Spring in Nanjing: Outings, Flowers, Scenery, Food, and a Touch of History and Culture

【Foreword】For a spring outing to enjoy the flowers, Nanjing is an excellent choice. Its unique location ensures spring arrives at just the right moment, bringing me news of the new season. This trip is a two-day city nature getaway, perfect even for a weekend. 【Itinerary】Day 1. Meihua Mountain, Zhongshan Botanical Garden, Jinling Style Romantic Center. Day 2. Xuanwu Lake (Jiming Temple), Kexiang Food Street. Day 1:

In early March, with a longing for spring, I came to Nanjing, a city steeped in history. I had heard the plum blossoms here were already splendid, so I traveled from the north to witness this sea of fragrant "snow" blanketing the hills. In this season of blooming plum blossoms, Meihua Mountain offers a unique spring outing.

I entered the scenic area through Gate 3 and was instantly overwhelmed by the magnificent sight. Although an ice storm had passed shortly before, the plum blossoms still stubbornly bloomed. The air was fresh with their delicate fragrance; a breeze stirred a flurry of petals dancing in the sky—a scene so intoxicating. Meihua Mountain lives up to its reputation.

From Gate 3, passing Weixiu Pavilion, the Meihua Art Center, and Bo'ai Pavilion, I gradually stepped into a sea of plum blossoms. This route is cleverly designed, each spot with its own charm, especially Bo'ai Pavilion and Honglou Art and Culture Garden, where I lingered reluctantly.

As a photography enthusiast, I naturally couldn't miss capturing the beautiful moments of Meihua Mountain. I brought a telephoto lens, ready to snap every blossoming flower. Near Bo'ai Pavilion, people excitedly posed for photos beside the "King Plum Tree."

Besides the plum blossoms, I also looked forward to encountering the deer that dot the landscape. I had heard the Changsheng Deer Park was near Gate 3, and I went there full of anticipation. Though I didn’t meet any deer this time, standing in this tranquil garden, I felt nature's serenity and gentleness. Maybe next time, I’ll have the chance to see these lovely creatures up close—this hope itself became a treasured memory.

My plum blossom journey in Nanjing left me with wonderful memories. In this spring season, I felt the vitality of nature and experienced Nanjing's unique cultural charm. I truly envy the people here, who every year greet spring’s overture with the plum blossom season, sharing in the beauty of springtime.

Right next to the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum scenic area—where Meihua Mountain is located—lies Zhongshan Botanical Garden, just a short walk away. The South Garden focuses on tropical plants and flowers, while the North Garden features landscape trees and a scattering of blooms. A combined ticket for both gardens is reasonably priced, and visitors can choose according to their preferences. Buses can take you directly to the garden entrance, but I recommend walking back towards the metro station to enjoy the spring scenery along the way.

At that time, the North Garden’s separate admission was lower than the South Garden’s. When I visited, it wasn’t yet the peak blooming season; only some flowers along the paths were in full bloom. Still, the North Garden had some ornamental trees and a few open flowers, like pink tulips and magnolias, offering a pleasant spring surprise.

In the South Garden, tulip buds were ready to burst, hinting at the beauty to come. Sunlight fell on them, carrying the breath of spring. The inner lake was picturesque; sitting by its shore, you could feel the spring breeze on your face and enjoy a moment of peace and comfort. I also heard that the South Garden holds orchid exhibitions and other events that add to the joy of a garden visit.

Zhongshan Botanical Garden is a place worth visiting, especially in spring. Its blooming flowers attract many visitors, and the sea of tulips showcases the romance and splendor of the season. While admiring the flowers, you can also soak up the fresh spring air and relax. I hope to return someday and experience the garden in different seasons.

No city walk in Nanjing is complete without visiting the Jinling Style Romantic Center by Xuanwu Lake. This new spot, brimming with vitality and novelty, opened on December 30, 2022. Stepping inside, the view is delightful: you can overlook Xuanwu Lake and gaze at the distant Purple Mountain. The whole area seems to blend history and modernity perfectly, immersing you in the romantic charm of this ancient city.

In this emerging romantic center, visitors can leisurely enjoy their time. During the day, sunlight falls on the lawns and a gentle breeze blows, like a living poem; at night, the lights sparkle and stars twinkle, creating a dreamy atmosphere. Especially at dusk, when golden sunlight filters through the trees and spills onto the grass, the entire park becomes extraordinarily enchanting. As you stroll, you’ll see many people walking and walking their dogs.

Jinling Style Romantic Center is not only a leisure spot but also a gathering place for food and art. The park houses various restaurants, including Nanjing Impressions, which is so popular that people often queue up. At night, the lakeside music gathering attracts crowds, and visitors enjoy wonderful performances in an artistic atmosphere. There are also market stalls selling a dazzling array of items like gemstone jewelry.

Time spent at Jinling Style Romantic Center will undoubtedly become a cherished memory. Every moment in this new romantic destination is worth recording and treasuring. This beautiful place will surely leave many more wonderful memories for all who come.

Day 2

Any visit to Nanjing must include Xuanwu Lake, and since I hadn’t properly explored it before, I decided to embark on an in-depth tour this time, driven by curiosity. Xuanwu Lake is vast, with many entrances and exits, so choosing the right one and planning the route is important. Following a guide’s advice, I selected an exit close to other attractions and an entrance with the fewest metro transfers, making the itinerary smoother.

I started from Jiming Temple, strolling along the Ming City Wall until I reached Jiefang Gate. That gate is an entrance to Xuanwu Lake, allowing me to visit all its scenic spots in one go. The inner route passes through Lingzhou, Yingzhou, Liangzhou, and Cuizhou, and finally exits at Cuizhou Gate, or you can continue toward Qinglv Garden. This highly recommended route takes about half a day but is very complete, giving you a full taste of Xuanwu Lake’s scenery.

The guide also suggested two other routes: one entering through Shili Long Causeway Gate from Gangzi Village metro station, and another through Taiping Gate from Jiuhua Mountain Park, covering the entire Xuanwu Lake area. Each route has its own advantages, so you can pick based on personal preference.

While exploring Xuanwu Lake, I noticed the handy maps placed throughout the park. If you get lost, just check a map or ask staff. In early spring, the park had a cool, crisp beauty—the other flowers and green foliage would soon follow, and I could easily imagine the vibrant life about to unfold.

This exploration of Xuanwu Lake let me experience Nanjing’s natural beauty and cultural depth, leaving me with fond memories. Xuanwu Lake was a highlight of my Nanjing trip and a place that left a deep impression on my heart.

Nanjing’s Kexiang Food Street is a bustling lane where authentic local delicacies converge. Hidden in this alley are many delicious treasures, especially the plum blossom cake, egg burger, and lotus root pancake—each a mouthwatering temptation.

First, I have to mention the plum blossom cake in Kexiang. It comes in a variety of flavors, from classic red bean to novel purple sweet potato, each offering a unique taste. The skin is thin, the filling generous, and the texture soft and chewy. One bite fills you with pure happiness.

The egg burgers here feature tender eggs and juicy meat fillings, crispy on the outside and soft inside—every mouthful is sheer comfort. On a cold day, a steaming hot egg burger is particularly warming.

Don’t miss the lotus root pancake either. This authentic Nanjing snack is made primarily from lotus root; it’s soft and sticky, crisp outside and tender inside, with a tempting aroma that lingers. Whether for breakfast or an afternoon treat, one pancake is deeply satisfying.

Besides these three specialties, Kexiang Food Street has plenty of other snacks worth trying. As you wander along, you’ll see enticing stalls serving all kinds of delicacies that will make your mouth water. Whether you’re visiting or living in Nanjing, Kexiang Food Street is a must-visit foodie destination.

Nanjing, a city bearing a long history and profound culture, not only possesses breathtaking historical sites and magnificent natural scenery but also a rich variety of authentic cuisine. On this trip, we not only enjoyed the views of Xuanwu Lake beneath Purple Mountain and savored the unique flavors of plum blossom cake, egg burger, and lotus root pancake, but also experienced the city’s special cultural atmosphere and historical depth. Nanjing is not just a city—it is a memory, a story. May we all bathe in the spring breeze and the beauty of the season here in Nanjing this spring.