Organize your Nanjing itinerary into two primary zones: the forested mountain retreats of Purple Mountain and the historic downtown urban belt surrounding the Ming Dynasty walls and Qinhuai River.
Day 1 explores the monumental landmarks of Purple Mountain (Zhongshan): start early at the UNESCO-listed Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum to walk the Sacred Way lined with stone guardian beasts, then climb the 392 granite steps to the blue-tiled Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. Conclude your afternoon at the historic Linggu Temple pagoda before dining on Nanjing salted duck in the evening.
Day 2 explores the ancient imperial walls: visit the Zhonghua Gate Citadel to explore its subterranean troop barracks, walking the top of the Ming City Wall overlooking the city moat and Xuanwu Lake. In the evening, visit the Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) and take a night boat cruise along the Qinhuai River beneath classical willow trees and traditional red lanterns. For Day 3, tour the poignant Memorial Hall of the Nanjing Massacre and the Presidential Palace.
