Nanjing (南京) – Ancient Capital of China
Nanjing (南京) is one of China’s four great ancient capitals, a city with a rich history spanning more than 2500 years. Here, the grandeur of imperial mausoleums meets modern skyscrapers, and the silence of Buddhist temples blends with the neon lights on the Qinhuai River. This is a place where every stone breathes history.
Ancient capital
Mausoleums & temples
2 days / 1 night
From Shanghai by train
Attractions
What awaits you
- Departure from Shanghai at 8:00 — meeting at Hongqiao station, boarding a high‑speed train (travel time 1–1.5 h).
- Arrival in Nanjing — the guide meets you at Nanjing South station, then transfer to the city centre by metro.
- Jiming Temple (鸡鸣寺) — ancient temple from the 4th century, observation deck with a view of Xuanwu Lake.
- Walk along the Nanjing City Wall — we climb the wall near Taiping Gate, panoramic photos.
- Xuanwu Lake (玄武湖) — a leisurely stroll around China’s largest urban lake.
- Lunch near the lake — we try the famous Nanjing noodle soup (皮肚面).
- Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (中山陵) — ascend the 392 steps to the memorial of the “father of the nation”.
- Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum (明孝陵) — UNESCO site, the Sacred Way of stone animals.
- Linggu Temple (灵谷寺) — unique Beamless Hall and a pagoda with panoramic views.
- Hotel check‑in — we choose a hotel near the Confucius Temple or the lake area.
- Evening walk around Confucius Temple (夫子庙) and Qinhuai River — boat cruise under thousands of lanterns, dinner.
- Day 2: Breakfast and departure — we head to Yuzui Wetland Park (鱼嘴湿地公园).
- Walk in the eco‑park — wooden boardwalks through reeds, birdwatching.
- Main sunset at the white lighthouse — unforgettable photos against the fiery sky and the Yangtze bridge.
- Transfer to the station — train at 20:00, return to Shanghai by 22:00.
Approximate two‑day program
*Times and program may be adjusted depending on weather and the group’s pace.
| Day / Time | Program stage | Details & transport |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1, 08:00 | Meeting at Hongqiao station (Shanghai) | Meeting with the guide, boarding a train (recommended G102, 08:30). |
| 09:30–10:00 | Arrival at Nanjing South | .\] Exit the train, transfer to metro (line 1).|
| 10:00–10:30 | Transfer to Zhonghua station | Metro line 1 to “Zhonghuamen”, then bus 202 to the temple. |
| 10:30–11:30 | Jiming Temple (鸡鸣寺) | Entry 10¥. Climb the pagoda, photo of Xuanwu Lake. |
| 11:30–12:30 | Nanjing City Wall (明城墙) | Entry 30¥. Walk from Taiping Gate to the observation deck. |
| 12:30–14:00 | Xuanwu Lake and lunch | Free entry. Lunch at a café on the lakeside. |
| 14:00–14:30 | Transfer to Zijin Mountain | Metro to “Muxuyuan”, buy a park shuttle ticket (30¥). |
| 14:30–15:30 | Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (中山陵) | Free entry, QR code registration required. 392 steps. |
| 15:30–16:30 | Music Pavilion (音乐台) | Entry 10¥. Relax with the pigeons. |
| 16:30–18:00 | Ming Xiaoling (明孝陵) | Entry 70¥. Sacred Way of stone elephants, imperial burial mound. |
| 18:00–19:00 | Linggu Temple (灵谷寺) | Entry 35¥. Linggu Pagoda, Beamless Hall. |
| 19:00–19:30 | Return to the city and hotel check‑in | Bus back to metro, transfer to hotel. |
| 19:30–21:30 | Confucius Temple and Qinhuai River | Temple entry 30¥, boat cruise 80¥. Dinner. |
| Day 2, 09:00 | Breakfast and check‑out | Meeting in the hotel lobby. |
| 09:30–10:30 | Transfer to Yuzui Eco‑park | Metro line 2 to “Yuzui” (鱼嘴), exit 8. |
| 10:30–12:00 | Walk in the park | Free entry. Wooden boardwalks, reeds, birds. |
| 12:00–13:30 | Lunch at a nearby shopping mall | “Yuzui Joy City” – a wide choice of restaurants. |
| 13:30–16:00 | Free time / extra places | Optional: Presidential Palace or Jiangsu Provincial Museum. |
| 16:00–17:00 | Prepare for sunset at the lighthouse | Take the best spots near the white tower. |
| 17:00–18:30 | Sunset and photo session | The main event – the sun sets over the Yangtze. |
| 18:30–19:30 | Transfer to Nanjing South station | Metro to Nanjing South. |
| 20:00 | Train departure to Shanghai | Train G123, arrival at Hongqiao at 21:40. |
💡 Important notes:
- Train tickets must be purchased in advance (at least 3 days). The guide will help with booking.
- Entrance tickets for some museums require advance booking by passport – we will do it online.
- Opening hours: most temples and museums are closed on Mondays. Take this into account when choosing dates.
- There is no café in Yuzui Park – bring water and a snack.
Cost and conditions
💰
Tour cost
Train + taxi
EconomyServices of a Russian‑speaking guide, help with tickets, hotel booking, route planning, accompaniment for both days.
300$
per group 1–3 pers.
Transport (train/bus), accommodation, entrance tickets – separate
By car
ComfortGuide services + sedan (1–3 pers.) for the whole tour, including transfer from Shanghai and back, and transport within Nanjing.
400$
per group 1–3 pers.
Accommodation, entrance tickets – separate
🎫
Approximate expenses per person
Train Shanghai–Nanjing (round trip, 2nd class)
~210¥ (~29$)
Accommodation (1 night, 3* hotel in the centre)
~300¥ (~41$)
Entrance tickets (all sites)
~200¥ (~28$)
City transport (metro + buses)
~50¥ (~7$)
Meals (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners)
~300¥ (~41$)
*Prices are approximate, exchange rate may vary.
⏱️
Duration
2 days / 1 night
departure at 8:00, return next day at 22:00
✨
Additional services
📸
Photo session (2 hours)
+80$
✈️
Transfer to/from Shanghai airport
+100$
🏨
4*+ hotel booking
+50$
🚗
Minivan rental
+80$
Frequently asked questions
How long does the tour last?
The tour is designed for 2 days. Departure from Shanghai in the morning, return the next day in the evening.
Is physical fitness required?
Moderate: 392 steps at the mausoleum and walks in the parks – up to 10 km per day. Comfortable shoes are a must.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, camera, cash (small bills), passport (for registrations), charger.
Which hotel do you recommend?
We help with booking. Best options: Sijifu Hotel (near Confucius Temple) or Holiday Inn Xuanwu Lake (by the lake).
What to do in bad weather?
If the forecast is unfavourable (heavy rain), we can reschedule the dates or adjust the program (museums, indoor pavilions).
Do I need to register for museums in advance?
Yes, free admission to the mausoleum and museum requires online registration. We will do it for you.
Important information
The indicated prices are valid at the time of offer for private individuals. The cost and availability of train tickets, hotels and guide services may change.
Booking services is made only after receiving a prepayment. The conversion rate is calculated at the current exchange rate of the Central Bank on the payment date.
If cancellation occurs less than 72 hours before the start of the event, the payment is non‑refundable.
In the event of force majeure that makes the execution of the tour program fully or partially impossible (train cancellations, weather conditions, official events), the organizer reserves the right to make changes to the program and its duration.
The basic cost of services does not include and is paid separately: transport to/from Nanjing, accommodation, meals, entrance tickets and personal expenses.
📖 Legends, secrets and logistics of Nanjing for guide only
Here are all the metro stations, buses and practical notes for conducting a two‑day tour.
🏯 Legends of Nanjing
Jiming Temple: The name comes from the belief that many roosters lived on this hill, and their crowing drove away evil spirits. Also, this very pagoda was filmed as a lightning rod in the series “Legend of the White Snake”.
Ming Xiaoling: The Sacred Way of stone elephants was originally intended for the emperor’s spirit to travel in the afterlife. The statues represent animals meant to guard his peace.
🚇 Day 1 logistics
- Nanjing South Station (南京南站): after exiting the train, follow the “metro” signs. Entrance to line 1 (blue). Buy tickets to “Zhonghuamen” station – 4 stops. Cost 2¥.
- Zhonghuamen station → bus 202: from exit 2 turn left, walk 50 m to the “Yuhua Xincun” stop. Bus 202 goes to “Jiming Temple” stop (7 stops, ~15 min).
- Jiming Temple (鸡鸣寺): after getting off the bus, the temple is immediately visible on the hill. Entry 10¥, cash/QR. Inside there are wishing tablets (30¥ per tablet).
- City Wall: go down the stairs at the back of the temple – within 5 min you reach the wall entrance (30¥). Best shot: view of the lake and the city.
- Xuanwu Lake: come down from the wall at Taiping Gate (太平门). Park entry is free. Lunch – café “Dongting Renjia” (by the lake, 80¥/pers).
- Metro to Zijin Mountain: from Jiming Temple station (line 3, 1 stop to Nanjing Railway Station → transfer to line 1 to Xinjiekou → line 2 to Muxuyuan). Exit 1, immediately the bus terminal. Buy an unlimited shuttle bus ticket (30¥).
- Zhongshanling (中山陵): shuttle bus to “Zhongshanling” stop. Free entry, but a QR code is needed (help tourists register in advance).
- Music Pavilion: directly from the mausoleum exit. Entry 10¥.
- Ming Xiaoling: shuttle bus to “Mingxiao ling”. Sacred Way of stone animals – main photo.
- Linggu Temple (灵谷寺): shuttle bus to “Linggu si”. Entry 35¥. Linggu Pagoda – 9 floors, view.
- Return to the city: same shuttle bus back to Muxuyuan, metro to the hotel (usually the Fuzimiao area).
- Fuzimiao in the evening: boats depart from the pier at Wende Bridge. Cost 80¥, ticket office closes at 21:30. Best restaurants – on “Laomendong” street (老门东), a 10‑min walk away.
🚇 Day 2 logistics
- Departure from hotel: check out; luggage can be left at the station’s left‑luggage office or at the hotel (if we return).
- Metro to “Yuzui”: from any central station – take line 2. Ride line 2 eastbound to the terminus “Yuzui” (鱼嘴). Travel about 40 min. Exit 8 – directly to the park.
- Yuzui Park: free entry. Walk along the wooden boardwalks to the lighthouse (about 1 km). Toilets are at the entrance and near the lighthouse. No food – bring your own.
- Lunch: near exit 8 there is a shopping mall “Yuzui Joy City” – a wide choice of food courts.
- Sunset: arrive at the lighthouse one hour before sunset (check the time online). The best spots – right at the base of the lighthouse or on the benches to the right.
- Return to the station: take metro line 2 back to Nanjing South (40 min). Allow 1 hour for exit and boarding.
- Train: recommended G123 at 20:00 (arrival at Hongqiao 21:40).
📌 Useful little things
- Apps: Gaode Maps (shows real‑time buses), Alipay (for transport payment).
- Cash: for buses and donations it is better to have 100–200¥ in small bills.
- Registration: 中山陵 and the Nanjing Museum require booking – do it 3 days in advance via WeChat mini‑programs.
- Mondays: most temples and museums are closed. On those days, focus on nature and parks.
- Photos: the best shot at the wall – immediately after Taiping Gate, around 11 a.m. (sun lights up the lake).
- Rain: at Yuzui it is windy, umbrellas are useless – better bring raincoats.
📍 Where to use: legends – at the temple and mausoleum; logistics – for route verification; notes – in tricky situations.