2 Days Nanjing Culture & Heritage Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive in Nanjing – Unfolding Dynastic History
   Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Confucius Temple, Qinhuai River

   Morning exploration

   Your journey begins as your local guide greets you at the airport or train station. After finishing your hotel check-in procedures, you’ll straightforwardly wander into Nanjing’s past chapters by first visiting Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (Zhongshan Ling), located at the foot of Purple Mountain (Zijin Mountain). This monument honors Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the revolutionary leader in the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty.

   Start your way at the memorial archway inscribed with Sun’s motto “天下为公” (The World Belongs to All). Then ascend the steps each representing a year since 1911 to reach the memorial arch, pavilion, and sacrificial hall, which houses a striking statue of Sun Yat-sen himself. The view from the summit offers a glimpse over Nanjing's modern landscape, under your feet is the slopes of Purple Mountain, where Ming emperors lie.

   Next, after walking through the 1.8km Sacred Path flanked by 12 pairs of mythical beasts, you’ll stand in front of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. Here is the resting place of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, founder of the Ming Dynasty. Inside the underground palace, ancient stone statues line the approach to the tomb, evoking the grandeur and solemnity of imperial burial traditions.

   

   Afternoon Immersion

   After lunch, head to the Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao). Originally built in 1034 during the Song Dynasty, the temple pays homage to China’s most influential philosopher. Visit the Dacheng Hall, appreciate intricate panels depicting the scene of Confucian teachings and don’t forget to rub the hands of Confucius’s bronze statue for scholarly fortune!

   Then explore the Jiangnan Examination Hall, once the largest venue for imperial civil service exams. Nowadays, this area also serves as a hub of local activity with shops, tea houses, and cultural exhibits.

   

   Evening Delights

   In the evening, board a painted boat when lanterns illuminate the Qinhuai River, which was once the lifeblood of Nanjing’s social and commercial life. While you glide past traditional waterside architecture such as Zhanyuan Garden’s scholar rocks and the former homes of Qing literati, your guide will tell the stories of poets, courtesans, and emperors who once graced these banks. After the cruise, be sure to sample some local delicacies like the crispy sesame pancakes along the nearby pedestrian street.

   Accommodation: Hotel in Nanjing

   

2. Day 2: Cultural Treasures and City Walls – Departure
   Nanjing Museum, Ancient City Wall of Nanjing

   Begin your second day at Nanjing Museum, one of the oldest and largest museums in China. The museum exhibits an impressive collection of over 400,000 artifacts, including Neolithic jade, Ming dynasty porcelain, Qing dynasty robes, and an entire wing devoted to modern Chinese arts. These works are, indeed, more than exhibits, they are time portals.

   Highlights include the Jade Burial Suit, lacquered boxes, and ancient bronzes that reflect China’s cultural richness across dynasties. Walk around Jiangnan Silk Gallery for imperial dragon robes woven with gold thread and then head to Digital Hall for a virtual stroll through a Song Dynasty market street.

   

   The final attraction of your Nanjing journey is the Ancient City Wall of Nanjing, a monumental structure built by Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang in the 14th century, in wish to protect his capital and people.

   Here you can have panoramic views of the city, and explore gates like the Zhonghua Gate, China’s largest castle-style gate, which served as both a military fortress and ceremonial entryway. The Yijiang Gate is another must-visit, where historical displays offer somber insight into Nanjing’s wartime period, particularly the tragic events of 1937.

   After having the final Nanjing lunch, it’s time to conclude this journey. Don’t worry about the transportation, your guide will assist you with airport/train departures. With sincere appreciation for joining us on this cultural and historical exploration of Nanjing, we sincerely wish you a safe journey and hope to see you again!