ChinaCities and culture · Food and local life · Slow travel
Nanjing and Yangzhou at an easy pace in five days
Explore Nanjing’s walls, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and shaded paths, then Yangzhou’s canal, Slender West Lake and morning tea. Stay two nights in each city, allow at least half a day for the transfer and choose garden walks to suit your energy.
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Places along the way
View the route on a map-
Nanjing
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Yangzhou
Pace, season and who it suits
Pace Two nights in each city, one area per day and garden walks that can be shortened to suit energy levels.
Season Spring and autumn suit walking, with busier spring visits in Yangzhou. Avoid summer afternoon heat and leave room for indoor rest on rainy days.
Who it suits Travellers who enjoy urban history, gardens and relaxed meals, with only one hotel change between the two cities.
Nanjing’s walls and city history
Zhongshan’s tree-lined paths and Ming Xiaoling
Yangzhou’s canal, Slender West Lake and morning tea
01 Day 1
Zhonghua Gate city-wall area, Nanjing
Arrive for a short city-wall walk near Zhonghua Gate
After checking in, choose a short walk near Zhonghua Gate for exterior city-wall and street views. Climbing the wall or completing a long circuit is optional; enjoy dinner and rest while settling into Nanjing.
02 Day 2
Zhongshan, Nanjing
Ming Xiaoling and its tree-lined setting
Focus on Ming Xiaoling and nearby shaded paths, observing stone figures and the setting of the Ming tomb. Take a midday break and keep further stair-heavy visits optional, returning whenever your energy suggests.
03 Day 3
Nanjing to Yangzhou
Transfer to Yangzhou for an easy canal evening
Travel to Yangzhou on confirmed rail or road arrangements, accounting for station access, any changes and hotel arrival. Take a short canal-side walk afterward, saving the gardens for tomorrow and leaving time for dinner and rest.
04 Day 4
Slender West Lake, Yangzhou
Choose a comfortable stretch of Slender West Lake
Make Slender West Lake the day’s only major attraction, enjoying bridges, garden scenery and reflections. Choose convenient entry and return points, include seated breaks and avoid feeling obliged to complete every lakeside path.
05 Day 5
Yangzhou
Morning tea before a calm departure
If departure timing allows, enjoy local morning tea with a small selection of familiar and new dishes. Collect luggage and continue to your onward connection, checking food preferences and any waiting time at the venue.
DATES, COMPANIONS AND STOPS
Where would you like to spend more time?
Bring this itinerary and tell us your dates, travel companions and the places you most want to keep.
Enquire about this itinerary’s arrangementsBefore you travel3
- Choose one main Zhongshan visit
- Check reservations for each selected attraction separately and account for distances and steps rather than assuming the whole area fits one day.
- Prioritise selected Yangzhou gardens
- Slender West Lake can occupy a relaxed day; other gardens should replace part of the plan or be given additional time.
- Leave room for transport and morning tea
- Confirm services and stations before selecting stays; avoid a tight departure after morning tea and communicate dietary preferences in advance.
Itinerary and preparation
The itinerary can adapt to your dates, companions and interests. Bookings, transport and services are confirmed for the actual plan.
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