Shanghai to Nanjing Bullet Train Trip | Explore Must-See Sights

8 to 12 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Experience an efficient, unforgettable one-day private tour from Shanghai to Nanjing—China’s legendary old capital! Travel in comfort via a high-speed train, allowing you to dive straight into exploring the timeless charm, rich history and iconic landmarks of this ancient imperial city without any delays.
We’ve handpicked all of Nanjing’s unmissable gems—perfect for soaking up the old capital’s essence: visit the solemn Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (or Meiling Palace on Mondays), wander the ancient Zhonghua Gate fortress, explore the UNESCO-listed Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, and stroll the culturally rich Confucius Temple along the Qinhuai River—every key site that defines Nanjing is included.
Your local English-speaking guide shares fascinating history behind each attraction, while we include train tickets and all entrance fees, plus private Shanghai hotel pickup/drop-off for total convenience.
Perfect for time-pressed travelers—book now to turn a short trip into a memorable Nanjing experience!

What's Included

Entrance fee
Train Tickets (Second Class)
English speaking tour guide
Private transfer during the tour
Gratuites
Accommodation
Meals

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Your driver will pick you up from the lobby of your Shenzhen hotel by holding your name sign

Itinerary

Duration: 8 to 12 hours (approximately)
  • Shanghai (Pass by)

    Your day will start with a convenient private pickup from your Shanghai hotel by our professional driver, who will take you directly to Shanghai Hongqiao High-Speed Railway Station. Once you board the comfortable high-speed train, you will have full private time to relax at your leisure—read a book, enjoy the scenery along the way, or simply unwind, as the 1.5-hour journey to Nanjing is entirely yours to savor. Upon your arrival at Nanjing High-Speed Railway Station, your local English-speaking guide and private driver will be waiting to greet you, ready to start your immersive one-day tour that covers all of Nanjing’s must-see iconic attractions—no important spot will be missed, ensuring you get the most out of your short trip to this historic city.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1
    Sun Yatsen Mausoleum (Zhongshan Ling)

    The morning itinerary will vary slightly based on your travel day: if your tour is not on Monday, we will kick off with a visit to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, one of Nanjing’s most sacred landmarks. You will climb the 392 stone steps leading to the mausoleum, where you can overlook the entire city skyline of Nanjing. Your guide will vividly share the legendary revolutionary journey of Mr. Sun Yat-sen, as well as the exquisite architectural ingenuity behind this majestic mausoleum. If your tour falls on a Monday (when Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum is closed), you will instead visit Meiling Palace—once the private residence of Chiang Kai-shek and Soong May-ling. Accompanied by your guide, you will dive deep into the life stories of the upper class during the Republic of China era, and appreciate the unique architectural style and elegant atmosphere of this historic mansion.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Zhonghua Gate (Zhonghuamen Castle)

    Please note that lunch is not included in the tour package. However, whenever you feel hungry, simply inform your guide, who will recommend authentic local restaurants where you can taste delicious Nanjing cuisine at your own expense—from savory duck blood vermicelli soup to crispy salted duck, you won’t miss the city’s iconic flavors. In the afternoon, we will head to Zhonghua Gate, renowned as "the largest and best-preserved fortress-style city gate in China." You will walk along the ancient Ming Dynasty city wall, which has a history of over 600 years. Your guide will explain the sophisticated ancient city defense system, as well as the wisdom of Ming Dynasty craftsmen reflected in the inscriptions on the city wall bricks, bringing the history of this ancient gate to life.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Xiaoling Tomb of Ming Dynasty

    Next, we will visit Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and the mausoleum of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and his empress Ma. As you walk along the Sacred Way, you will admire the exquisite stone carvings—including stone elephants, stone camels, and other mythical creatures—that line the path. Your guide will introduce the careful site selection and grand layout of this imperial mausoleum, allowing you to feel the solemnity and grandeur of the imperial mausoleums of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 4
    Confucius Temple and Qinhuai Scenery

    Our final stop is the Confucius Temple, a cultural landmark that combines Confucian heritage with Qinhuai River charm. Here, you can visit the Dacheng Hall dedicated to Confucius, the ancient-style Mingyuan Tower, and stroll along the traditional streets and shops by the Qinhuai River. Your guide will help you understand the core ideas of Confucian culture, Confucius’ life story and educational philosophy, while you immerse yourself in the architectural style of Nanjing during the Ming and Qing dynasties and the unique historical and cultural atmosphere of the Qinhuai River area. After the tour ends, we will take you back to Nanjing High-Speed Railway Station for your return trip to Shanghai. Upon your arrival at Shanghai Hongqiao High-Speed Railway Station, our driver will be waiting for you at the South Exit, ready to safely send you back to your Shanghai hotel, bringing your memorable one-day Nanjing tour to a perfect close.

    1 hour Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Unique Beijing Tours

Tags

Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Rail Tours
Car Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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