Step Into the Stories of China’s Ancient Capital
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$118
Trace the life of great revolutionary pioneer
Pay tribute at Sun Yet-Sen Mausoleum, deeply understand the lofty revolutionary spirit and historical mission of Mr. Sun Yat-sen.
Explore royal Ming imperial burial culture
Visit Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, witness the grand ancient imperial mausoleum layout and the glorious history of the early Ming Dynasty.
Witness grand ancient city wall engineering
Admire Zhonghua Gate, appreciate the world’s well-preserved grand ancient city gate and military defense architecture.
Feel time-honored Qinhuai cultural charm
Roam Confucius Temple, experience profound Confucian heritage and prosperous ancient Qinhuai folk customs.
Experience the timeless charm of Nanjing, one of China’s most historic cities, on a private day tour from Shanghai. Explore iconic landmarks, Ming Dynasty heritage, and cultural treasures while uncovering the stories behind this historic city. With an expert guide and comfortable private transportation, experience Nanjing’s fascinating blend of history, architecture, and local culture in one unforgettable day.
Duration
1 day
Tour Type
Private Guided Tours
Theme
Classic China
Group Size
Only Your Group
Start City
Shanghai
Activity Level
MODERATE
Route Map
Map pins show the primary places guests will visit on this route.
A single-day route organized by AM and PM, with each stop kept as its own editable itinerary segment.
Nanjing Train Station Pickup Service
transferNanjing Railway Station / Nanjing South Railway Station
Upon arrival at the train station, our guide will be waiting for you with a “Your Way Holiday” sign, making it easy to find your private guide. Enjoy a smooth and hassle-free start to your journey with a warm welcome and convenient transfer.
Sun Yet-Sen Mausoleum
attractionSun Yet-Sen Mausoleum, the mausoleum of China’s democratic revolution pioneer Dr. Sun Yat-sen, sits on Purple Mountain’s southern slope. Your guide will walk with you up the 392 stone steps, sharing stories of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s revolutionary life and the architectural connotations of this solemn memorial.
Highlights
Lunch
mealAfter morning sightseeing, enjoy a relaxed lunch at a reputable local restaurant recommended by your guide. The restaurant serves authentic Nanjing specialties, allowing you to taste classic local flavors like salted duck, duck blood vermicelli soup and osmanthus cake. Your guide will help arrange the meal and share interesting stories about Nanjing’s food culture.
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
attractionMing Xiaoling Mausoleum, the mausoleum of Ming Dynasty founder Zhu Yuanzhang, is one of China’s largest well-preserved imperial mausoleums. Your guide will lead you along the Stone Statue Road, introducing the imperial mausoleum system and the historical background of the early Ming Dynasty.
Highlights
Zhonghua Gate
attractionZhonghua Gate, a well-preserved ancient city gate of Nanjing’s Ming city wall, is a masterpiece of ancient military defense architecture. Your guide will explain the clever defense design of the barbican and moat, revealing the wisdom of ancient Chinese engineers.
Highlights
Confucius Temple
attractionConfucius Temple Scenic Area is a historic cultural district along the Qinhuai River, centered on the Confucian Temple complex. Your guide will take you to explore the Confucian culture and imperial examination history, and point out iconic spots along the river with old Nanjing charm.
Highlights
Nanjing Train Station Dropoff Service
transferNanjing Railway Station / Nanjing South Railway Station
At the end of the tour, your guide and driver will transfer you to the train station for your high-speed train back to Shanghai.
Optional Experiences
Add upgrades while reviewing the itinerary. Availability is confirmed by the team before final payment.
Dress in traditional Hanfu and take professional photos along Qinhuai River within Confucius Temple. Pick various elegant costumes, hairpieces and accessories. Wander lantern-lit ancient lanes and riverside architecture to shoot timeless retro portraits as special travel souvenirs.
From $31
Adult $31 · Child $31 · Infant $0
Upgrade your round-trip second-class tickets to first class between Shanghai and Nanjing. The carriage has roomy leather seats, extra legroom, footrests and individual power outlets for a quieter, more comfortable ride.
From $37
Adult $37 · Child $37 · Infant $0
Premium business class upgrade for Shanghai–Nanjing high-speed rail. Enjoy lie-flat seats, VIP station lounge with free refreshments, priority boarding and attentive onboard steward service.
From $137
Adult $137 · Child $137 · Infant $0
Sail an antique boat along the Ten-Mile Qinhuai River after touring Confucius Temple. Glide past red lantern-fringed ancient buildings and stone bridges, whose silhouettes shimmer gently on the water. Immerse yourself in the gorgeous legendary riverside night views unique to Nanjing.
From $45
Adult $45 · Child $45 · Infant $0
Comfortable, safe, and well-maintained vehicles throughout your journey.
Late-Model Vehicles (2022+)
All vehicles are 2022 or newer models — modern, safe, and meticulously maintained.
Daily Deep Cleaning
Every vehicle is sanitized and detailed before each use.
Professional Drivers
Licensed, uniformed drivers with 5+ years of tourist transport experience.
Full Insurance Coverage
Comprehensive commercial insurance for all vehicles and passengers.
Onboard Amenities
Complimentary water, Wi-Fi, phone chargers, and tissues on every ride.
Climate Comfort
Dual-zone climate control ensures perfect temperature year-round.
We usually arrange a 5-seater for 1–2 guests, a 7-seater for 3–5 guests, and a 12-seater for 6–9 guests, and so on. All vehicles have ample luggage space. Photos are for reference only. Vehicle brands and models may vary by destination.
Have a specific restaurant or dietary need in mind? Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and other requests can be accommodated with advance notice.
Heritage Restaurants
Historic establishments with decades of culinary tradition — where locals celebrate.
Local Family Kitchens
Home-cooked meals with local families — authentic recipes passed down generations.
Street Food & Night Markets
Guided tastings through iconic food streets with a local foodie guide.
Farm-to-Table Fresh
Seasonal dishes with ingredients grown on-site, set against scenic backdrops.
Fine Dining & Michelin
Award-winning restaurants with tasting menus, wine pairings, and unforgettable culinary artistry.
Dining Preferences & Dietary Requirements
Share dietary needs, restaurant preferences, or food interests before travel so the advisor can confirm practical arrangements.
Your private guide oversees the day's logistics, including the visit order, pacing, walking routes, attraction entry arrangements, and coordination with the driver. By adjusting the schedule based on traffic, crowd conditions, and your interests, the guide ensures a seamless, flexible, and personalized sightseeing experience.
Licensed & Certified Guides
All guides hold national tourism licenses and have 5+ years of experience.
English Proficiency (IELTS 7+)
Fluent communication — guides can discuss history, culture, and current events with ease.
Multi-Language Available
English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean-speaking guides available on request.
Wireless Audio Headsets
Every guest receives a headset so you never miss a word, even in crowded sites.
No Forced Shopping Guarantee
Zero pressure — we never force you into souvenir shops. Your time is yours.
Local Shopping Recommendations
Want authentic gifts? We'll recommend trusted local markets and artisan shops — no tourist traps.
Our “No Forced Shopping” Promise
We guarantee zero shopping stops unless you specifically request them. If you ever feel pressured, contact us immediately for a full refund of that day's service.
Request a Specialist Guide
Interested in a specific topic? We can arrange historian guides for cultural sites, photographer guides for scenic spots, or foodie guides for culinary tours. Just let us know when booking.
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There is moderate walking across mausoleum and city wall sites. Inform us in advance if anyone has limited mobility to arrange more rest stops.
Yes. We arrange round-trip high-speed tickets from Shanghai. Your private guide will meet you at Nanjing Railway Station upon arrival.
Tickets for Sun Yet-Sen Mausoleum, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Zhonghua Gate and Confucius Temple are all covered with no extra fees.
Lunch is at your own expense. The guide will recommend authentic local Nanjing restaurants nearby each scenic spot.
Your original passport is required for ticket checking. We will pre-book train tickets under your passport information in advance.
Terracotta Warriors
THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE
Discover the remarkable craftsmanship and historical legacy behind one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures
Step into a fascinating chapter of ancient civilization through stories of emperors, armies, and innovation
Private Tour
Nanjing Massacre Museum → Presidential Palace → Yuejianglou Tower → Confucius Temple
THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE
Visit Nanjing Massacre Museum, where you’ll see historical relics, photos and memorial halls. Understand the tragic history and profound significance of remembering the past to safeguard peace.
Explore Presidential Palace, a witness to China’s modern political changes. See former offices, meeting halls and historical exhibits, learning about the country’s political development over decades.
Preset private route
West Lake Boat Cruise → Guo Garden → Lingyin Temple →Meijiawu Tea Plantation → Hefang Street
THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE
Glide over West Lake by boat. Learn how lake landscapes shape the unique leisurely Jiangnan aesthetic culture.
Tour Lingyin Temple with time-honored Buddha halls. Trace the long-standing integration of Buddhism and Hangzhou local culture.
Preset private route
Shanghai → Zhujiajiao Water Town
THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE
You explore centuries-old canal settlements with your guide. Learn how ancient water transportation shaped unique Jiangnan folk traditions.
Walk along intertwined waterways and ancient stone bridges. Appreciate the harmonious layout of waterside white-wall-black-tile dwellings.
Preset private route
