Nanjing‖Visiting during the low season in June-July is truly delightful—fewer crowds and stunning scenery!

Nanjing, a city steeped in history, is one of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals, boasting profound cultural heritage and abundant historical relics. Here, you'll find magnificent ancient structures like the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, as well as natural and cultural landscapes such as the Confucius Temple Qinhuai Scenic Belt and Xuanwu Lake Park. With its reputation as the "Ancient Capital of Six Dynasties," Nanjing attracts countless visitors eager to explore its historical footprints.

Nanjing in June-July
During June and July, Nanjing experiences hot and humid weather, with average temperatures exceeding 30°C. Known as one of China's "Four Furnaces," Nanjing often sees summer temperatures soaring above 35°C. However, this season also brings unique charm. From mid-June to early July, the plum rain season casts overcast skies and continuous drizzles, yet the misty Jiangnan scenery offers a distinctive allure. Additionally, summer is when lotuses bloom across Nanjing, with Xuanwu Lake and Mochou Lake being prime spots to admire them.

Transportation Guide

• High-speed rail: Nanjing has multiple high-speed rail stations, including Nanjing South Station and Nanjing Station. From cities like Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Hefei, the fastest trains take just 1 hour.

• Air: Nanjing Lukou International Airport is the main airport, located about 35 km from the city center. Airport buses or Metro Line S1 can take you downtown.

• Local transport: The city boasts an extensive bus and metro system, with most attractions accessible by subway. For nearby scenic spots like Niushou Mountain or Xuanwu Lake, consider driving or taking dedicated shuttle buses.

Three-Day, Two-Night Itinerary

Day 1: Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone & Confucius Temple Qinhuai Scenic Belt
• Morning: Upon arrival, head to Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone, a historical and cultural-themed area rich in attractions. Visit the Buddha's Peak Palace and Pagoda to immerse in Buddhist culture.
• Noon: Enjoy local specialties like Jinling salted duck at nearby restaurants.
• Afternoon: Explore the Confucius Temple Qinhuai Scenic Belt, Nanjing's cultural heart. Stroll along the Qinhuai River, sample street snacks, and soak in the ancient charm.
• Evening: Take a boat ride on the Qinhuai River to admire the illuminated "Ten-Mile Qinhuai" scenery.

Day 2: Xuanwu Lake Park & Nanjing Museum
• Morning: Visit Xuanwu Lake Park, China's largest imperial garden lake, offering picturesque views. Walk, boat, or admire the blooming lotuses.
• Noon: Savor local cuisine at lakeside restaurants.
• Afternoon: Tour Nanjing Museum, one of China's top three museums, housing precious artifacts and artworks that showcase Nanjing's and China's history.
• Evening: Dine downtown and experience Nanjing's nightlife.

Day 3: Jiming Temple & Linggu Temple
• Morning: Explore Jiming Temple, a serene Buddhist site with a millennium of history.
• Noon: Try vegetarian dishes nearby for a tranquil dining experience.
• Afternoon: Visit Linggu Temple, renowned for its exquisite architecture and peaceful ambiance amid beautiful natural scenery.
• Evening: Conclude your journey and return home.

Must-Visit Attractions
• Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone: Rich in historical and cultural resources.
• Confucius Temple Qinhuai Scenic Belt: The cultural core of Nanjing.
• Xuanwu Lake Park: China's largest imperial garden lake with stunning landscapes.
• Nanjing Museum: A treasure trove of Chinese artifacts.
• Jiming Temple: A historic Buddhist temple exuding tranquility.
• Linggu Temple: Famous for its architecture and serene environment.

Accommodation Recommendations
• Downtown hotels: Stay near Confucius Temple or Xinjiekou for convenience and dining options, e.g., Jinling Hotel Nanjing or GreenTree Inn.
• Scenic-area homestays: Opt for homestays near Niushou Mountain or Xuanwu Lake if focusing on these areas.

Local Food Recommendations
• Jinling salted duck: Tender and flavorful, a Nanjing classic.
• Duck blood and vermicelli soup: A hearty local delicacy.
• Chicken oil soup dumplings: Thin-skinned with savory broth.
• Plum blossom cakes: Crispy and subtly sweet.
• Sweet taro shoots: Soft, glutinous, and lightly sweetened.

Tips
• Best time to visit: June-July for lotus blooms despite the heat.
• Sun protection: Apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses.
• Cultural experiences: Enjoy Jiangnan water town vibes at Confucius Temple and delve into history at Nanjing Museum.
• Planning: Some attractions are far from downtown—plan transport ahead.
• Health: Stay hydrated to avoid heatstroke in summer.