7 Days in Nanjing
A full week in China's ancient capital — deep Ming dynasty history and Yangtze culture.
Best time: March-May or September-NovemberBudget: mid-range
Quick Answer
Is 7 days enough for Nanjing?
7 days is the sweet spot for Nanjing: enough time for the must-sees plus one day trip or food/rest day.
Source: NihaoVisit Nanjing guide
7-day Nanjing itinerary at a glance
Use our full Nanjing travel guide as the base and adapt it to 7 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 (two visits)Sun Yat-sen MausoleumNanjing City WallNanjing MuseumQinhuai RiverPurple Mountain trails
1
Day 1
Purple Mountain
Full day on Purple Mountain.
- Ming Xiaoling Tomb
- Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
2
Day 2
Nanjing Museum
China's third-largest museum.
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3
Day 3
City Wall
Full wall circuit.
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4
Day 4
Qinhuai Night
Evening boat ride.
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5
Day 5
Purple Mountain 2
Second visit with hiking.
- Ming Xiaoling Tomb
6
Day 6
Yangtze Walk
Along the river banks.
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7
Day 7
Final Morning
Last walk. Duck blood soup.
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Budget for 7 days in Nanjing
| Tier | Per day | 7 days total |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | USD $50–$80 | USD $350–$560 |
| Mid-range | USD $100–$200 | USD $700–$1,400 |
| Luxury | USD $300+ | USD $2,100+ |
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 7 days for both Nanjing and a side trip?
Yes — with 7 days you can pair Nanjing with one nearby city (e.g. a short rail or bus side trip) and still have buffer days.
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.