2-Day Nanjing City Tour: Walk in the Footsteps of Emperors, Scholars, and Revolutionaries

Summary

DAY 1 Nanjing: Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, Ming Xiaoling, Linggu Temple, Meiling Palace

DAY 2 Nanjing: Presidential Palace, Ming City Wall, Imperial Examination Museum, Confucius Temple

Day 1

In the morning, our tour guide will pick you up at your hotel lobby in Nanjing or Nanjing train station with a welcome signage "Your Way Holiday". Two Days Nanjing Highlight Tour includes the following attractions and activities:

The first destination is Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, a historically significant site located at the foot of the Purple Mountain in Nanjing, the birthplace of the Republic of China (1912-1949). This mausoleum marks the final resting place of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, a revolutionary leader and the founding father of modern China. Dr. Sun’s contributions to China’s modernization and his vision for a republican future have made his mausoleum a place of immense reverence and respect. It has become a pilgrimage site for both local Chinese and those from overseas, reflecting the deep admiration for his role in shaping the nation’s destiny. Architecturally, the mausoleum is a magnificent blend of traditional Chinese and Western design elements, standing as one of the finest examples of early 20th-century architectural fusion. Visitors are invited to climb the majestic staircase that leads to the top of the mausoleum, where they are rewarded with panoramic views of the lush greenery of Purple Mountain and the expansive landscape beyond, offering both a profound historical experience and a breathtaking vista that stretches across the city.

Next, visit Linggu Temple, a historic Buddhist temple located in Nanjing with a rich history spanning over 1,500 years. Renowned in Chinese history, Linggu Temple was once praised as "the best Buddhist temple in the world," reflecting its deep cultural and religious significance. The temple is nestled amidst ancient dark green trees and surrounded by a vast, tranquil park, where the sweet fragrance of flowers fills the air and the melodious sound of the temple bell echoes through the serene landscape. The nearby forest and clear springs add an extra layer of vitality and natural beauty, enhancing the peaceful atmosphere. Some of the temple's most famous highlights include the Xuanzang Memorial Hall, dedicated to the great Buddhist monk Xuanzang, the majestic Linggu Pagoda, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area, and the grand Wuliang Hall, a beautiful structure that showcases the architectural grandeur of the temple. Together, these elements make Linggu Temple a must-visit destination for those interested in both spiritual reflection and the natural beauty of Nanjing.

Enjoy a delightful lunch at a local Chinese restaurant, where you can savor traditional Nanjing cuisine. Nanjing is famous for its rich culinary heritage, offering a variety of unique flavors that reflect the city’s history and culture. From Nanjing salted duck, a savory dish with a perfect balance of seasoning, to the delicate steamed dumplings and sweet and sour fish, there is something to please every palate. During lunch, feel free to share any dietary preferences or requirements with your guide, who will be happy to recommend local specialties tailored to your tastes. This break offers the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Nanjing before continuing your exploration of this fascinating city.

Later, head to the Ming Xiaoling Tomb, one of the most impressive imperial burial sites in China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Constructed in 1381, it is the final resting place of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and his empress, Queen Ma. Located on the southern slope of Purple Mountain, the tomb is beautifully integrated into its natural surroundings, with centuries-old trees, rolling hills, and seasonal blooms that offer a serene and majestic atmosphere. Visitors enter through the iconic Sacred Way, an 800-meter-long path lined with intricately carved stone animals and civil and military officials, silently standing guard for over 600 years. The site reflects both the political power and philosophical ideals of the early Ming Dynasty, emphasizing harmony between architecture and nature. As you walk through this vast complex, you’ll not only admire its scale and symmetry, but also gain a deeper appreciation for the dynastic heritage and cultural depth of Nanjing.

On Purple Mountain, you will have the opportunity to visit Meiling Palace, a historic residence that once belonged to China’s former president Chiang Kai-shek and his wife Soong Mayling. This elegant palace served as their home before they fled to Taiwan in 1949, following the conclusion of the Chinese Civil War. From above, the palace is said to resemble a giant emerald, with its lush surroundings forming a picturesque landscape that evokes the image of a pendant and necklace, adding to its beauty and mystique. Local legend has it that Chiang Kai-shek designed and built the palace as a birthday gift for his beloved wife, symbolizing their deep affection for one another. Over the years, the palace has undergone extensive renovation to preserve its grandeur. The building was structurally reinforced, with repairs made to the wood flooring and the iconic green glazed tiles of the roof replaced with new tiles that match the original color and shape. A team of experts from the Forbidden City in Beijing was brought in to restore the intricate paintings adorning the palace walls, ensuring that the rich cultural heritage of Meiling Palace is maintained for future generations. This beautifully restored palace offers a glimpse into the lives of one of China’s most powerful couples and remains a symbol of historical and architectural significance.

After finished, our tour guide will take you back to your hotel.

Day 2

After breakfast, our tour guide will meet you at your hotel lobby and take you to the Presidential Palace, now home to the China Modern History Museum. The Presidential Palace can be considered Nanjing's version of Beijing's Forbidden City, as it once served as the residence of emperors and political leaders throughout China’s history. It was also the headquarters for Dr. Sun Yat-sen and the Kuomintang party during their rise to power, making it a key site in the establishment of the Republic of China. As a National Cultural Heritage Conservation Unit, the palace is an important historical and cultural landmark, attracting visitors from around the world. The architecture of the Presidential Palace is a remarkable fusion of Chinese and Western styles, with many well-preserved buildings and structures that reflect the unique cultural and historical significance of the site. The palace complex offers an immersive experience into China’s political history and cultural evolution, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the nation’s rich past.

Continue your tour to the Ming City Wall, one of the most impressive remnants of the Ming Dynasty’s grand architectural legacy. Built during the 14th and 15th centuries, the wall is a testament to the might and strategic vision of the Ming emperors. At its peak, it was part of a vast defensive system that included a navy and an army of over one million troops, making it one of the largest and most formidable military forces in the world at the time. The construction of the Ming City Wall coincided with several other monumental projects during the dynasty, including the reconstruction of the Grand Canal, the Great Wall of China, and the creation of the Forbidden City in Beijing, which served as the imperial palace for Chinese emperors from the 15th century until the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1911. The Ming Dynasty, often remembered as the last to be ruled by Han Chinese emperors, was a period of cultural and political prosperity, during which the population reached an estimated 160 to 200 million people. The Ming City Wall not only served as a military fortification but also symbolizes the strength, resilience, and lasting legacy of this influential period in Chinese history.

Next, we will head to the Imperial Examination Museum, a unique cultural site located in the heart of Nanjing’s Qinhuai District. Housed within the historical Jiangnan Examination Hall—once the largest imperial examination complex in ancient China—the museum vividly brings to life the rigorous civil service system that shaped Chinese society for over a thousand years. Through well-preserved examination cells, immersive displays, ancient documents, and multimedia exhibits, visitors can explore the evolution of China’s examination culture, its role in social mobility, and the intense pressure faced by aspiring scholars during imperial times. This is an unmissable stop for anyone interested in traditional Chinese education and Confucian influence on governance.

Your final stop for today is the Confucius Temple, also known as Nanjing Fuzimiao. This lively area is not only a place of historical significance but also an ideal destination for shopping and cultural exploration. Nanjing Fuzimiao beautifully preserves traditional Chinese architecture, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural past. As you stroll through the vibrant streets, you’ll find numerous retail stores selling local artistry, handicrafts, and souvenirs. It’s the perfect spot to pick up a hand-painted snuff vase or other unique gifts for familyand friends. At the heart of this area stands the Confucius Temple, dedicated to the great educator and philosopher Confucius, whose teachings have profoundly shaped Chinese education and culture for centuries. The temple is a symbol of Confucius’s legacy, and within the complex, you’ll find an old building where scholars once took their imperial examinations, further emphasizing the temple’s role in China’s educational history. This combination of historical architecture, cultural heritage, and local craftsmanship makes Nanjing Fuzimiao a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning about China’s past while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of one of the city’s most iconic locations.

Drive you back to your hotel or Nanjing train station and your tour ends.

Price Per Person in US Dollars