Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province, is known for its rich history and stunning attractions. From ancient temples to modern shopping districts, Nanjing has something for everyone. Best of all, many of Nanjing’s top sights are free to visit. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best free sightseeing opportunities in the city.
The First Day: Historical Sites
For your first day in Nanjing, you should focus on exploring the city’s wealth of historical sites. Start with the Nanjing City Wall, which is the best preserved ancient wall in China. From there, head to the Confucius Temple, one of the oldest and largest Confucian temples in the country. Then, visit the Zhonghua Gate, a well-preserved gate that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Finally, end your day at the Presidential Palace, which served as the official residence of Sun Yat-sen and Chiang Kai-shek.
The Second Day: Natural Beauty
Nanjing also boasts numerous free natural attractions, so on your second day, take advantage of them. Begin your day at Xuanwu Lake Park, which is home to the largest imperial lake in China and offers serene views of the surrounding mountains and trees. From there, head to Purple Mountain Scenic Area, which is famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring months. Make sure to visit the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, which is the tomb of the Hongwu Emperor, the founder of the Ming Dynasty. In the afternoon, head to the Jiming Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the city and known for its beautiful pagodas and gardens.
The Third Day: Modern Sights
Wrap up your trip to Nanjing by exploring some of the city’s modern attractions. Start with the Nanjing Museum, which is home to over 400,000 artifacts that tell the story of the region’s history. Then, head to the Qinqiang Opera Museum, which showcases the unique art form of Qinqiang opera. Next, visit Xuanwu Lake Martyrs Memorial Hall, which is dedicated to the soldiers who fought in the Sino-Japanese War. Lastly, end your trip at Hunan Road, which is one of the liveliest shopping districts in the city.
Overall, Nanjing is an incredible destination with many free attractions to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or modern sights, there’s something for everyone. Plan your trip now and experience all that this amazing city has to offer!