Day 1: Nanjing — History, Cool Breezes, and the Charm of Qinhuai at Night
Arriving in Nanjing in the morning, begin your trip at Qixia Mountain to escape the city's summer heat. The maple and pine trees here form a lush canopy that shields you from the sun, while a gentle stream murmurs beside the mountain trail. At Qixia Temple, the fragrance of sandalwood lingers among the red walls and dark roof tiles. Rest under an ancient ginkgo tree, listen to the monks striking the morning bell, and feel the coolness and serenity seep into your heart. At noon, stop by Fengxiang Restaurant at the foot of the mountain for a comforting bowl of duck blood vermicelli soup, its rich broth dispelling fatigue from the climb. Pair it with a crispy duck-oil pancake, savory and fragrant.
In the afternoon, visit the Nanjing Museum, where air-conditioned galleries offer both comfort and millennia of history to explore. As evening falls, wander through Laomendong, a lively old quarter filled with intangible cultural heritage craft shops. Buy a bamboo folding fan painted with the night scene of Qinhuai River, and a bag of osmanthus-flavored sweet taro, whose soft sweetness melts the lingering heat away. End the day with a night cruise on the Qinhuai River, watching the reflections of lanterns shimmer on the water like stars falling into the stream.
Day 2: Yangzhou — Slow Living and Elegant Tastes beside Slender West Lake
Take the morning high-speed train from Nanjing to Yangzhou, heading first to Yechun Teahouse (Slender West Lake Branch). Order a pot of Kuilongzhu tea, a basket of jade-green Shaomai, and a plate of blanched shredded tofu. The Shaomai are filled with finely chopped greens wrapped in delicate skins, while the tofu, sliced as thin as hair, is tossed with sesame oil and ginger — tender and refreshing. Savor your tea and dim sum slowly, and experience Yangzhou's famous "morning of leisure".
After breakfast, tour Slender West Lake by painted boat. When the boat glides beneath the Wuting Bridge, sunlight pours through its arches, setting the ripples aglow. In the evening, stroll down Dongguan Street, where warm lantern light bathes the ancient stone lanes. Stop by the Xie Fu Chun perfume shop to buy a box of osmanthus hair oil, its scent delicate and soothing.
Day 3: Zhenjiang — Flavors of the River and Scenic Beauty at Jinshan
Travel by coach from Yangzhou to Zhenjiang in the morning and head straight to the Jinshan Scenic Area. Climb up to Cishou Pagoda, from where the Yangtze River stretches out like a golden ribbon winding eastward. Boats crisscross the glistening waters, and the reeds along the banks sway gently in the breeze — a grand panorama of the river unfolds before you. After descending, enjoy lunch at Jiangxian Restaurant near Jinshan Temple, ordering steamed whitefish and crystal pork aspic. The whitefish is tender and delicate, while the aspic — with its bouncy rind and soft meat — pairs perfectly with shredded ginger in vinegar, refreshing and flavorful. Have a few peanuts soaked in Zhenjiang vinegar for an appetizing finish.
In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the Beigu Mountain riverside, where the river breeze, laden with moisture, cools the air and soothes the mind. Sit on a bench by the shore, listen to the waves lapping against the bank, and watch the stars appear — a tranquil end to your third day.
