibe. The niches hold soft, cute Dumbo and vintage Moai statue decorations—unique and perfect for snapping atmospheric photos. The natural wood desk and wall-mounted yukata area are thoughtfully arranged, making packing and temporary work convenient. What excites the kids the most is the yellow cloud-style spiral slide inside the room, leading straight up to a cozy loft space. They can play from morning till night without getting bored. By the window, a sloth plush and cartoon pillows sit invitingly. Soft light filters through the rounded window, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere. The room layout includes a queen bed plus a single bed, perfect for families to stay spaciously and comfortably. The wall-mounted projector lets you cozy up in bed to watch shows, doubling the travel happiness. Detail lovers will appreciate the bathroom design. The dry and wet areas are clean and well separated. A special elephant-shaped children’s toilet thoughtfully meets family travel needs. The bathroom features a large makeup mirror and a stylish sink, making washing up and makeup easy. Soft linens are fully provided, perfect for relaxing after a long day on the go. In the ancient city’s lively atmosphere of Jinling, find a gentle and playful place to rest. Stroll the Ming City Wall and Xuanwu Lake by day to take in Nanjing’s scenery. At night, return to the guesthouse to enjoy tea, take photos, and play on the slide, fully embracing the relaxed travel vibe. This guesthouse is the top choice for family trips to Nanjing, offering a one-stop stay and travel photo experience to easily capture your family’s wonderful journey.

Nanjing is wonderful, but I won't be going back, because it's just too poignant ✨ Only after visiting Jinling did I understand the romance of an ancient capital that captures your heart at first sight. It's not that Nanjing isn't worth a second visit; it's that the atmosphere of that first encounter is too precious. I want to preserve the unique gentleness and profoundness of this Six Dynasties ancient capital completely in my memories, unwilling to let a hurried return dilute it. A city with a natural sense of story, plane trees cover the old streets, the Qinhuai River flows with bygone eras, and every brick and tile hides the elegance accumulated over time. 🍂 [Must-visit ancient capital landmarks embodying Nanjing's spirit] · Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Walk slowly up the layers of steps, surrounded by lush, quiet, and solemn trees. Looking out at the vast forest from here, your heart unconsciously finds peace. There's no noisy restlessness, only a landscape of green pines and cypresses, allowing you to calm down and feel the weight of history. Remember to book in advance and explore slowly with reverence. · Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum in late autumn is legendary, but even outside of autumn, the Sacred Way in spring and summer is exceptionally tranquil. Lush vegetation lines the Stone Statues Road, where ancient stone beasts have stood silently for centuries, guarding under the shade of trees. Walking on the stone path, as the wind rustles through the treetops, it's as if you hear the whispers of old times. · Confucius Temple & Qinhuai River The Qinhuai River is most charming in the evening. As the lights come on, painted boats slowly glide on the river, and the lights of ancient buildings flicker along both banks. There's no need to rush to check out the crowded commercial streets; just take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank, feel the evening breeze, watch the shimmering water, and soak in the ancient charm of the Qinhuai River's night. · Laomendong Compared to commercialized districts, Laomendong has more of a lived-in, down-to-earth feel. Bluestone paths and old courtyard walls are interspersed with artistic shops, teahouses, and dessert shops. Sitting at a street corner in the afternoon, watching passersby, with the shadows of plane trees falling on the walls, it's retro and healing; every step makes for a great photo. · Yihe Road The ultimate plane tree avenue in Nanjing. The entire road is enveloped by tall plane trees, with Republic of China-era villas scattered along the roadside. There are no crowded tourists, just quiet tranquility, perfect for a leisurely city walk, where every casual shot captures the atmospheric streetscape of an ancient capital. 🥢 [Nanjing's local flavors loved by residents] Nanjing's cuisine is gentle and authentic. Duck blood vermicelli soup, with its thin skin and ample filling, is fresh and warming; crispy golden potstickers burst with juice when you bite into them. Soft and sticky plum blossom cakes and sweet red bean tangyuan are the sweets of Jiangnan. In your free time, enjoy a plate of salted duck, with its tender, savory meat—a taste ingrained in Nanjing's soul. Find a small shop hidden in an alley; you don't need a trendy spot to enjoy authentic flavors. 📝 [Relaxed 3-day slow travel itinerary] Day 1: Arrive in Nanjing → Stroll along Yihe Road's plane tree avenue → Wander and snack in Laomendong → Enjoy the night view of the Qinhuai River in the evening Day 2: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum → Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum → Linggu Temple, escape into the mountains for a moment of peace Day 3: In-depth visit to the Nanjing Museum → Casual stroll around Xinjiekou → Return with memories 💌 Random thoughts Nanjing's charm lies in its blend of softness and strength. It possesses the graceful elegance of the Six Dynasties and the grand composure accumulated through history. The city is full of plane trees, bustling with life, half ancient charm, half human warmth. Choosing not to return for a second time isn't a farewell; it's about carefully preserving all the emotion and wonder of that first encounter with Jinling. Henceforth, whenever an ancient Jiangnan capital is mentioned, Jinling will always hold a special place in my heart.

#souvenirguide For generations of Chinese, the White Rabbit isn't just candy — it's a time machine wrapped in edible rice paper. Born in Shanghai in 1959, this creamy, melt-in-your-mouth milk candy has been the taste of childhood for over six decades. Today, the rabbit has hopped into the 21st century. On Nanjing Road — the "No.1 Commercial Street of China" — White Rabbit has built an empire of sweetness. At 409 Nanjing East Road, the flagship store greets you with a giant rabbit sculpture and shelves bursting with over 10 flavors: from classic creamy milk to adventurous wasabi, coffee, matcha, and even durian. Upstairs, you'll find molecular White Rabbit ice cream and towering cotton candy clouds. Downstairs,cultural merchandise— perfume that smells like the candy, lip balm, canvas bags, and plush pillows — let you take the nostalgia home in forms you never imagined. And if you're thirsty? Head to 371 Nanjing East Road, where White Rabbit's first-ever permanent milk tea shop serves up "drinkable candy". The Original Milk Tea uses Guangming Junshan fresh milk; the Salty Peanut Latte tastes just like a peanut nougat; and the Plum Oolong Tea offers a refreshing twist. 💡 Pro Tips: · Metro: Line 2 or 10 to Nanjing East Road Station, Exit 7 · Best route: Start from People's Square, walk east along Nanjing Road → hit the White Rabbit store → continue to the Bund for sunset · Weekday mornings are quieter than weekends · Multiple White Rabbit locations on Nanjing Road — the flagship at 409 has the widest selection

🌸 Pro Review: Exploring Shanghai, the City of Flowers for All Seasons 📍 Location Name Shanghai, China 🌆 Many might know Shanghai as China's most modern metropolis, full of skyscrapers, shopping districts, and world-class landmarks. But did you know that Shanghai is also a city of floral gardens with various types of flowers taking turns blooming throughout the year? With its subtropical climate, each season has its own distinct character. From plum blossoms in late winter, cherry blossoms and tulips in spring, roses and hydrangeas in summer, to sweet osmanthus, chrysanthemums, and changing autumn foliage in the fall. It's truly another ideal city for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers. 📍 Location Shanghai People's Republic of China 🇨🇳 ✨ Attraction Highlights 🌸 Admire over 10,000 cherry blossom trees at Gucun Park, one of the largest cherry blossom parks in China. 🌷 Vibrant tulip festivals at Jing'an Sculpture Park and Shanghai Botanical Garden. 🌹 Experience blooming roses, hydrangeas, and lotuses in parks all over the city during summer. 🌼 During September–October, the sweet scent of osmanthus fills the entire city. 🍁 Catch the chrysanthemums and changing autumn foliage with a romantic atmosphere toward the end of the year. 🏙️ Explore famous landmarks simultaneously, such as The Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Lujiazui, and various large public parks. 📸 Great for year-round travel, with each season offering different vibes and photo opportunities. 💰 Admission Fees · Many public parks are free to enter. · Botanical gardens or certain flower festivals charge an entrance fee of about 15–40 RMB. · Special admission fees may apply during specific flower festivals depending on the venue. 🕘 Opening Hours · General public parks are open from around 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. · Most botanical gardens are open from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. · Operating hours may vary depending on the season and festivals. 🚆 How to Get There ✈️ By Air · Arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) · Or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) 🚄 By High-Speed Rail · Connects with major cities across China, such as Beijing, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Nanjing. 🚇 By Metro · Covers major tourist attractions with convenient access. Fares start at around 3 RMB. 🚖 Taxi / Ride-Hailing Apps (DiDi) · Convenient for traveling between flower parks and other tourist attractions. 🌸 Year-Round Blooming Calendar 🌺 January — Camellia 🌸 February — Plum Blossom 🌸 March — Cherry Blossom and Magnolia 🌷 April — Tulip, Wisteria, and Azalea 🌹 May — Rose and Peony 💜 June — Hydrangea and Rose 🪷 July–August — Lotus and Summer Flowers 🌼 September–October — Sweet Osmanthus and Chrysanthemum 🍁 November — Chrysanthemum and Autumn Leaves 🌺 December — Camellia If you're looking for a city to visit year-round and enjoy a wide variety of flowers, Shanghai is highly recommended. Whether it's the spring season filled with cherry blossoms, a refreshing summer with lotuses and hydrangeas, or an autumn infused with the sweet scent of osmanthus and colorful changing foliage, every season offers a distinct charm. It's the perfect destination for unwinding, taking photos, and experiencing another side of this world-class metropolis.

Shanghai turned out to be way more fascinating than I ever expected. It's a place where modern skyscrapers sit right next to traditional gardens, and three days is just enough to explore the highlights without feeling rushed. 📍 Day 1 — Getting to Know the City Morning: · The Bund · Nanjing Road Afternoon: · People’s Square · People’s Park Evening: · Huangpu River Cruise · View of the Pudong skyline after sunset 💡 If you have to choose between a daytime and an evening stroll along the waterfront—go for the evening. The city completely transforms as it lights up. 🏙 Day 2 — Modern Shanghai Morning: · Shanghai Tower (observation deck) · Lujiazui Financial District Afternoon: · Oriental Pearl Tower · IFC Mall Evening: · Riverside Promenade · Dinner with a view of the skyscrapers 💡 You'll get the best photos about an hour before sunset. 🌿 Day 3 — Old Shanghai Morning: · Yu Garden · Yuyuan Bazaar Afternoon: · Xintiandi · French Concession Evening: · Tianzifang · Dinner at a local restaurant 💡 The French Concession is my absolute favorite neighborhood in Shanghai. It has a completely different vibe: leafy green streets, quaint cafes, and cozy boutiques. Must-See Spots ✅ The Bund ✅ Shanghai Tower ✅ Yu Garden ✅ French Concession ✅ Huangpu River Cruise 💬 My Top Tip If it's your first time in Shanghai, set aside at least three full days. That way, you can take your time checking out the main attractions, heading up to an observation deck, wandering through historic neighborhoods, and experiencing the city both during the day and at night—because it's after dark when Shanghai truly leaves the strongest impression.

If you're arriving at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), there are several ways to get to downtown Shanghai: 🚇 1. Metro (Highly Recommended) The Shanghai Metro connects directly to the airport. Line 2 → Heads to downtown areas such as: People's Square Nanjing Road Lujiazui Line 10 → Heads to: Xintiandi Yuyuan Garden The Bund (requires a short transfer/walk) Fare: Approx. 3–7 RMB Time: 20–40 minutes (depending on your destination) 🚖 2. Taxi The most convenient option if you have a lot of luggage. Travel time to downtown is about 20–40 minutes. Fare is roughly 50–120 RMB. Late-night surcharges may apply. 🚗 3. Didi The most popular ride-hailing app in China. You can book a ride via the Didi app or Alipay. Prices are usually similar to taxis or slightly cheaper. Great for travelers with internet access. 🚌 4. Airport Shuttle Bus Offers multiple routes to different areas of the city. Fare ranges from 2–30 RMB. Ideal if your accommodation is near a bus stop. ✨ Summary & Tips 💰 Most Budget-Friendly: Metro 🧳 Traveling with Large Luggage: Taxi or Didi 🌙 Late-Night Arrivals: Taxi or Didi is much more convenient, especially after the Metro stops running.

I haven't seen enough of the world yet. This washroom in Nanjing, China is incredibly gorgeous, huge and seriously comfortable. "What's that sound?" "Oh, just some lady playing the piano in the WC." This is China, and it amused me to no end when my hostel mate asked if I wanted to check out some luxurious, revamped toilets in a high-end mall. I was like, "Sure?" As a solo traveller, I'm more spontaneous than not, so this was definitely an experience to look forward to. There were tons of people there. Some were even filming Douyin videos. Most were taking selfies, videos, or whatever else to commemorate the moment of discovering a new 打卡 ("check-in") spot. Do you think the money was well spent on the interiors? I mean, thankfully, there were no squat toilets because that’s a huge culture shock for me. 📍Nanjing Deji Plaza #mytraveldiary #china #chinatravel #travel #interesting #jiaowojiejie #flynhellaswag #toilet

People say the romance of Nanjing is hidden in the old town, but I make a point to visit Ginkgo Lake Park every month. This time, I specially came with friends to enjoy a fireworks extravaganza. The fireworks by the CCTV Spring Festival Gala team combined with a drone show create an amazing atmosphere 🎆 Here, there’s not only a fairy-tale amusement park but also a refreshing water world, a healing ecological lawn, a sunset beach, a petting zoo, and a wild mountain secret spot—all unlocked in one place. Whether it’s a couple’s date, a trip with friends, or a family outing with kids, it’s super suitable 🌳 🗺 Simplified play route Amusement Park → Dinosaur Museum → Ecological Park → Petting Zoo → Water World → Drone Fireworks Show 🌟 Must-visit highlights ▷🎠 Amusement Park Carousel, roller coaster, pink castle, romantic Ferris wheel—all unlimited rides with one ticket, letting you fully relive childhood joy. ▷💦 Summer Water World Giant wave pool, thrilling water slides, golden sandy beach paired with lively music parties—perfect for summer outings with kids, an immersive cool experience. ▷🌿 Ecological Leisure Area Koi Pond: Surrounded by schools of koi, you can feed them by hand, perfect for dreamy photos, kids won’t want to leave; Alpaca Lawn: A vast lawn that can hold 50,000 people, feed the soft and cute alpacas by day, and enjoy the fireworks at night; Dengji Mountain: Climb to the top for a panoramic view of Ginkgo Lake, lush greenery all around, breathe in the full dose of negative oxygen ions. ✨ Summer Exclusive | 6.28‑8.31 Special Benefits 1. Two themed parades daily, interact with NPCs, and enjoy lively water gun battles; 2. At 8:30 PM sharp, a fireworks extravaganza, CCTV drone formation show, and 3D water screen projection performed by the Spring Festival Gala production team, delivering a stunning visual experience. 💡 Thoughtful tips for your visit 1. The park is very large, so it’s recommended to reserve half a day to a full day; I entered at 3 PM and after visiting Water World and the ecological area, I barely had time to check out the amusement rides before the fireworks; 2. Bring swimwear, waterproof phone pouch, towel, and power bank for water activities; arriving at dusk lets you catch a breathtaking sunset 🌇 📍 Nanjing · Ginkgo Lake Park 🚇 Transportation: Metro Line S1 to Zhengfang Zhonglu Station, then transfer to Park Shuttle Bus No.1 directly to the park ⏰ Opening Hours: Weekdays 9:30 AM–9:00 PM | Holidays 9:00 AM–9:30 PM Avoid the crowded city center and come to Ginkgo Lake to experience Nanjing’s unique passion and romance!

Everyone lands in Shanghai. But what if you started somewhere different? Singapore Airlines has resumed daily non-stop flights to Hangzhou, making one of China’s most fascinating cities easier to reach than it has been in decades. Hangzhou is famous for its UNESCO-listed West Lake, Longjing tea, and as the home of Alibaba. Yet what makes this route even more compelling is what happens after you land. China’s high-speed rail network puts Shanghai, Suzhou and Nanjing within easy reach, allowing you to build a multi-city itinerary without needing another flight. Instead of treating Hangzhou as a day trip from Shanghai, I’d reverse the journey. Spend a few days exploring Hangzhou first, then continue by high-speed rail through eastern China. Sometimes the smartest itinerary isn’t about visiting more places. It’s about entering a region from a different direction. That’s exactly why I think this route deserves more attention. Would you still fly into Shanghai first, or would you start your journey in Hangzhou instead? #SingaporeAirlines #Hangzhou #WestLake #Shanghai #Suzhou #Nanjing #HighSpeedRail #ChinaTravel #TravelChina #CrumpledNomad #ExperienceFirst #chinatrip #hangzhoutrip

Visiting Nan. 🚽Nanjing Deji Plaza | The legendary multi-million-dollar viral restroom✨ So luxurious you'll think you walked into an art gallery! When shopping in Nanjing, besides hitting up boutiques and enjoying great food, there's an absolutely wild attraction you must make a pilgrimage to—the viral restrooms at Deji Plaza.🚽 It's seriously so mind-blowingly luxurious here that the moment you walk in, you completely forget you're here to use the bathroom. You'll think you accidentally stumbled into an art exhibit or a boutique hotel. Every floor features a different theme, making it basically an immersive spatial experience where you can't help but keep snapping photos📸. Phase I of Deji Plaza has a total of 6 themed restrooms, ranging from black-gold luxury, sci-fi nightclub, New Chinese Zen, mirror art, tropical rainforest, to a cozy scholarly vibe. Each one is distinctively gorgeous. Phase II offers 4 different styles, including minimalist black and white, silver sci-fi, comic graffiti, and cyberpunk. Every single one feels like a meticulously crafted art space, totally blowing your mind about what a bathroom can be.✨ If you have plenty of time, I highly recommend following this route to check them all out: 🚶Phase I: 2F → 3F → 4F → 5F → 6F → 7F, then take the skybridge to Phase II: 3F → 4F → 6F → 8F. No backtracking needed, collect all the themes in one go! I have to say, Deji Plaza has truly elevated "going to the bathroom" into a whole ritual.😂 Walking through it all, I often couldn't figure out if I was taking photos📷, visiting an art exhibition🎨, or actually needing to use the toilet🤣. If you're traveling to Nanjing and happen to be exploring Xinjiekou, I highly recommend dropping by to experience it. I bet you'll be just like me, unable to hold back the exclamation: "This has to be the most luxurious bathroom I've used in my entire life!"✨🚽

🏮 Confucius Temple Pedestrian Street (夫子庙步行街) A classic tourist area and one of the liveliest places in Nanjing, filled with shops, souvenir stores, street food stalls, and restaurants. Most of the buildings are designed in a traditional Chinese style, creating an authentic atmosphere. In the heart of the area, you’ll find the beautiful Confucius Temple (夫子庙). 📷 Pictures 2-5 📍Location: 夫子庙步行街 _____ 🏯 Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (中山陵) and Xiao Mausoleum (明孝陵) Two impressive historical mausoleums located within the same scenic area. Here, Chinese architecture, rich history, and beautiful nature come together, supported by excellent tourist infrastructure. 📷 Pictures 6-7 📍 Location: 钟山风景名胜区 _____ 🏘️ Yihe Road Historical and Cultural Block (颐和路历史文化街区) A unique residential neighborhood in Nanjing, famous for its architecture from the Republic of China era (1912–1949). It’s a wonderful place to take a leisurely walk and admire the blend of Chinese, Italian, American, and Spanish architectural styles. 📷 Pictures 8-9 📍 Location: 颐和路历史文化街区 _____ 🛕 Jiming Temple (鸡鸣寺) One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Nanjing. Its beautiful architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and rich history make it well worth a visit. 📷 Pictures 10-12 📍 Location: 古鸡鸣寺

Every summer, the Garden Expo Park transforms into a breathtaking sea of purple as verbena bursts into bloom. From a distance, the endless waves of violet flowers resemble fields of lavender, creating a dreamy landscape perfect for leisurely walks and photography. Up close, the delicate blossoms release a light, refreshing fragrance, adding another layer to the experience. Beyond its beauty, verbena has long been appreciated as a traditional medicinal herb and is often associated with hope, vitality, and resilience, making these vibrant flower fields as meaningful as they are picturesque. 📍 Location: The Garden Expo Park, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China 💜 Highlight: Expansive fields of blooming purple verbena 🌿 Feature: Lavender-like flower landscapes, gentle floral fragrance, seasonal blooms, and relaxing garden scenery 🍃 Atmosphere: Romantic, peaceful, and full of summer charm 📸 Best for: Flower photography, leisurely strolls, family outings, and nature lovers 💡 Travel Tip: Visit during peak flowering season and arrive in the morning or late afternoon for the softest light and the fewest crowds. ✨ Signature feeling: Standing in a sea of purple blossoms, where every breeze carries the subtle fragrance of summer. Sometimes, the most unforgettable landscapes are painted in nothing but shades of purple. 💜🌸✨

After a summer shower, Mochou Lake Scenic Area in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province becomes a scene straight out of a classical Jiangnan painting. Raindrops linger on emerald lotus leaves while delicate pink blossoms rise gracefully above the water, their reflections gently rippling across the lake. The fresh scent of rain and lotus fills the air, creating a peaceful atmosphere that has inspired poets and artists for centuries. One of Nanjing's most beloved classical gardens, Mochou Lake is especially enchanting during lotus season, when history, gardens, and blooming flowers come together in perfect harmony. 📍 Location: Mochou Lake Scenic Area, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, East China 🌸 Highlight: Rain-kissed lotus flowers blooming across the historic lake 🏞️ Feature: Classical Chinese gardens, lotus ponds, pavilions, willow trees, lakeside walkways, and seasonal floral scenery 🍃 Atmosphere: Serene, romantic, and quintessentially Jiangnan 📸 Best for: Lotus photography, garden walks, cultural sightseeing, and peaceful afternoons ✨ Signature feeling: Watching raindrops shimmer on lotus leaves as the tranquil beauty of Jiangnan unfolds across the timeless waters of Mochou Lake. When summer rain meets blooming lotus, Mochou Lake reveals one of Nanjing's most poetic landscapes. 🌸💧✨

What to eat in Shanghai? Today, we're recommending some famous restaurants you shouldn't miss when visiting Shanghai! Especially if you're a seafood lover or love crab roe dishes, we recommend Xie Sanbao. This famous restaurant is known for its Shanghai hairy crab dishes, especially the crab roe rice, which is packed with crab roe, crab meat, and crab fat. The rich, creamy flavor mixed with hot rice is incredibly delicious. They also have must-try dishes like crab roe noodles, crab roe tofu, and crab roe xiao long bao. If you want to try all of Shanghai's famous dishes, this restaurant is a great value and more affordable than many premium crab restaurants. Perfect for both lunch and dinner for crab lovers! 💛 Recommended dishes: Crab Roe Rice, Crab Roe Noodles, and Crab Roe Xiao Long Bao #ChinaTravel #Shanghai #ShanghaiTravel #ShanghaiReview #ShanghaiSelfGuidedTour #ShanghaiFood #ShanghaiAttractions #shanghai #shanghaitrip

Are you planning a trip to Beijing and wondering how much walking is involved? On this trip, we covered Beijing, Tianjin, and Guangzhou, walking a grand total of 126,665 steps 😆 That’s an average of 15,833 steps a day! We saw it all, ate everything, and made unforgettable memories every single day. ⸻ 🛬 Day 1 🥾 18,411 steps 📍 Nanluoguxiang 🍜 Wandering around for food 📍 Qianmen 🧋 Hey Tea 💬 Our first day after landing. We took an easy stroll to adjust before the real exploring began. The evening vibe in the hutongs was amazing, with plenty of street food. Wrapped it up with our first Hey Tea of the trip! ⭐ Fatigue Level: 2/5 ⸻ 🏯 Day 2 🥾 20,177 steps 🔥 📍 Temple of Heaven 🏛️ Forbidden City 🌳 Jingshan Park 🍲 Haidilao 🧋 Hey Tea 💬 The most physically demanding day of the trip! The Forbidden City is massive. We then hiked up Jingshan Park for a bird's-eye view. Truly worth every step. ⭐ Fatigue Level: 5/5 ⸻ 🚄 Day 3 🥾 12,916 steps 📍 Beijing South Railway Station 🚄 Tianjin 🏮 Tianjin Ancient Cultural Street 📚 Tianjin Binhai Library 🇮🇹 Italian Style Town 🎡 Tianjin Eye 🍲 Haidilao 💬 Took the high-speed train for a one-night getaway to Tianjin. It's a very walkable city with a great atmosphere and endless food options. Found a well-priced hotel that even had a bathtub! ⭐ Fatigue Level: 3/5 ⸻ 🏛️ Day 4 🥾 14,543 steps 📍 Wudadao (Five Great Avenues) 🕰️ Tianjin Clock Tower 🚄 Back to Beijing 🦆 Peking Duck 🧋 Hey Tea 🏢 SOHO Galaxy 🛒 Hotmax 💬 A chill day admiring beautiful architecture before heading back to Beijing. Treated ourselves to some crispy Peking Duck, followed by yet another Hey Tea. ⭐ Fatigue Level: 3/5 ⸻ 🏯 Day 5 🥾 19,811 steps 📍 Mutianyu Great Wall 🚠 Chairlift + Toboggan 🏞️ Summer Palace 🏟️ Olympic Park 🍲 Haidilao 🛍️ Wangfujing 💬 One of the most impressive days! The views at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall were spectacular. Highly recommend taking the chairlift up and riding the toboggan down—so much fun! ⭐ Fatigue Level: 5/5 ⸻ ☕ Day 6 🥾 13,761 steps 📍 Universal Beijing (Just took photos in front of the globe) ☕ Berry Beans Cafe 🛍️ Sanlitun 🥤 Ah Ma Handmade 🛒 Hotmax 🏨 Moved to a hotel near Daxing Airport 💬 We originally planned to go inside Universal Studios but ended up spraining an ankle. So, we pivoted to cafe hopping, strolling around Sanlitun, and then checking into a hotel near the airport instead. ⭐ Fatigue Level: 2/5 ⸻ 🌆 Day 7 🥾 17,005 steps ✈️ Connecting flight to Guangzhou 🚇 Got a free 24-hour Metro pass 📍 Beijing Road 🏯 Dafo Temple 🛍️ Teemall 🧋 Hey Tea 🌃 Canton Tower 💬 Made the most of our transit stop by leaving the airport to explore Guangzhou! Walked along the pedestrian street. The Canton Tower looks absolutely stunning at night. ⭐ Fatigue Level: 4/5 ⸻ 🥟 Day 8 🥾 10,041 steps 🥢 Dian Dou De 🥐 Bao’s Pastry 🛒 Hotmax 🚇 Metro to the airport ✈️ Flight back to Bangkok 💬 Didn't walk too much on our final day. Closed out the trip with famous dim sum—the shrimp dumplings were huge and bouncy! So delicious we want to go back for more. ⭐ Fatigue Level: 2/5 ⸻ 📊 Trip Summary 👣 Total steps: 126,665 📈 Average: 15,833 steps/day 🇨🇳 Destinations covered: Beijing • Tianjin • Guangzhou 💙 This was such a fun, fulfilling trip where we hit all the major landmarks. If you're planning a trip to China, pack a pair of good walking shoes and get out there!

This newly opened Jinchang Book City Xianlin store is absolutely amazing‼️ It has already become my top pick for the most beautiful bookstore in Nanjing📚 This is truly more than just a simple bookstore. The Western-style architecture is super stylish, and every corner is a work of art🎨 The atmosphere is on point💯 Every snap feels like a professional shot📸 The best part? There's even an outdoor swimming pool!🏊 You can soak in a sea of books while gazing at the pool in a daze. Find a window seat, order a latte☕ Flip through some interesting books📖 And just stay for the whole afternoon. It's perfect for relaxing after a city walk~😌 ⚠️ Here’s the most complete guide👇 📍Address: Jinchang Book City (Xianlin Store) ⏰Opening Hours: 8 AM to 8 PM (Remember to bring your ID) 📸Recommended photo spots: · The spiral Instagram-famous staircase · The book wall corner · By the outdoor swimming pool · By the floor-to-ceiling windows in the coffee area This place is truly a treasure bookstore where you can both read and take photos. Nanjing’s artsy crowd, just go for it!💃

Niushou Mountain exceeded my expectations. I initially came because of the beautiful pictures I'd seen online, but seeing it in person, I understood why it's one of Nanjing's most important landmarks. The architecture is magnificent, especially the underground Buddhist palace (Usnisa Palace). The design, lighting, colors, and interior details are so beautiful it feels like stepping into another world. The area is vast, encompassing temples, gardens, walking paths, and mountain viewpoints. The atmosphere is peaceful and serene, perfect for a half-day to a full day of exploring. While there's a fair amount of walking involved, the shuttle service makes getting around easier. For photography enthusiasts, there are beautiful spots almost everywhere, especially during the morning or evening when the light is perfect. If you're visiting Nanjing and have some time, I highly recommend a visit here. Besides admiring the stunning architecture, you'll experience a peaceful atmosphere unlike any other tourist spot. It's truly worth your time.

Moms! Take my advice, you must take your kids to see fireflies in Nanjing at least once!! My child is 6 years old this year and had only seen fireflies in picture books before. When he saw them in person this time, he was completely amazed, his mouth wide open, speechless for a long time 😂 After we got back, he boasted to his kindergarten friends every day, saying he saw "flying stars," so adorable. 👨‍👩‍👧 Complete Guide to Family Firefly Watching First stop: Ziqing Lake Tourist Resort I highly recommend this place for families with kids! It has a dedicated firefly viewing trail that is very well maintained, flat and smooth, suitable even for strollers. Also, it charges an entrance fee, so it’s not too crowded, making the experience very pleasant. There are railings on both sides of the trail, so no worries about kids running off and falling, very kid-friendly. When my child saw the fireflies for the first time, he froze completely, then quietly said, "Mom, look, stars are falling." My heart melted right then 🥹 After viewing, there is a firefly science exhibition where staff teach kids about fireflies and even show firefly larvae. My child was very attentive and explained to me on the way back how fireflies glow. Second stop: Nanjing Botanical Garden There are also many fireflies in the botanical garden. During the day, you can play in the garden, look at plants, feed the fish, and then watch fireflies at night without changing locations, very convenient. The garden has a greenhouse with many tropical plants. My child ran around excitedly, looking at this and that. There’s also a succulent plant area where he squatted for a long time, saying the succulents "look like little flowers." At night, the garden staff give kids small stickers and organize fun games. My child had a great time. Third stop: Niushou Mountain The fireflies at Niushou Mountain are in the woods at the foot of the mountain. There aren’t many, but the environment is great, the air is fresh, and there are fewer people. We went in the afternoon, climbed Niushou Mountain, and visited the Foding Palace. My child was very interested in the magnificent golden building, saying it looked like a "palace." At night, watching fireflies at the foot of the mountain, my child chased them around, sweating all over but very happy. Just be careful and don’t let kids run too far; it’s easy to lose sight of the path in the dark. 🎯 Tips for Watching Fireflies with Kids 1. Prepare with science education in advance Before going, show your child picture books or videos about fireflies so they know what they are. This makes the experience more exciting. My child was especially looking forward to it because of the picture books. 2. Wear long sleeves and pants There are many mosquitoes in the woods, so make sure your child wears long sleeves and pants and apply mosquito repellent. My child wore shorts the first time and got several bites on his legs, which broke my heart. 3. Bring a small flashlight Use it to light the path while walking, but turn it off when watching fireflies. It’s best to have one with adjustable brightness and dim it so it doesn’t scare the fireflies. 4. Don’t let kids catch fireflies with their hands Fireflies are fragile and can be easily hurt by handling. Tell your child beforehand that they can only watch, not touch. My child wanted to catch them at first but behaved well after I explained and even reminded other kids not to catch them. 5. Go back early to rest Watching fireflies requires waiting until dark, and kids can get tired. Don’t stay out too late. After watching, go back to the hotel quickly to shower and sleep, then plan other activities for the next day. 🌞 Recommended Daytime Family Activities 1. Nanjing Museum A must-visit! It has many interesting exhibits and a special interactive area for children where kids can play for a long time. My child’s favorite was the dinosaur fossils; he stood there for a long time and didn’t want to leave. 2. Hongshan Forest Zoo This zoo is really great! The animals roam freely in a very good environment, unlike other zoos where animals are kept in small cages. My child jumped up excitedly when he saw the giant pandas. 3. Confucius Temple Painted Boat Taking a painted boat ride on the Qinhuai River is a favorite for kids. Sitting on the boat, watching the scenery on both sides, pointing and chatting excitedly. It’s even more beautiful at night when the lights come on. 4. Xuanwu Lake Park You can rent a small boat to row on the lake. My child loves rowing and calls himself the "little captain." There are many lawns by the lake where you can lay a picnic mat, rest, and have a snack. 🏨 How to Choose Family Hotels When staying with kids, I focus on these points: · Close to attractions, so kids don’t have to travel far and suffer less · Has children’s facilities like playgrounds or kids’ pools · Rooms are spacious enough for kids to run around · Breakfast is rich so picky eaters can find something they like The hotel we stayed at this time was excellent, with a small children’s playground. The first thing my child did every morning was go play there. There was also an outdoor pool where he could play in the water in the afternoon when the sun wasn’t too strong. He didn’t want to get out. This family trip to Nanjing was really worth it! Not only did the kids have fun, but I also learned a lot. Seeing my child’s eyes light up when he saw the fireflies, I knew this trip was the right choice. Moms, don’t hesitate, take your kids to see fireflies! It will be the brightest memory of their childhood 💫 · -- Accommodation 🏨 Nanjing Ziqing Lake Hot Spring Resort Hotel Includes tickets to the forest firefly trail, private hot spring pools for stargazing, plus a panda pavilion and children’s playground—one-stop family firefly vacation 🏨 Nanjing Night Stay Qinhuai Junting Hotel Boutique hotel by the Qinhuai River with Jiangnan water town charm. You can boat on the Qinhuai at night. Excellent location, very convenient for family trips. 🏨 Nanjing Zhensong Resort Homestay Located in a quiet pine forest overlooking Moonlight Lake, with a children’s playground and picnic area, perfect for families who love nature. 🏨 Nanjing Qiwu Homestay Located in Maling Street, Jiangning District, near Ginkgo Lake Leisure Resort. Surrounded by cultural and tourist attractions, with a garden and barbecue area ideal for family gatherings.

As autumn settles over Yanque Lake, the landscape is transformed into a tapestry of warm gold, amber, and crimson. Nestled within the Purple Mountain Scenic Area, this tranquil lake is one of Nanjing's most beautiful places to embrace the changing season. Tree-lined paths are blanketed with fallen leaves, while fiery maples and golden ginkgoes are reflected in the still waters. The crisp autumn air, gentle rustling of leaves, and peaceful lakeside scenery create a quiet retreat where every step invites you to slow down and savour the beauty of nature. Whether strolling beneath colourful foliage, watching the reflections shimmer across the lake, or pausing to admire the late afternoon light filtering through the trees, Yanque Lake offers a picture-perfect autumn escape away from the city's bustle. 📍 Location: Yanque Lake, Purple Mountain Scenic Area, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China 🍂 Highlight: One of Nanjing's most picturesque lakes for enjoying vibrant autumn foliage 🌿 Feature: Golden ginkgoes, crimson maples, tranquil waters, forest trails, and stunning seasonal reflections 🍃 Atmosphere: Peaceful, refreshing, and beautifully poetic 📸 Best for: Autumn photography, lakeside walks, leaf-peeping, and quiet moments in nature ✨ Signature feeling: Wandering beside a mirror-like lake where every golden leaf celebrates the quiet beauty of autumn. Some places welcome autumn with colour. Yanque Lake turns the season into a living masterpiece. 🍂🍁✨

If you're in Nanjing and want to experience a trip down memory lane, this is the perfect spot – a small street that truly captures the "80s" vibe! 📺📻 🏙️ Atmosphere | Like stepping back in time Nanhudong Road is decorated in a retro style. The entire street is lined with vintage items such as: · Antique large-screen televisions 📺 · Old radios 📻 · Old-fashioned houses and shops 👨👩👦 · Retro-style shop signs all along the street Just walking around feels like stepping back in time to the 80s! ✨ Every corner has a very vintage photo vibe. 📸 Recommended walking route: 🔘 Cultural Village ⬇ 🔘 TV Wall 📺 ⬇ 🔘 Nanhu Memory Life Museum 🍜 Recommended food nearby: · Panzi Shabu Hot Pot · Nanhu Fried Skewers · Chen Jia Duck (famous duck restaurant) · Mingji Fried Chicken · Nanhu Coffee Shop · Zhangfu Garden Noodle Shop · Ma Wu Wang Beverage Factory (Retro Style Drinks) 🚇 Getting There · Take the subway to Mochouhu Station. · Then walk or take a taxi to Nanhu Dong Road. ✨ Summary: This isn't just a street, but a "living museum" that takes you back to the 80s in a very realistic way. Perfect for photography enthusiasts, content creators, and anyone who loves retro atmospheres! 📸💛 #ChinaTravel #tripmoments #trip #China #HistoricalSiteTravel #Travel

This shop has so many San-X items! 🧸💛 They have Rilakkuma (the super cute brown bear) and the entire Sumikko Gurashi collection. It's very rare to find so many items in Nanjing! Everything is incredibly cute and adorable 💕 And every corner is perfect for taking photos 📸 · There are props you can use for photos in front of the shop, which is so much fun! · They have a huge selection of both new and secondhand (中古) items. · It's so fun to browse, you'll just keep picking things up! 🧸✨ 📍The shop is called Koge Cookie 玩具屋 💛 Another highlight is: The owner is a very lovely woman. She even has Sumikko Gurashi drawings on the floor in front of the shop! So incredibly cute! 🥺✨ ✨ Summary: If you love cute things / San-X fans / and photography enthusiasts, you MUST visit! It's a small shop, but the cuteness is irresistible! 🍀🧸 #ChinaTravel #Photography #Travel #China #CuteCafe #trip

📍Location: Donglu Mountain Guanyin Temple, Lishui District, Nanjing (Jiming Temple’s lower courtyard, a 700-year-old ancient temple at the source of the Qinhuai River) Tired of the crowded Jiming Temple? Discover a hidden Zen secret spot near Nanjing’s suburbs! No entrance fee, free parking, nestled in the forest of Donglu Mountain, surrounded by mountains and lakes with a fairy-like aura. No crowds of internet-famous tourists, quiet and peaceful, perfect for relaxation, prayer, and photography—all in one place, healing all the urban restlessness. ✅ Highlights of this lesser-known ancient temple 1. Jiming Temple’s lower courtyard, with 700 years of history Originally built as an ancient hermitage in the Yuan Dynasty, officially became Jiming Temple’s lower courtyard in 2000. Located at the source of the Qinhuai River on Donglu Mountain, it is said that the Eastern Han recluse Yan Ziling once lived here. The mountain and water carry a spiritual aura, incense is light and not noisy, focusing on peaceful meditation and worship. 2. Free admission + free parking, excellent value No entrance fees throughout, with two free parking lots at the mountain base and summit. You can drive directly to the Great Buddha area at the top without climbing long stairs. The temple provides free eco-friendly incense, so no need to buy expensive incense at the entrance. 3. Few people and tranquility, exclusive photo spots Compared to the year-round crowds at Jiming Temple, this place is almost empty on weekdays. No queues for any photo spots. The red walls, ancient buildings, karst Guanyin cave, and giant white jade half-body Buddha all make for serene, crowd-free Zen photos. 4. Naturally cool secret spot with stunning scenery all year round Dense vegetation on the mountain, Guanyin Cave maintains a constant 18°C, a natural air conditioner in summer. Spring and autumn bring misty clouds like a fairyland, winter snow on red walls creates a magical atmosphere. Rice fields and tea gardens spread out in front of the temple, and the scenic route into the mountain is healing. 5. Well-equipped, easy light hiking Gentle steps that don’t tire your feet, with a Pu Men corridor, vegetarian dining hall, and Zen tea space. When tired, you can enjoy vegetarian noodles, copy sutras, or meditate. Perfect for a half-day short trip to relax and pray. 📿 Immersive temple tour route + photo spots 1. Guanyin Cave A natural karst cave with stalactites, housing a jade Guanyin statue. Soft light filters through the cracks, creating a dreamy aura. The cave entrance is perfect for silhouette photos; ⚠️ Flash photography is prohibited in the main hall and Buddha statue areas to respect temple etiquette. 2. Pure Bottle Plaza Lotus flower stone carvings cover the ground, with a giant pure bottle sculpture. Sunlight reflects softly on the water surface. Walking the lotus path in a plain-colored long dress creates spontaneous Zen-style photos. 3. 9.9-meter gilded Guanyin Plaza The golden Guanyin statue’s base rotates, and the pure bottle sprays mist at intervals. Surrounded by child statues, the distant view captures the entire temple panorama, grand and majestic. 4. 33-meter white marble half-body Guanyin Buddha (mountain summit core) The temple landmark, low-angle shots create a Buddha light filter effect. The viewing platform overlooks Zhongshan Lake and Lishui city. The sunset light and shadow are stunning. 5. Pu Men Corridor + red wall ancient buildings The corridor features stone carvings of Guanyin’s 53 manifestations. Red walls and yellow tiles paired with bamboo groves. Between 3-4 pm, light spots fall through the forest, perfect for New Chinese style or Hanfu photos. 6. Qinhuai River Source Viewing Platform Stone monument on the hillside marks the Qinhuai River source. From here, you can see the mountains, forests, and rice fields, full of healing nature vibes. 🍜 Temple specialty vegetarian food · Baiwei Zhai vegetarian noodles: 5 RMB per bowl, topped with fresh mushrooms, light and stomach-friendly, a must-eat for blessings and peace. · Zen tea experience: 20 RMB per person, enjoy tea facing the bamboo sea and relax. · Handmade mung bean cakes in the temple, soft, glutinous, savory, affordable souvenirs. 🚗 Transportation guide 1. Self-driving (preferred) Navigation: Donglu Mountain Guanyin Temple South Gate. 1-1.5 hours from downtown Nanjing. Provincial roads with healing views of rice fields and tea mountains. The summit parking lot is right at the Great Buddha, the easiest option. 2. Public transport 15 minutes by high-speed train from Nanjing South Station to Lishui Station, then a 9-minute taxi to the temple. Or take metro S1 transfer to S7 to Lishui Station, then bus G2 to Guanyin Temple stop. ⏰ Half-day relaxed itinerary Arrive before 7 am (to avoid crowds and get empty shots) → check in at the white jade Great Buddha on the summit → gilded Guanyin Plaza → explore Guanyin Cave → photo at Pu Men Corridor → stroll Pure Bottle Plaza → eat vegetarian noodles → visit Qinhuai River Source Viewing Platform and return. ⚠️ Practical tips to avoid travel pitfalls 1. For crowd-free photos, arrive before 7 am. After 9 am, parking fills up, and weekend crowds double. 2. Dress appropriately; avoid short skirts and shorts. Plain cotton-linen long dresses or New Chinese style clothing fit the temple atmosphere. 3. No convenience stores on the mountain; bring drinking water. Spring and autumn are foggy, winter roads may be icy; wear non-slip flat shoes. 4. The temple closes at 5 pm, but outdoor plazas and viewing platforms remain open until dusk for sunset viewing. 5. After rain, early mornings often have sea-of-clouds mist, making the ancient temple float in clouds—a truly magical atmosphere. Jiming Temple has the hustle and bustle of the world, but Donglu Mountain Guanyin Temple offers unique peaceful Zen vibes. Free, less crowded, stunning scenery—your top choice for a short trip to relax and pray near Nanjing!

Spent the day in Nanjing livin’ the good life—kicked things off with a looong walk around the Nanjing Botanical Gardens and wow, this place is next-level gorgeous! 🌳🌸 The gardens are located at 1 Qinhua Rd, Xuanwu District (open 7:30am–6pm daily). It’s honestly the perfect spot to get lost in nature for hours; you’ll find Insta-worthy blooms everywhere and tons of chill paths for strolling or just soaking up the vibes. Highly recommend bringing your camera—this view is 🤯! After working up an appetite, I hit up some nearby local food spots and let me tell you, the eats are sooo good! If you’re around, try Nanjing salted duck or spicy noodles. Local restaurants close to the gardens serve up these classics—so make sure to grab a bite and thank me later. 🍜🥢 Finished the night with a football match (check Nanjing Olympic Sports Center, 222 Middle Jiangdong Rd), and the vibe was electric! The crowd was hype, snacks were flowing, and cheering til the final whistle was a whole mood. If football’s your thing, snagging tickets is super easy—just hop on trip.com for deals. Honestly, this combo of nature walks, epic food, and a rowdy sports night is the ultimate way to flex your weekend in Nanjing. Don’t sleep on it! #footballmatchfoodmap