The writer reminisces about wanting to attend Nanjing University due to the city's vibrancy. On a weekend visit, they explore Nanjing starting with Laomendong, finding it commercialized and crowded. They try local foods like Miaodong ribs and osmanthus wine, noting the presence of a Deyunshe comedy club. On the second day, they visit the Presidential Palace, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and Guqimingsi Temple, describing the trip as a 'special forces-style' tour due to time constraints. They also explore local eateries, including Liji Halal Restaurant and Zhangyun Roast Duck, commenting on the long queues and the salty taste of the duck. Finally, they compare the Nanjing Great Restaurant to its Hangzhou counterpart, finding no significant difference. The writer suggests a two-day visit to Nanjing from Shanghai for a fulfilling yet not exhausting trip.
A Weekend in Nanjing
Intro
Back when I was taking the gaokao, I'd already set my heart on Nanjing University — I've always felt this city has a real energy to it. After the group meeting wrapped up this weekend, we had a day to spare, so we came over to have a look.
Laomendong
All in all, Laomendong is pretty commercialized, and it was absolutely crammed — barely room to move. And this was only an ordinary weekend... We bought some Miaodong ribs. Not bad, to be fair, but honestly nothing all that distinctive either. We browsed around Librairie Avant-Garde bookstore. At Xianheng Hotel we grabbed a cup of osmanthus rice wine — quite a find. The biggest surprise of all: there's actually a Deyun Club here. Really didn't see that coming.
Day2
Time was tight, so we went full special-forces tourist mode — racing from one sight to the next and ticking them off.
Presidential Palace
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
Ancient Jiming Temple
Eats
Li Ji Halal Restaurant & Zhang Yun Pressed Duck
When we got to Zhang Yun Pressed Duck, it wasn't open yet, but you could still buy from the small window, so we grabbed some to go. Li Ji Halal Restaurant is right nearby. We arrived around 7, and still had to wait over half an hour in line for the potstickers... The texture took me by surprise — the skin wasn't crispy. They were good, but I hate waiting in line. Zhang Yun's pressed duck is the salty sort — too salty to eat on its own. Best to buy only a little.
Nanjing Impressions
I'd eaten at Nanjing Impressions in Hangzhou before, so I came to the one in Nanjing to see if it was any different. Honestly? No difference at all...
Outro
Nanjing isn't far from Shanghai, so it's a great option for a weekend trip. I'd recommend two days — plenty to see, but not exhausting.