Two Days Nanjing Tour: From Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum to Presidential Palace & Old Nanjing

As Nanjing’s iconic city landmark, Wutong Avenue connects the core attractions at the southern foot of Purple Mountain. Lined with century-old French plane trees, it forms a romantic "green tunnel". Your guide will share the boulevard’s historical origins and Republican-era anecdotes as you stroll, letting you feel Nanjing’s unique romance and historical weight.

Meiling Palace, a classic Republican-era building, was once the residence of Soong Mei-ling. Its elegant octagonal roof and blue tile design are stunning. Your guide will lead you through the palace, introducing its architectural features and stories of the Republican period, helping you understand the life of the dignitaries back then.

Pause your Purple Mountain sightseeing for a pleasant meal at authentic local eateries picked by your guide. Taste signature Nanjing dishes such as salted duck and duck blood vermicelli soup. Your guide will share local food culture stories while you rest and recharge for afternoon visits.

Sun Yet-Sen Mausoleum, the resting place of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, sits on the southern slope of Purple Mountain. With a solemn and grand layout, it blends traditional Chinese and modern architecture. Your guide will walk with you up the 392 stone steps, explaining Dr. Sun’s revolutionary life and the architectural connotations of this memorial.

Located near Sun Yet-Sen Mausoleum, the Music Platform is a classic open-air building with a semicircular design. It’s famous for its flocks of pigeons. Your guide will tell you about the platform’s construction background, and you can feed the pigeons and enjoy the peaceful natural scenery here.

Laomendong is a well-preserved ancient block in Nanjing, featuring traditional Jiangnan architecture. Lined with time-honored shops and snack stalls, it’s full of local charm. Your guide will lead you to explore the old streets, recommend authentic local snacks, and introduce the history of this ancient block.

Jiming Temple, a thousand-year-old Buddhist temple, is one of the oldest temples in Nanjing. Its elegant halls and towering pagoda are iconic. Your guide will introduce the temple’s Buddhist culture and historical stories, and you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of cherry blossoms (in spring) around the temple.

After exploring ancient temples and lakes, dine at a quiet restaurant near the city center recommended by your guide. Sample delicate Jiangnan snacks and seasonal specialties. The guide will arrange seating conveniently, saving your time for the subsequent historical sites.

Xuanwu Lake, a large scenic lake in Nanjing, is surrounded by mountains and ancient city walls. With clear water and lush islets, it’s a typical Jiangnan water landscape. Your guide will take you to stroll along the lakeside, introducing the lake’s history and pointing out iconic scenic spots like the five islets.

The Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall is a solemn memorial venue recording the tragic history of the Nanjing Massacre. Your guide will accompany you to visit the exhibition halls, introducing the historical facts with solemnity, and you can pay respects to the victims at the memorial wall.

The Presidential Palace is a key historical site witnessing China’s modern history, with a mix of Chinese and Western architecture. Your guide will lead you through the former official offices and meeting halls, sharing the important political stories that took place here during the Republican period.