3 Days in Nanjing
Three days in China's ancient capital — Ming Xiaoling tomb, Sun Yat-sen mausoleum, and river views.
Best time: March-May or September-NovemberBudget: moderate
Quick Answer
Is 3 days enough for Nanjing?
3 days covers Nanjing's top highlights but you'll move fast. Add 2 days if you want a slower pace or a day trip.
Source: NihaoVisit Nanjing guide
3-day Nanjing itinerary at a glance
Use our full Nanjing travel guide as the base and adapt it to 3 days. Keep the city's three signature attractions as the backbone; fill the rest with neighborhood walks, food markets, and an easy day trip.
Ming Xiaoling MausoleumSun Yat-sen MausoleumNanjing City Wall
1
Day 1
Purple Mountain
Morning at Ming Xiaoling (UNESCO). Afternoon at Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum.
- Ming Xiaoling Tomb
- Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
2
Day 2
City Wall & Qinhuai
Walk the Ming dynasty city wall. Evening at Qinhuai River.
- Zhonghua Gate Castle
- Qinhuai River
3
Day 3
Nanjing Museums
Nanjing Museum (one of China's best). Afternoon walk along the Yangtze.
- Nanjing Museum
Budget for 3 days in Nanjing
| Tier | Per day | 3 days total |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | USD $50–$80 | USD $150–$240 |
| Mid-range | USD $100–$200 | USD $300–$600 |
| Luxury | USD $300+ | USD $900+ |
Useful tools
Frequently asked questions
What is the daily budget for Nanjing?
Budget travelers: USD $50–$80/day. Mid-range: $100–$200/day. Luxury: $300+/day. These cover hotel, three meals, transit, and one paid attraction per day.
Do I need a visa to visit Nanjing?
It depends on your passport — see our <a href="/china-visa-2026/">China visa guide</a> for the latest country-by-country list. Most Western passport holders can enter visa-free for 30 days as of 2026.
How do I get from the airport to the center of Nanjing?
Nanjing's main airport connects to the city center via airport bus, taxi, or metro where available. See the airport transfer section of our Nanjing guide.
Can I use 3 days for both Nanjing and a side trip?
Tight. With only 3 days, focus on Nanjing proper; save side trips for a future trip.
Is Nanjing safe for tourists?
Yes. Nanjing has very low violent crime rates and is widely considered safe for foreign tourists. Standard petty-theft precautions apply. See our <a href="/is-china-safe-2026/">is China safe</a> page.
See also: Nanjing travel guide, China visa 2026, China trip cost.