Trip Overview
When: October (best weather for outdoor activities)
Duration: 3 days
Travelers: Family with kids
Budget: ~2,000 RMB (~$280 USD)
Transportation: Self-driving or local transport
Essential Foreigner Info
Getting There: Nanjing is easily accessible by high-speed train from major cities. Nanjing Metro and taxis (use Didi app) make getting around simple. Attractions in Pukou District require a car or taxi.
Money Matters: Most attractions accept mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat Pay). Bring 200-300 RMB cash for small vendors and tips.
Language: Basic English at tourist spots, but learn key phrases or use translation app. Have Chinese names ready for taxi drivers.
With Kids: All three destinations are stroller-friendly but require walking. Pack snacks, water, and sunscreen.
Day 1: Laoshan National Forest Park - Nanjing's Green Lung
For family outings, you want wide-open spaces with fresh air—and Laoshan National Forest Park (老山国家森林公园) delivers exactly that. This sprawling green paradise runs north-south along the Pukou district, bordering the Yangtze River to the south and Chu River to the north. It's the largest national forest park in Jiangsu Province—think of it as Nanjing's personal lung, breathing out oxygen for the whole city.
The park is surprisingly close to downtown Pukou—just minutes from the urban area, yet worlds away in atmosphere. Spanning over 30 kilometers east-to-west and 10 kilometers north-to-south, there's plenty of room to spread out. Since it's in southern China, the park stays green year-round, and it's been famous for centuries for its "four wonders": forests, springs, rocks, and caves. Historical VIPs like Wang Anshi, Su Dongpo, and even Zhu Yuanzhang (founding Ming Emperor) visited this very spot.
Today's Laoshan is peacefully quiet—perfect for families. Kids won't get bored here because there's a small zoo featuring emus, peacocks, and gray magpies (reportedly China's largest gray magpie training base). Take a leisurely walk, observe the animals, find a quiet spot for a picnic, and you've got yourself a full day of nature immersion.
Day 2: Bulao Village - The Instagram-Ready Countryside Escape
After exploring Laoshan, head to Bulao Village (不老村) at the eastern foot of the mountain for a break—or even an overnight stay. This village is famous across Nanjing as an artsy, Instagram-perfect countryside destination. White walls, black tiles, water views, away from the city noise—it's basically a real-life pastoral painting.
Every courtyard in Bulao Village is thoughtfully decorated with cafes, restaurants, handicraft workshops, and fishing ponds. Bring the kids for hands-on experiences with intangible cultural heritage activities, farm work, fishing, outdoor movie nights... there's so much to do, boredom is impossible! The guesthouses here are wonderfully characteristic, offering pure countryside vibes—stay a few nights, enjoy home-cooked meals, and you've got the perfect family retreat.
The name Bulao Village comes with a sweet legend about "agelessness" and love—apparently, a young couple's devotion moved the heavens, so the trees here never wither and springs never dry up. Locals say people who live here enjoy longevity—which explains the name!
Walking through Bulao Village on a sunny autumn day is absolutely delightful—golden sunlight reflecting off emerald waters, lush greenery everywhere, smoke curling from kitchen chimneys. Every corner is picture-perfect. This place was rightfully named "China's Most Beautiful Village"—and it absolutely lives up to the reputation.
Day 3: Dragon Valley Theme Park - The Ultimate Kids' Paradise
What do kids love most? Theme parks, obviously! And in northeastern Pukou District, near the famous Pearl Spring (珍珠泉) scenic area, you'll find Dragon Valley (龙之谷)—one of Asia's largest indoor theme parks. Buckle up for a full day of fun!
As the name suggests, Dragon Valley is dragon-themed—giant dragon sculptures greet you everywhere. The park boasts multiple themed zones: Dragon Valley Town, Fantasy Future, Jungle Mystery, Dragon Hidden Valley, and Storm Water World. There's literally something for everyone.
Daring kids will absolutely love the Time Tunnel, Space Base, and Underground Adventure—spaceship and fast train rides, plus a National Defense Technology馆 with various weapon exhibits that'll blow their minds. My little "king" who dreams of being a firefighter couldn't tear himself away from the firefighting drill—where kids can actually operate fire hoses to put out flames! Strap on 3D glasses, jump on the interstellar express, and the立体画面 and immersive sound instantly transport you to a blockbuster action scene. There are also thrilling roller coasters like "Crossing Magic Ring" and "Twin Dragon Race" that'll get your adrenaline pumping!
For kids who prefer gentler fun, Dragon Valley has plenty to offer too! The Jungle Mystery zone feels like stepping into a tropical rainforest, complete with various animal and plant sculptures. There are also adorable rides like "Little Bee," colorful "Forest Carousel," and the spinning "Typhoon Flying Chair."
Can't miss the "Dragon Valley Town" and "Dragon Hidden Valley"! The light show "Dancing Dragon" in Dragon Valley Town features a graceful illuminated dragon gliding across the sky dome LED screen—totally mesmerizing. In Dragon Hidden Valley, the "Dragon Hunting Expedition" adventure boat ride lets you drift through waterways and experience the thrill of a one-way waterfall descent. Oh, and there's also the "Cave Wonderland"—step inside and it's like entering a real cave, with fake mountains, bizarre rocks, and dazzling lights that make you feel like you've stumbled into an actual fairyland!