The best one-day autumn viewing route in Nanjing without detours, checking in at 3 major ginkgo secret spots

Linked by geographic location to avoid backtracking, unlock the golden autumn charm in one day, with precise check-in tips~ Morning: Ancient temple Zen mood + city wall autumn scenery First stop: Pilu Temple (8:30-10:00) - Highlights: Red walls and black tiles paired with golden ginkgo, 2 trees fully yellow + 2 trees with gradient colors, few people in the early morning perfect for photos ​ - Transportation: Metro Line 2 to Xianmen Station, 5-minute walk directly there ​ - Admission: 20 RMB/person ​ - Tips: Recommend shooting close-ups against the light, the red wall as background creates a great atmosphere Second stop: Hanzhongmen Square (10:30-11:30) - Highlights: "Golden Armor" under the city gate arch, fully yellow outside the arch, fully colored inside this week, free check-in for cityscape ginkgo ​ - Transportation: Taxi 15 minutes from Pilu Temple (about 10 RMB), or Metro Line 2 from Xianmen Station to Hanzhongmen Station (1 stop direct) ​ - Admission: Free ​ - Tips: Stand inside the city gate shooting against the light to capture the feeling of "autumn crossing a thousand years" Afternoon: Ancient architecture autumn charm + lake view romance Third stop: Chaotian Palace (13:30-15:00) - Highlights: Ginkgo fully yellow in front of Dacheng Hall, Lingxing Gate hides ancient charm, red pillars and flying eaves complement golden leaves ​ - Transportation: Have Nanjing snacks near Hanzhongmen at noon (recommended duck blood vermicelli soup), then taxi 10 minutes to Chaotian Palace ​ - Admission: 25 RMB/person ​ - Tips: At 3 PM, the sunlight slants, creating amazing light and shadow effects between ancient buildings and ginkgo Fourth stop: Liangzhou at Xuanwu Lake (15:30-17:30) - Highlights: Ginkgo avenue 70% changed color, Lansheng Tower ginkgo umbrella, ginkgo rose, lake breeze + golden yellow super healing ​ - Transportation: Walk from Chaotian Palace to Metro Line 5 Chaotian Palace Station → transfer to Line 1 Xuanwumen Station, 10-minute walk into Xuanwu Lake ​ - Admission: Free ​ - Tips: Shoot ginkgo under the sunset from 4 PM to 5 PM, the lake reflection makes photos better, and you can also catch the sunset along the way Extra bonus (optional if time allows) - If you want to get up early to rush to ancient ginkgo: replace Pilu Temple with Linggu Temple (Metro Line 2 to Xiaolingwei Station then transfer to bus), 700-year-old ancient ginkgo at its peak beauty ​ - If you prefer free attractions: in the afternoon, you can go to Qingliang Mountain Chongzheng Academy + Mochou Lake Park, linked conveniently without detours