A Day of Discovery: Nanjing Private Tour of Cultural and Historical Gems

Tour Itinerary

In the morning, you will take a high-speed train to Nanjing. Upon arrival, our local Nanjing tour guide will meet you at the exit of Nanjing train station, where you will find a welcome sign with "Your Way Holiday". Your one-day tour in Nanjing will include the following attractions and activities.

The first stop of your tour is the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, a poignant and solemn site dedicated to honoring the victims of the tragic Nanjing Massacre. This atrocity occurred when the Imperial Japanese Army captured Nanjing, then the capital of China, on December 13, 1937. Over the following weeks, the city was ravaged, and countless civilians and prisoners of war were killed in what became one of the most horrific events of the 20th century. The memorial is located in Jiangdongmen, in the southwestern corner of Nanjing, near the notorious "pit of ten thousand corpses," where thousands of bodies were hastily buried. The hall houses powerful exhibits, photographs, and artifacts that tell the stories of the victims, survivors, and the scale of the massacre. Visitors can walk through this space, reflecting on the resilience of the people of Nanjing and the importance of peace and remembrance. Throughout your visit, your knowledgeable local guide will provide detailed commentary, offering historical context and helping you understand the profound impact of this tragic chapter in history.

The next stop is the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the final resting place of the Hongwu Emperor, the founding emperor of the Ming dynasty. Located at the southern foot of Purple Mountain, east of Nanjing’s historic center, this mausoleum is a grand symbol of the Ming dynasty’s power and legacy. According to legend, to prevent tomb robbers from discovering the location of the emperor’s burial site, 13 identical funeral processions were staged from 13 different city gates, creating confusion and obscuring the true site. Construction of the mausoleum began during the Hongwu Emperor's lifetime in 1381, and it was completed in 1405, under the reign of his son, the Yongle Emperor. The project required vast resources and the labor of over 100,000 workers, making it one of the most monumental burial sites in China. The mausoleum complex features impressive architectural designs, including the famous Sacred Way, lined with stone statues of animals and officials. This site not only highlights the grandeur of imperial China but also offers insight into the cultural and spiritual significance of royal burials. Your guide will provide you with detailed explanations, bringing the history and legends surrounding the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum to life as you explore the site.

Enjoy a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste authentic Nanjing cuisine. Nanjing is renowned for its rich culinary heritage, offering a variety of flavors that reflect the city’s long history and cultural influences. From savory duck dishes, such as the famous Nanjing salted duck, to the delicious duck blood soup, and the delicate pork belly in soy sauce, each dish is packed with unique flavors and ingredients. Our expert tour guide will be on hand to offer recommendations and guide you through the best local specialties, ensuring that your meal truly captures the essence of Nanjing’s culinary traditions. Enjoy a relaxed dining experience with the chance to sample a variety of dishes that are beloved by locals and visitors alike.

After lunch, continue your tour to the Presidential Palace, a National Cultural Heritage Conservation Unit and one of Nanjing’s most famous tourist attractions. The palace is a remarkable blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles, offering a fascinating insight into the country’s unique cultural and political history. Originally built during the Ming dynasty, it became the official residence and office of the presidents of the Republic of China in the early 20th century. The palace is renowned for its well-preserved buildings, gardens, and expansive grounds, which span nearly 30,000 square meters, providing visitors with a tranquil and picturesque environment to explore. The combination of historical significance and natural beauty makes the Presidential Palace an essential stop for anyone visiting Nanjing. As you wander through its grand halls and serene gardens, your knowledgeable guide will provide in-depth explanations about the palace’s history, the significant figures who lived there, and its role in China’s modern history, ensuring an enriching and memorable experience.

Lastly, you will visit the Confucius Temple, originally constructed in 1034 during the Song Dynasty, as a place of worship and reverence for Confucius, the revered philosopher and educator. The temple complex is not only a place of historical and cultural significance but also a beautiful example of traditional Chinese architecture. The area surrounding the temple is vibrant with a variety of tourist shops, snack bars, restaurants, and tea cafes, all designed in the architectural styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties. As you stroll through this lively area, you can explore a range of local products, crafts, and souvenirs, and enjoy a selection of authentic Nanjing snacks. Here, you can taste some of the most famous regional flavors, with over eight different types of snacks available for purchase, offering a true taste of Nanjing’s culinary culture. Your guide will provide detailed commentary about the historical significance of the Confucius Temple and share insights into the local traditions, giving you a deeper understanding of this important cultural landmark.

After the tour ends, the driver will take you to the train station, and you will take the high-speed train back to Shanghai on your own.

Price Per Person in US Dollars