This itinerary begins with the charm of the Republic of China era, winds through the artistic circles of the universities, ascends to a famous tower overlooking the Yangtze River, and concludes amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing you to experience the unique character of Gulou District, where ‘mountains, rivers, the city, forests and the charm of the Republic of China era intertwine’.
Morning: Old Dreams of the Republic of China Amidst the Sycamore Trees
First stop: Yihe Road Historical and Cultural District (approx. 1.5 hours)
Set off from ‘Yunnan Road’ station on Metro Line 4 and walk into the Yihe Road area. This is Nanjing’s best-preserved district of Republican-era mansions, with over a hundred former residences of famous figures and ambassadors’ residences scattered beneath the plane trees. We recommend taking a shared bicycle to meander through the area at a leisurely pace, as sunlight filters through the foliage, casting dappled spots upon the yellow-walled historic Western-style houses. The classic route is Yihe Road → Luojia Road → Guling Road; every old mansion along the way has a story to tell, and some buildings feature plaques at their entrances detailing their history. At the Yihe Road Visitor Centre, you can purchase Republic of China-style fridge magnets and canvas bags as souvenirs.
Second Stop: Nanjing University of the Arts and Taogu New Village (approx. 1.5 hours)
A 10-minute cycle from Yihe Road takes you to the backstreets of Nanjing University of the Arts. The campus itself is a treasure trove of art, frequently hosting free student graduation exhibitions and art shows; you can check the official website in advance for exhibition details. The surrounding areas of Taogu New Village and Shitoucheng Road are dotted with independent cafés, design studios and second-hand bookshops, making them ideal for a leisurely stroll and taking photos. The egg-stuffed pancakes on the backstreets of Nanjing University of the Arts serve as the students’ ‘second canteen’—do give them a try whilst you’re there.
Lunch Recommendations (approx. 1 hour)
You could choose a home-style restaurant or a creative eatery in Taogu New Village, such as the ‘Old Friends’ themed restaurant; or head back to the area near Yunnan Road Metro Station, where you’ll find convenient options for Nanjing snacks such as duck blood vermicelli soup and chicken broth dumplings.
Afternoon: Famous Towers of the Yangtze and Echoes of History
Third Stop: Yuejiang Tower (approx. 1.5 hours)
Take a bus or a taxi to the summit of Lion Mountain. Yuejiang Tower is one of the ‘Four Famous Towers of Jiangnan’, and what makes it particularly unique is that ‘the inscription came first, the tower later’—Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty wrote the ‘Inscription on Yuejiang Tower’, but the tower itself was not built until 2001. Climb to the top for a panoramic view: the surging waters of the Yangtze River and the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge spanning the river are all within sight, offering an exceptionally expansive vista. The scenic area also includes Tianfei Palace and Jinghai Temple, both within walking distance.
Fourth Stop: Jinghai Temple and Tianfei Palace (Approx. 1 hour)
These sites are a short walk downhill from Yuejiang Tower. Jinghai Temple was commissioned by the Ming Emperor Chengzu to commemorate Zheng He’s voyages to the Western Seas; it is also the site where the *Treaty of Nanjing*—the first unequal treaty in modern Chinese history—was negotiated, and houses the Treaty of Nanjing Historical Exhibition Hall. The adjacent Tianfei Palace is likewise a historical testament to Zheng He’s voyages and serves as an important centre for the preservation of Mazu culture in Nanjing. Admission to both sites is free.
Evening and Night: Local Atmosphere and City Night Views
Fifth Stop: Sanpailou Night Market (approx. 2 hours, including dinner)
It takes about 10 minutes by taxi from Jinghai Temple to reach this spot. This is Nanjing’s most down-to-earth haven for late-night snacks, with street stalls serving barbecued meats, clay-pot dishes and seafood lining the streets. We recommend the grilled fish and lamb skewers at Bainan Barbecue, or the beef hotpot at Sanpailou Hotpot – both are long-established establishments that have been in business for over twenty years. The entire street is filled with the aroma of cumin and beer, making it the best way to experience the everyday life of Gulou District.
Sixth Stop: Zifeng Tower Observation Deck (approx. 1 hour, optional)
If you still have the energy, take a taxi from Sanpailou to Zifeng Tower at Gulou Square—a journey of about 10 minutes. Buy a ticket to the 72nd-floor observation deck (admission approximately 80 yuan) and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Nanjing’s nightscape—Xuanwu Lake glistens like an inky mirror, the Yangtze River winds like a silver ribbon, and the city’s lights spread out beneath your feet. This is the perfect way to round off your day.
