3 Days Nanjing Highlights Tour including Jaw-dropping Niushoushan
From Imperial Roots to Spiritual Heights
From Imperial Roots to Spiritual Heights
Exploring Nanjing is like stepping into a living museum—where every corner whispers stories of China's imperial past. You can reflect on the glories and tragedies of ancient dynasties, or simply enjoy the graceful rhythm of a city where history and modern life coexist. Beyond its legacy as an "Ancient Capital," Nanjing also offers natural beauty that shines across all four seasons.
Our 3-Day Best of Nanjing Tour is designed to give you a well-rounded experience of the city's unique character. You'll visit some of its most iconic and meaningful sites—including the Confucius Temple, Zhongshan Ling (Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum), Xiaoling Tomb, and the majestic Ancient City Wall. To complete the journey, you'll take a refreshing side trip to Niushou Mountain, a lesser-known treasure where Buddhist architecture harmonizes with lush landscapes.
This is a carefully designed private tour that blends depth and comfort. With professional guides, private transfers, and thoughtfully selected hotels included, it's an ideal choice for travelers of all ages who wish to explore Nanjing at an enjoyable pace.
Day 1 Nanjing Arrival & Half-day Tour
Today's Highlights: Confucius Temple, Qinhuai River
Welcome to Nanjing, the ancient capital of six Chinese dynasties!
Upon arrival at the railway station, you will be warmly greeted by your tour guide and driver. Then, begin your half-day tour of Nanjing at a relaxed pace. (If you arrive around noon or later, the number and order of attractions may be adjusted based on your schedule and interests.)
Your first stop is the Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao), originally built during the Song Dynasty over 1,000 years ago. It is one of the most significant temples dedicated to Confucius, the great sage whose teachings shaped Chinese society. For international visitors, this site offers a unique insight into how Confucian philosophy has influenced China's education system, government structure, social relationships, and core values. It's a place of both cultural depth and inspiration.
Next, head to the Qinhuai River area to experience the city's local lifestyle. Flowing through the heart of Nanjing, this river has been featured in countless poems and historical records. Today, it's a lively district filled with red lanterns, traditional shops, street food stalls, and souvenir vendors along the pedestrian streets. In the evening, the area comes alive with colorful lights, creating a charming and festive atmosphere. An optional highlight is a scenic boat ride on the ancient river in a beautifully decorated vessel—a truly memorable experience.
Finally, you will be escorted to your hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to relax and unwind. If you'd like to continue exploring, your driver can also drop you off at the Qinhuai River area so you can enjoy dinner or a leisurely stroll on your own.
Qinhuai River in Sunny Day, Photographed by Adia from Singapore in May 2024
Day 2 Nanjing Cutural Exploration (B, L)
Today's Highlights: Nanjing Museum, Zhongshan Ling, Xiaoling
After breakfast, your tour guide will accompany you to explore Nanjing's rich and diverse culture.
Start with an educational visit to the Nanjing Museum, one of the Four Greatest Museums in China. It houses a permanent collection of around 400,000 items, spanning from the Paleolithic Age to the contemporary era—each a rare treasure and masterpiece from past dynasties. Its two most notable specialties are its extensive collection of imperial porcelain and authentic paintings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, both among the largest in the world.
Next, head to the Purple Mountain, the final resting place of emperors and great leaders—including Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder of the Ming Dynasty, and Sun Yat-sen, known as the "Father of the Republic of China." You'll uncover the legacy of these historical giants in one fascinating visit. Firstly, go to Zhongshan Ling (Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum), located at the foot of Purple Mountain. This is the mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen, who led the revolution that ended over 2,000 years of China's feudal monarchy. Often compared to the Lincoln Memorial in the U.S., the site features 392 steps leading to the tomb, flanked by impressive buildings and elegant landscapes. Pay your respects to this national hero and enjoy a mesmerizing panoramic view of Nanjing and its surroundings. Then explore Xiaoling of Ming Dynasty, located nearby. This grand tomb belongs to Zhu Yuanzhang, who unified China and established the powerful Ming Dynasty. Spanning over 1.7 million square meters, it is more a vast complex of palaces, temples, and greenery than a typical tomb. It took 25 years and over 100,000 workers to complete. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Xiaoling is celebrated for its majestic architecture and imperial mausoleum culture. All subsequent Ming and Qing mausoleums were modeled after its design. You'll also walk at a leisurely pace along the Sacred Way, guarded by ancient stone sculptures of animals and warriors, adding a peaceful and solemn touch to your visit.
After sightseeing, you'll be transferred back to your hotel for some rest.
Please note: Due to high demand, reservations for Nanjing Museum can be challenging. In the event we are unable to secure entry, we will arrange a visit to the Imperial Examination Museum of China instead. This museum offers a unique and insightful look into the country's historic imperial civil examination system and is the only one of its kind in China.
Day 3 Nanjing & Nanjing Departure (B, L)
Today's Highlights: Ancient City Wall, Niushou Mountain
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up to visit a section of the Ancient City Wall of Nanjing. Built over 650 years ago, around 25 kilometers of the wall remain well-preserved today. You visit Taicheng Section which is known as the most beautiful city wall. Located near Xuanwu Lake, this section not only preserves the historical ambiance of the city wall but also offers breathtaking panoramic views of Xuanwu Lake and the surrounding modern skyline. A stroll along the wall here provides a peaceful and scenic experience.
Next, you'll drive about 40 minutes to Niushoushan Cultural Park, a tranquil retreat popular with both Buddhist pilgrims and travelers. Upon arrival, take a sightseeing shuttle to the top of the hill to visit Usnisa Palace—a remarkable nine-story modern structure built into a former quarry. The palace is known for its stunning architecture and houses a sacred treasure: the world’s only parietal bone relic of the Buddha. It's truly a must-see. You can also hike to the upper levels of the iconic Foding Pagoda, where sweeping views of the entire park and surrounding mountains await.
After the tour, your guide and driver will escort you to the airport or train station for your journey home or onward to your next destination.
1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons. It will drop greatly if your group has 4 or more members.
2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, month and date. There may be huge price increasing during public Chinese holidays, school summer vacations, tourism peak seasons or some special dates. (China Public Holiday 2025 Schedule Released)
3. Other factors that may change the final tour price include group size, hotel class, tour activities, fluctuation of currency exchange rate, etc.
4. This price is based on exchange rate USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final price will be based on the exchange rate in effect at the time of agreement with our quotation.
5. This price is only valid to March 31, 2026.
6. This price is not the final price until the Confirmation Letter is sent.
7. The items included and excluded in this price are for reference only. The final services included, please refer to the confirmation letter sent to you by the travel consultant.
Hi Elk,
You are very kind, and I'll certainly be recommending you to anyone we know who is traveling to China! I've left a 5 star review on TripAdvisor also!
We really enjoyed the cruise and found it very relaxing and interesting. The rooms were really clean and comfortable, and the food was surprisingly good and varied. Some of the earlier excursions we found a little boring (we had already seen a lot of temples at that point) but the top of the Three Gorges and the trip up the smaller gorge was great!
Fergal
Dear Wonder,
Greetings from Melbourne. It feels like forever since our trip to China arranged by you. Everything went well. I look forward to having you arrange another trip for me in the future. Services are all great.
Thank you.
Best Regards,
Wong
Hi Wonder,
Yes it was excellent. Jerry is a very good guide for Huangshan. He is very knowledgeable. thx
Cheng
Hi Leo,
We’re back from our trip—thank you so much for organizing such a memorable first tour of China. My family and I had a fantastic time and truly appreciated all the arrangements.
Overall Highlights:
1. Your responsiveness to all my inquiries, along with the clear arrangements, pricing and cancellation policy, made the booking process smooth and reassuring.
2. The transfers and pickups—from Beijing to Hangzhou and then to Shanghai—were seamless. The tour guides provided clear instructions throughout the journey, and we encountered no issues.
3. The tour guides and drivers were friendly, highly professional, ensuring our safety and staying prompt and on schedule. We especially appreciated the clear communication when there were any changes due to weather or timing.
4. The food and hotel (including breakfast) arrangements were excellent—well planned and thoroughly enjoyable.
Thank you again for your outstanding service. We look forward to booking future trips with China Discovery!
Evolution form as below:
1. YES, Leo always response promptly and answered my questions as clearly and accurately as possible.
2. Tour Guides and drivers were all professionals. Ensure our safety, prompt, timely and on schedule. Foods and hotel arrangements were excellent! Appreciate they let us know ahead if there is a change in schedule due to weather or time.
3. Based on the interaction with China Discovery (prompt response, clear arrangement, pricing and cancellation policy). I will use and recommend China Discovery again.
4. Suggestion: Inform us in advance if a particular event or attraction is out of season—for example, our visit to Meijiawu Tea Village. It seems the tea-picking season was in March or April, so there was no tea leaf picking during our visit. Had China Discovery let us know ahead of time, we would have adjusted our expectations and avoided disappointment. That said, we still enjoyed the beautiful scenery and overall experience.
Cheow
Hi Elk,
我们对此行非常满意，三餐可供选择的食品种类多，味道可口；船上有表演、有互动，中途还有观景游玩，活动形式灵活多样；房间干净、零食和饮用水的提供到位；船上的工作人员态度和蔼耐心，服务周到，特别是我们在六楼11号餐桌用餐时为我们提供服务的女生服务员做事积极、周到又细致……。总之，感谢长江2号游轮带给了我们一个愉快的旅行！
Wong
We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years!
"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.
Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.
Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!
After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.
Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.
We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.
Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.
Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.
Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!
Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!
Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.
Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!
In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!
The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.
If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.
Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.
We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.
The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.
There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.
All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!
Qinhuai River in Sunny Day
Confucius Temple (Fuzi Miao) - an inspiring place about Chinese culture
Sacred Way to Ming Xiaoling Tomb
Zhongshan Ling - the Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen
Nanjing Museum's Rare Relic - Jade Clothes Sewn with Silver Wire
Viewing Xuanwu Lake from Taicheng Ancient City Wall
Foding Palace at Niushou Mountain
Shanghai / Nanjing
Shanghai / Suzhou / Nanjing / Hangzhou
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