What makes this tour special?

Designed by locals with insider knowledge, avoiding tourist traps and focusing on authentic experiences.

Can this tour be customized?

Absolutely. We can adjust duration, focus areas, and pace to match your interests.

Imperial Nanjing Journey | 3 Days History & Culture Experience

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (中山陵)

Grand mausoleum of China's revolutionary father — 392 steps to the summit

Ming Xiaoling Tomb (明孝陵)

UNESCO World Heritage — Ming Dynasty imperial tomb with Sacred Way

Presidential Palace

China's presidential palace — Ming, Qing, and Republican history

Ming City Wall

600-year-old wall — longest ancient city wall in the world

Confucius Temple

Historic temple complex in the heart of old Nanjing

Forbidden City

"Little Beijing" — Ming Dynasty imperial palace grounds

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Ming Imperial Heritage

Explore Nanjing's Ming Dynasty legacy, when the city served as China's imperial capital.

9:00 AM: Meet your guide at the Ming Xiaoling Tomb, UNESCO World Heritage site and burial place of the Hongwu Emperor, founder of the Ming Dynasty.
9:00-11:30 AM: Walk the Sacred Way, lined with stone animals and officials. Explore the tomb complex, which exemplifies Ming imperial architecture and design.
12:00 PM: Lunch at a restaurant near the tomb.
2:00-5:00 PM: Walk a section of the Ming City Wall, the longest ancient city wall in the world at 35 km. The wall dates to the 14th century and offers views of old Nanjing.
7:00 PM: Dinner featuring Nanjing cuisine, known for its emphasis on duck and freshwater ingredients.

Modern Chinese History

Discover Nanjing's role in modern Chinese history, from the Republic era to the present.

9:00 AM: Visit the Presidential Palace, which served various government functions from the Ming Dynasty through the Republic period.
9:00-11:30 AM: Guided tour of the palace complex, including the Republican-era presidential offices and exhibits on 20th-century Chinese history.
12:00 PM: Lunch near the palace.
2:00-5:00 PM: Visit the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, the monumental tomb of China's revolutionary founder. Climb the 392 steps to the summit for panoramic views of Purple Mountain.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant in the Xinjiekou district, Nanjing's modern city center.

Confucian Heritage

Explore Nanjing's role as a center of Confucian learning and traditional Chinese culture.

9:00 AM: Visit the Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) complex, a historic center of Confucian learning and one of Nanjing's most important cultural sites.
9:00-11:30 AM: Explore the temple, surrounding market streets, and learn about Confucianism's role in Chinese culture and education.
12:00 PM: Lunch at a restaurant in the Confucius Temple area, known for traditional Nanjing cuisine.
2:00-5:00 PM: Visit additional historic sites based on your interests. Options include the Nanjing Museum (one of China's premier museums) or additional sections of the city wall.
7:00 PM: Farewell dinner. Your guide reflects on Nanjing's role as a witness to China's long history.

What's Included

Included

Professional English-speaking local guide (all days)
All meals as specified in itinerary
Entrance fees for all attractions
Local transportation during tour hours
Water and snacks during tours
Small group (2-8 people)

Not Included

Hotel accommodation
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Optional activities not in itinerary
Alcoholic beverages
Travel insurance
Airport transfers (can be arranged separately)

"This tour exceeded all our expectations. Our guide was knowledgeable, passionate, and went above and beyond to ensure we had an authentic experience. We discovered places we never would have found on our own and left with memories that will last a lifetime."

James Davidson

United States

Frequently Asked Questions

This tour is designed by locals who know the city intimately. We avoid tourist traps, focus on authentic experiences, and provide insights that only insiders can offer. Our small group size ensures personalized attention and flexibility to adjust the itinerary based on your interests.

We keep our groups small (2-8 people) to ensure personalized attention and authentic experiences. This size allows us to visit places that larger tour groups cannot access and provides flexibility to customize the experience.

Children aged 8+ are welcome on this tour. The itinerary involves moderate walking and some stairs. Please contact us in advance if traveling with younger children or if anyone in your group has mobility concerns — we can suggest modifications.

Absolutely. We can adjust the duration, focus areas, and pace to match your interests. Whether you want more time at cultural sites, deeper exploration of food scenes, or to add specific attractions, we'll design a bespoke itinerary for you.

Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Bring weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a camera, and a small day bag. During summer, mosquito repellent is recommended. If you have any dietary restrictions or medication needs, please let us know in advance.

Imperial Nanjing Journey