A Decade Later, Reunited in Jinling: A Rainy Dialogue with Nanjing – An SEO-Optimized Travel Guide

Meta Description: Discover Nanjing travel tips in this heartfelt journey through Xuanwu Lake, Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, Xinjiekou, and Mochou Lake. Rainy season itinerary, Tsui Wah dining, and practical advice for a spontaneous return to Jinling.

Some cities are destined to leave their mark on you more than once. Nanjing is that city for me. Ten years ago, I first set foot on this land—youthful curiosity long since carried away by the wind. A decade later, standing once again by Xuanwu Lake, with fine rain like silk and plane tree catkins floating in the air, everything felt like yesterday, yet utterly transformed.

This trip had no rigid checklist, no obsessions to fulfill. It was more like a long-overdue reunion with an old friend—no need for small talk, no need for photos. Just a quiet stroll, a gentle gaze, letting memories slowly awaken in the raindrops.

Why Nanjing in April? A Rainy Season Travel Guide for Spontaneous Visitors

Nanjing in April offers a unique blend of historical gravitas and springtime melancholy. The rain-soaked cityscape, combined with blooming plane trees and catkins, creates an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and invigorating. If you're considering a Nanjing rainy season itinerary, this guide will help you navigate the city's highlights with practical tips and local insights.

Best Time to Visit Nanjing for Rain Lovers

April is the shoulder season for Nanjing tourism. The weather is unpredictable—expect cool temperatures (around 10–15°C) and frequent drizzles. But for those who appreciate moody skies and fewer crowds, this is an ideal window.

[Link: Best time to visit Nanjing – seasonal travel guide]

Part I: Southbound on a Rainy Night – A Spontaneous Nanjing Trip

Departure: The Bumpy Anticipation of an Express Train

Beijing had just experienced a rare, thorough downpour. On that rainy night, we boarded a southbound express train. The carriage rattled and shook all night long, but it couldn't shake our eager anticipation. As the train slowly pulled into Nanjing Station—the familiar platform, the familiar Xuanwu Lake, the familiar gray horizon—the city welcomed us with a steady drizzle.

April in Nanjing turned out to be far colder than expected. We had chosen the coldest days to visit her, as if only then could we truly feel the city's temperature.

Travel Tip: Pack layers and a waterproof jacket. An umbrella is essential, but a compact raincoat works better in crowded areas.

First Stop: Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall – A Silent Visit

Early morning at Yunjin Road Station, the steam from street-side breakfast stalls rose into the air. Nanjing's paper-wrapped egg crepes suited my taste better than Beijing's—thin, crispy wrappers hugging eggs and scallions. One bite and your mouth was filled with the smoky aroma of everyday life. Unfortunately, we were too busy wolfing them down to remember to take a photo.

We hurried to the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall entrance, where the queue had already coiled like a dragon. The drizzle gradually intensified into a steady rain. The crowd holding umbrellas looked like a moving forest of mushrooms. At my modest height of 1.5 meters, I didn't have to worry about getting poked by umbrella tips, but the poor guy next to me—my 1.8-meter-tall "gentleman"—wasn't so lucky.

Half an hour later, we finally passed security. No photos, no chatter. The entire visit was conducted in silence, broken only by footsteps and the sound of rain.

What to Expect at the Memorial Hall

• Sculpture Garden: A towering sculpture stands silently in the rain, with a long pathway leading to the main exhibition hall.
• Shallow Pool Sculptures: To the right, a group of sculptures stands in a shallow pool; raindrops create fine ripples on the water's surface.
• Mass Grave Hall and Peace Plaza: The stone square is vast and solemn. A long wall is densely inscribed with names—each one representing a story of suffering etched into history.
• Queue Times: Expect 1–2 hours during peak seasons. Fast track available for visitors with luggage or mobility issues, but entry is strictly timed.

Practical Advice: Arrive early (before 8:30 AM) to avoid long queues. The memorial hall is closed on Mondays.

[Link: Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall – visitor guide and history]

Check-In: Rest by Mochou Lake

By noon, we finally reached our hotel near Mochou Lake. It was the Qingming Festival holiday, so the hotel was fully booked, and we had to wait another hour to check in. The hotel was comparable to a Crystal Orange Hotel—decent value for the price. Nanjing isn't that big, and the location near Mochou Lake was quite convenient, not far from Confucius Temple. The front desk manager's politeness was surprisingly humble.

Hotel Recommendation: Look for accommodations near Mochou Lake or Xinjiekou for easy access to major attractions.

Part II: Strolling in the Rain – Xinjiekou Shopping and Tsui Wah Dining

Tsui Wah Restaurant: Hong Kong Flavors in Jinling

After freshening up, we headed out—only to find the rain had intensified again. Meituan ride-hailing was very popular in Nanjing, and incredibly cheap—with coupons, a ride cost just four or five yuan.

At the Guimanlong restaurant in Deji Plaza, the waiting number board showed a queue long enough to make you think twice. If we took a number, we probably wouldn't get a table until eight at night.

From now on, my criteria for choosing domestic travel destinations might just be whether they have a Tsui Wah Restaurant. I'd never managed to eat at one in Hong Kong due to bad timing, but this time I finally got my chance—I bought 200 yuan worth of vouchers for 100 yuan, a real steal.

Tsui Wah was right across from Guimanlong, next to the cinema. We took a number for a medium table, and the queue moved fairly quickly. By the time we were almost done eating, the small-table numbers were only just being called.

Must-Try Dishes at Tsui Wah Nanjing

Pro Tip: Use Meituan or Dianping for vouchers and coupons. Tsui Wah's pineapple buns are worth taking away for later.

Xinjiekou: 30,000 Steps in the Rain

After lunch, the rain showed no signs of letting up. Our original plan to cycle around Nanjing was a wash. We spent the entire afternoon weaving through Xinjiekou shopping malls and underground passages. The concentrated commercial district made the subway corridors incredibly crowded, as if the entire city had turned out to see some spectacle.

Nanjing's underground shopping streets are a unique feature. I've visited other cities with subways, but only Nanjing has this kind of subterranean commercial district. Returning after many years, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the underground mall hadn't disappeared but had actually flourished. Despite the crowds and poor ventilation, the vibrant energy of everyday life was still there.

I wonder if a long-awaited reunion really needs to be this "emotional"—the rain grew more and more agitated, impossible to soothe. We kept walking until six or seven in the evening, and my WeChat steps counter hit a solid 30,000—enough to top the leaderboard.

We took a 4-yuan Meituan ride back to the hotel and caught up on sleep.

[Link: Xinjiekou shopping guide – best malls and underground streets]

Part III: From Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum to Qinhuai River – A Day of Jinling Sights

Early Morning: Breakfast by Mochou Lake

The next day, although the clouds didn't part to reveal the moon, at least it stopped raining. Unfortunately, it was still freezing.

At the south gate of Mochou Lake Park, next to our hotel, local residents were doing their morning exercises. The park offers a peaceful escape from the city bustle, with walking paths, pavilions, and a lake that mirrors the sky.

Breakfast Recommendation: Try local street food near Mochou Lake—steamed buns, soy milk, and fried dough sticks are popular.

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum: A Must-Visit Historical Site

If you have time, the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum is a short taxi ride from Mochou Lake. The grand staircase and serene gardens offer a profound experience of Chinese republican history.

Tips for Visiting: - Wear comfortable shoes—there are 392 steps to climb. - Arrive early to avoid crowds. - Combine with a visit to Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum for a full historical immersion.

Qinhuai River Night Cruise: A Romantic Evening

In the evening, head to Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) and take a Qinhuai River night cruise. The illuminated ancient buildings and lantern-lit boats create a magical atmosphere.

Cost: ~80 yuan per person for a 40-minute cruise. Best Time: After sunset, when the lights come on.

[Link: Qinhuai River night cruise – tickets and schedule]

FAQ: Planning Your Nanjing Rainy Season Trip

1. Is April a good time to visit Nanjing?

Yes, if you enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. However, be prepared for rain and pack accordingly. The average temperature in April is 10–18°C.

2. How long should I spend in Nanjing for a first visit?

A 3-day itinerary is ideal for covering major attractions: Day 1 – Memorial Hall and Xinjiekou; Day 2 – Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Ming Xiaoling; Day 3 – Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River.

3. What should I eat in Nanjing?

Don't miss Nanjing's famous duck blood vermicelli soup, soup dumplings (xiaolongbao), egg crepes, and Tsui Wah's pineapple buns. Local street food is also excellent.

4. How do I get around Nanjing?

The Nanjing Metro is efficient and covers most attractions. Meituan ride-hailing is cheap (as low as 4–5 yuan with coupons). Walking is great for exploring Xinjiekou and Confucius Temple areas.

5. Is the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall worth visiting?

Absolutely. It's a deeply moving and educational experience. Allow at least 2–3 hours for a full visit, and arrive early to avoid long queues.

Final Thoughts: A Reunion Worth the Rain

A decade later, returning to Nanjing felt like reconnecting with an old friend—imperfect, emotional, and deeply rewarding. The rain didn't dampen the experience; it enhanced it, adding a layer of introspection that a sunny day could never provide.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, Nanjing offers a unique blend of history, culture, and everyday life. Don't let the weather deter you—embrace the rain, walk the streets, and let the city speak to you.

Ready to plan your own Nanjing rainy season adventure? Start by booking your express train ticket, packing your umbrella, and preparing for a journey that will leave its mark on your soul.

[Link: Book Nanjing express train tickets] [Link: Find hotels near Mochou Lake] [Link: Nanjing travel insurance – recommended options]

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