Travel with Karina: A 4-Day Graduation Trip to Nanjing

Nanjing, with over 2,500 years of history, stands as one of China's most significant ancient capitals. This vibrant city seamlessly blends imperial heritage with contemporary culture, offering everything from historic sites and temples to trendy shopping districts and incredible food. For our group of college friends, it seemed like the perfect destination for one last memorable trip together. So at the end of May, before we graduate and go our separate ways, my best friend and I set out on our adventure in Nanjing. All it took was a quick bullet train ride from Shanghai to get there.

⋙ Nanjing Travel Guide 2025
⋙ Shanghai to Nanjing

5 Days Shanghai Nanjing Highlights Tour

Itinerary: Shanghai / Nanjing
Highlights: The Bund, Yu Garden, Zhujiajiao Water Town, Confucius Temple, Qinhuai River, Nanjing Ancient City Wall, Niushoushan Forest Park

Day 1 Nanjing Contrasts: Modern Shopping Mall & Ancient Confucius Temple

We hopped on the C-train in the morning and arrived in Nanjing around noon. During the journey, we kept spotting magpies along the way. They are lucky birds in Chinese culture, so it felt like a good omen for our trip. After dropping our bags at the hotel, we went straight to Haidilao for hot pot. This popular chain, found in major cities across China, is famous for its amazing service and entertainment while you wait.

⋙ Where to Stay in Nanjing | Recommended Nanjing Hotels 2025

Hot pot at Haidilao

With our stomachs full, we headed to Deji Plaza, Nanjing's premier shopping mall. Here's something funny. Their restrooms are so fancy that people actually stop to take photos! I'm not kidding when I say these bathrooms look like luxury hotel lobbies. There's even a piano you can play!

Restrooms in Deji Plaza

When evening came, we made our way to the Confucius Temple and Qinhuai Scenic Area. It turned out the best time to visit this historic district. Built during the Song Dynasty to honor China's greatest philosopher, this area comes alive at night. Golden lights reflected off traditional buildings and the gentle river, creating a magical atmosphere. We saw many young women wearing beautiful Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) posing for photos. They looked stunning as they moved gracefully through the crowds, their flowing robes adding to the area's authentic historic feel.

Night scenes around the Confucius Temple and Qinhuai Scenic Area

Day 2 Leisurely Nanjing: City Walk & Xuanwu Lake Stroll

The next morning, we spent time exploring downtown at a leisurely pace. Nanjing has this relaxed vibe that reminds me of Chengdu. Both cities are perfect for slow walks and just taking everything in.

We tried milk tea from Chayan Yuese, a trendy brand that's only available in certain cities. Their drinks are both refreshing and social-media-worthy! For lunch, we went to Nanjing Impressions, a well-known local chain that serves traditional Jiangsu cuisine in a beautiful setting.

Milk Tea from Chayan Yuese and Lunch at Nanjing Impressions

That afternoon, we visited Xuanwu Lake and walked around the perimeter. This large park used to be a royal garden. Last time I was here, it was a disaster—constant rain, freezing weather, and I ended up getting sick. This time, we had gorgeous sunny weather that brought out lots of tourists and locals enjoying the lakeside paths. We thought about renting a boat but decided against it since our small group made it not really worth the cost.

Karina at Xuanwu Lake

Lake views along the way

Day 3 Lively Nanjing: Zoo Adventure and Local Flavors

Day three was what I'd been most excited about—finally visiting Hongshan Forest Zoo, which I'd missed on my previous trip to Nanjing!

We started with a local breakfast specialty: duck blood and vermicelli soup. This comfort food is beloved in Nanjing, and it was so delicious that even my friend who normally dislikes rice noodles cleaned her bowl completely.

Duck blood and vermicelli soup

Hongshan Forest Zoo is known for being incredibly animal-friendly. The animals live in spacious, natural-looking habitats rather than small cages. The zoo focuses on conservation and education, housing over 3,000 animals from around the world. If you love animals, it's definitely worth a visit with family or friends.

Adorable Parrotes in Hongshan Forest Zoo

Goldfish, Monkey, and Insect Hotel in Hongshan Forest Zoo

Caracal, Giraffes, Flamingo, and Meerkat in Hongshan Forest Zoo

Wolf and Tiger in Hongshan Forest Zoo

Day 4 Farewell to Nanjing

On our last day, we strolled down Wutong Avenue near the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. This tree-lined street is famous for its stunning canopy of plane trees. We'd originally planned to hike up to Meiling Palace (former home of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife) and the mausoleum itself, but we ran out of time. Instead, we just enjoyed the cool breeze and warm sunlight filtering through the green tunnel above us—it's one of the most photographed streets in China.

Karina walking along the Wutong Avenue

For lunch, our Nanjing friend recommended a restaurant where we had an incredible meal featuring the city's famous local dishes.

In the afternoon, with our hearts full of great memories, we caught the high-speed train back to Shanghai.

⋙ Nanjing to Shanghai

Delicious food at a restaurant in Nanjing recommended by a friend

Final Thoughts

This trip to Nanjing was about more than just sightseeing. It was about creating lasting memories with my closest friends before we all graduate and start new chapters in our lives. In a city where ancient emperors once ruled and modern life now thrives, we discovered that the most precious moments aren't always the famous landmarks, but the laughter shared with people you care about and the stories you'll treasure forever.

Nanjing gave us the perfect send-off, reminding us that while our college days may be ending, our friendship and adventures together are just beginning.

4 Days Nanjing History & Culture Tour

Itinerary: Nanjing
Highlights: Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Zhonghua Gate, Confucius Temple, Memorial Hall to the Victims in the Nanjing Massacre

Travel with Me

Hi, I'm Karina. Are you interested in my exploration of Nanjing? Feel free to contact me and I will be glad to tell you more travel stories about the places I have visited. Or, if you want to customize a tour on your own, I'm always ready to help at any time. With my passion and knowledge, I promise to make the tour memorable and meaningful for you.

Karina

Travel Consultant

E-mail me now!