A Carefree Stroll Through Nanjing

Nanjing is a city of history and melancholy.

It has long carried heavy memories, yet now it also has a fresh side.

The clash of old and new cultures gives this city even more charm.

DAY 1: Dabao'en Temple → Laomendong → Nanjing Hongyang Hotel

DAY 2: Sifang Contemporary Art Lake District → Coca-Cola Museum → Pukou Railway Station

Nanjing Hongyang Hotel

The hotel is located in Hongyang Plaza, the most popular and largest mega-commercial area on the North Bund in Pukou District, Nanjing. It offers convenient transportation and a bustling location.

The rooms are spacious and bright, with warm orange lighting, beige curtains, wallpaper, and carpets blending harmoniously. The simplicity reveals a touch of elegance, and the large areas of solid color bring a different kind of understated tranquility, making the rustic beauty feel more natural visually, leaving us feeling cozy and warm.

Breakfast is abundant, and the setting is excellent. By the window, you can admire the Ferris wheel at Hongyang Plaza—pure sunshine for the mood~

Area: Pukou District, Nanjing

Hotel type: Upscale hotel

Reference price: from 452 yuan

@Dabao'en Temple Ruins Park

Address: 1 Yuhua Road, Qinhuai District, Nanjing (Zhonghua Gate, Metro Line 1)

Opening hours: 09:00–17:30

Dress code: When visiting a Buddhist temple, it's best to avoid short skirts and shorts. Solid colors fit the atmosphere better.

Recommended visit: 2–3 hours

Dabao'en Temple is a historic Buddhist temple, and the entire scenic area exudes an aura of expense. Yet it doesn't feel like a temple at all—there's not a trace of worldly bustle.

Once, the Glazed Pagoda was entirely made of colored glaze, its Buddha lamps burning all night, with 152 wind chimes ringing in the breeze. Today, walking inside, you hear the sweet sound of those chimes and soothing Buddhist chants, as if you've traveled back to that era.

Rebuilt on the original site, the temple combines art with Buddhism, full of high-tech flair and artistic style, even a touch of fresh minimalism. It overturns the old stereotype of a temple, making it a very artistic Buddhist exhibition hall that draws more young people into the Buddhist realm.

Inside, there are also many touching scenes of mother-child bonding, snuggling together, repaying kindness with gratitude.

The Buddha meditates with eyes gently closed and a warm smile, bestowing a sense of peace and serenity.

When I saw the Glazed Archway, I gasped—wow! What a magnificent project!

I truly regret being born too late to see the full glory of the Dabao'en Temple in its heyday.

@Laomendong Historical and Cultural Block

Address: Intersection of Gutong Lane and Jianzi Lane, Qinhuai District, Nanjing

Wander through Laomendong Historical Block, savor local delicacies, and soak up the history and culture.

Jiezi Garden is not large, but it's antique and full of artistic mood—worth a visit in any season.

On a laid-back weekend, why not stumble upon a vintage-style bookstore?

Step inside and it feels like traveling through time!

@Coca-Cola Museum

Address: Jiangsu Swire Coca-Cola Company, Xinke’er Road, Pukou Jiangbei New District

Reservations must be made in advance via their WeChat official account!

The Coca-Cola Museum is a must-see for every Coke lover! Different Cokes bring different moods!

You can learn its history, see many limited editions, tour the production line, and enjoy free-flowing “happy house water” (soda).

You must walk on the zebra crossing when entering the site—rules are super strict, and photos are not allowed in the production workshop.

@Sifang Contemporary Art Lake District

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00–17:00 (the lake district and art museum are closed on Mondays)

Sifang Contemporary Art Museum

The long staircase of the museum can be seen from afar, as if it leads to the sky.

Actually, there aren't many paintings inside; it's more about art exhibitions.

Although I don't quite understand what the artists are thinking, taking photos for the memories is the most practical thing. Haha!

From the first to the sixth floor, neon colors dominate, with different graffiti art and literary quotes on each level.

The area gathers 24 unique buildings, each one fascinating.

Architecture here breaks the original conventions—it can be any shape, walls can even be curved.

Exposed concrete, sophisticated gray, minimalism, spaces playing with light and shadow—all of this attracts many photography enthusiasts.

Highly recommended for architecture lovers.

@Pukou Railway Station

Address: Jinpu Road, Pukou District, Nanjing

Transport: Take the Ningpu Line ferry to Pukou Dock Station, then walk 120 meters to Pukou Railway Station

After many twists and turns, we found the legendary Nanjing North Station.

Located in Pukou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, it is the only railway station in China that still retains its Republican-era character.

This is the platform that Zhu Ziqing's father struggled to climb in the essay "Retreating Figure,"

and the station where Yiping and Shuhuan parted in the drama "Romance in the Rain."

It has witnessed countless reunions and farewells,

how many people have sobbed their hearts out here,

reluctance and joy happening at the same time.

Unlike the clamor of Xinjiekou,

here is the flavor of old Nanjing—serene, steady, and dignified.

Though abandoned, it still exudes the history and changes of old Nanjing.

With childhood nostalgia for the drama, I visited the farewell station,

as if walking through scenes of "Romance in the Rain,"

took a ferry across the river to gaze at the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge,

and as the sun set over the river, I left,

half in sadness, half in enjoyment.

Yadebao Old Duck Vermicelli Soup

Address: B1/F, Building B1, Hongyang Plaza, Tianhua South Road, Pukou District, Nanjing

Don't miss Nanjing's duck blood vermicelli! The flavor is mild, fresh, fragrant, and smooth! No strong duck odor at all.

The soup dumplings have sweet meat fillings.

This retro and fresh hot pot atmosphere is perfect for coming with friends.

The broth base includes ingredients like duck blood, tofu, and quail eggs.

Pure beef tallow paired with eagle tea helps cut the grease and won't make you overheat—even those afraid of spice can handle it. The beef tallow aroma is rich, and I especially loved the sliced beef and spicy beef. The intestines are cleaned well and taste super fragrant!

Winter and hot pot are truly a perfect match, warming up the entire season~

Address: Wubanqiao, Jianzi Lane, Fuzimiao Laomendong, Qinhuai District, Nanjing

As we walked, we caught the scent of roasting meat.

The service is excellent—they grill everything for you!

No need to worry about burning or undercooking.

Per person cost: 800 yuan