what day trip (or stay 1 night) should i do from nanjing?

Question

Hello, Next week, I have three upcoming nights in Nanjing which I think is probably too much so I'm thinking of going somewhere else for a day or a day and a half. Here is what i'm considering:

1. huangshan mountain - So i spend the first day and night in Nanjing, leave for huangshan the next day and possibly spend the night and return the following day.

2. luoyang/longmen grottoes - I can do this as a day trip with admittedly a long time on a train just for the grottoes. 3. anything else i should consider?

thanks for any help

Answer

Nanjing is a fantastic base with lots of history and culture, but three nights in the city can feel a bit long if you want to explore other areas nearby. Here are some detailed suggestions for day trips or an overnight stay from Nanjing:

1. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

Huangshan is a world-renowned scenic area famous for its granite peaks, sea of clouds, and pine trees. From Nanjing, you can take a high-speed train to Huangshan North station, which takes around 3.5–4 hours. If you want to make the most of it, an overnight stay is recommended so you can catch sunrise and explore the main scenic spots without rushing.

Day 1: Depart Nanjing in the morning, arrive in Huangshan, check into a hotel near the scenic area.
Day 2: Spend the day exploring Huangshan mountains and return to Nanjing in the evening or next morning.
Tips: Book accommodation in advance near the scenic area, as options can fill up quickly. Bring comfortable shoes and a light jacket; weather can be cooler at higher altitudes.

2. Luoyang / Longmen Grottoes

Luoyang is famous for the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring thousands of Buddhist carvings. You can do this as a day trip, but be prepared for a long train ride (about 5–6 hours one way by high-speed train from Nanjing) which makes it quite rushed.

Option: Take an early morning train to Luoyang, visit Longmen Grottoes, and return to Nanjing at night.
Consideration: This is feasible but quite tiring due to travel time. If you prefer a relaxed experience, consider staying overnight in Luoyang.

3. Other nearby options

Hangzhou: About 2–2.5 hours by high-speed train, famous for West Lake, tea plantations, and historical sites. Good for a day trip or overnight.
Yangzhou: Around 1–1.5 hours by train, known for its classical gardens, canal scenery, and traditional Huaiyang cuisine. Excellent for a relaxed day trip.
Jiangsu Water Towns (e.g., Zhenjiang, Zhouzhuang, Tongli): 1–2 hours away. Charming canals, bridges, and traditional architecture, perfect for a half-day or full-day escape from Nanjing.

Recommendation: If you want a scenic nature-focused experience, Huangshan with an overnight stay is ideal. If you prefer historical and cultural exploration with less travel fatigue, Yangzhou or a Jiangsu water town would be a more relaxed alternative. Luoyang is only recommended if you are okay with long travel times for a single sightseeing destination.

what day trip (or stay 1 night) should i do from nanjing?

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