A Guide to Checking In at Laomendong, Nanjing’s Classical Aesthetic and Artsy Old Street District

Where can you find scenery that is both elegant and full of everyday life charm? Of course, it’s the Laomendong district in Nanjing. Here, you’ll find a collection of Nanjing’s distinctive cultural architecture, historical sites, unique local foods, and beautiful scenery—perfect for an in-depth visit. [Cute] Laomendong is a must-visit historic district in Nanjing, where Ming and Qing dynasty buildings with blue bricks and black tiles blend perfectly with the lively local atmosphere. It’s ideal for photography and experiencing local culture. 🚗 【Transportation Guide】 The subway is the most convenient: take Line 3 to Wudingmen Station, Exit 2, then walk about 500 meters. Bus routes 14, 46, and 88 stop at Gutong Alley Station, or routes 23, 33, and 43 stop at Pipa Alley Station. [Coke] 【Must-Visit Recommendations】 Jiezi Garden — Tickets are 15 RMB. It was the residence of the early Qing scholar Li Yu. It’s less crowded and scenic, perfect for wearing Hanfu and taking photos. On Fridays through Sundays, there are Kunqu opera performances in the garden. Jinling Art Museum — Free admission, a quiet place to enjoy art exhibitions. Nanjing City Wall Museum — Located right opposite Zhonghua Gate. Free admission with advance reservation. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of Laomendong. Junhui Bookstore — Huizhou-style architecture, a branch of the Vanguard Bookstore, great for photos and buying souvenirs. Deyun Club — The only southern branch, tickets must be booked a week in advance. 🍧 【Food Highlights】 Laomendong is packed with snacks. Jiang Youji’s potstickers are juicy and golden, and the plum blossom cakes are best eaten hot and sticky. Nanjing Dapai Dang (Laomendong branch) offers classic red bean tangyuan and salted duck. Also try local specialties like Youjian Chuiyan firewood wontons and Osmanthus duck. 🌈 【Recommended Itinerary】 Laomendong is open all day and free to enter. It’s recommended to spend half a day to a full day exploring slowly. Classic one-day tour: Start at Jiezi Garden to appreciate the exquisite garden of Li Yu’s former residence; then visit Jinling Art Museum to see exhibitions and learn about the culture of the old southern city; next, browse the Vanguard Bookstore (Junhui Bookstore) and pick a good book in the charming historic building; In the afternoon, visit the Nanjing City Wall Museum (free with reservation) and Zhonghua Gate City Wall (50 RMB ticket), climb up for a distant view and feel the weight of history; In the evening, enjoy a crosstalk show at Deyun Club (tickets required in advance) for a perfect ending. Transportation: Take Metro Line 3 to Wudingmen Station, Exit 2, then about a 10-minute walk. ☀️ For a deeper experience, head early to Zhan Garden’s northern rockery for panoramic views, then admire the carved window details at Jiezi Garden; have lunch with Zhuji sesame cakes and Lan Laoda fermented rice dumplings; in the afternoon, visit the Song Bookstore to see the antique book wall; and at night, go to Wudingmen to photograph the blue bricks and black tiles with lanterns.