Which Nanjing Tours & Experiences To Choose? We Rank The 15 Best

Nanjing is a city that offers more than just old streets and ancient walls. It’s a place where you can really get to know China’s past and present through its thoughtfully curated tours and experiences. Whether you’re interested in a personalized private day tour, a night cruise along the Qinhuai River, or a cultural visit to Niushoushan, Nanjing has options that cater to all kinds of travelers. One of our favorites is the Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour because it combines comfort, customization, and expert guides to make the most of your visit. Check out this private tour for a perfect introduction.

If you prefer a shorter, more focused experience, the Half-Day Private Customized Nanjing City Tour offers a great way to explore key sites at your own pace. For those with a variety of interests, the All Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour with Tailor-Made Highlights is a fantastic full-day option packed with top attractions. For an evening experience, the Nanjing By Night: Qinghuai River Cruise combines scenic boat rides with authentic dining. No matter your style, the options below will help you find the right way to enjoy Nanjing.

1. Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour

This customizable door-to-door tour is perfect for travelers who want flexibility without sacrificing comfort. It includes private pickup and drop-off, a private vehicle, and a guide who can build a tailored itinerary or follow a classic route. Highlights are Sun Yatsen Mausoleum, Zhonghua Gate, Xiaoling Tomb, and the Confucian Temple area. The tour lasts around 6 to 8 hours and often receives perfect ratings—most reviewers giving it a 5-star review.

Guests love the personal touch—being able to customize the itinerary based on their interests provides a real sense of control and immersion. The guide is exceptional at sharing insights into Nanjing’s cultural relics and tragic past. The flexibility, combined with a private vehicle, makes it ideal for travelers short on time or those who want to see the highlights efficiently. The main drawback? You should be ready for a full day of sightseeing, but with a private guide, it’s easy to pace yourself.

Bottom Line: The best choice for those wanting a highly flexible, private experience with expert guidance, especially useful if you want to avoid crowds and customize your day.

2. Half-Day Private Customized Nanjing City Tour

This half-day tour offers the advantage of flexibility within a shorter time frame—around 4 hours. It includes hotel or railway station transfers and the chance to pick the sites you’re most interested in. For example, many choose to visit Zhonghua Gate, Sun Yatsen Mausoleum, or Confucian Temple depending on their priorities. The tour is priced affordably at $122 per person, and reviews frequently highlight the personalized attention and knowledgeable guides.

The highlight of this tour is the ability to make the most of a limited window—perfect for travelers with a busy schedule or those arriving in Nanjing on a layover. Guests appreciate the smooth logistics and the opportunity to see some key sites without feeling rushed. The main limitation is that it’s only half a day, so you won’t see everything, but it’s a good introduction.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking an efficient, customizable experience in a shorter time, without sacrificing depth or guide expertise.

3. All Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour with Tailor-Made Highlights

This full-day tour offers the most comprehensive experience with a tailor-made itinerary. It covers major sites like Purple Mountain, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Xiaoling Tomb, and the Confucius Temple area. The price includes private transportation, entrance fees, and lunch, making it an all-in-one package for around 7 to 8 hours. The guide will work with you beforehand to customize the itinerary to your interests.

Guests often comment that the guide’s local knowledge makes the history come alive, especially as you visit UNESCO World Heritage sites and other landmarks. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a deep dive into Nanjing’s culture and history without the hassle of planning. The inclusion of lunch adds value, but be aware that some sites’ entrance fees are not included and need to be paid on site.

Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a comprehensive, personalized experience with all logistics managed.

4. Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service

Offering a worry-free experience, this private English guide service is flexible and tailored to your needs. For a flat rate of $75.44, you get a professional guide who can help you navigate the city, call taxis, or even plan your own itinerary—visiting sites like the Mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen or exploring local markets.

Reviewers praise the guide’s fluency in English and helpful attitude, making it perfect for solo travelers or small groups who want a personalized touch. The flexibility of the service allows you to choose attractions or even explore at your own pace, all with someone who understands both the history and logistics of Nanjing.

Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers who want a personalized, flexible guide without the constraints of a preset tour.

5. Private Day Tour to Niushoushan Cultural Park

If you’re after a mix of nature and spirituality, this Niushoushan Cultural Park tour ticks all boxes. It includes visits to Great Usnisa Palace, Usnisa Temple, and the Usnisa Pagoda. The vegetarian lunch and private guide make the experience smooth and relaxing.

Guests rave about the beautiful scenery and cultural richness of the park, which offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle. The tour lasts about 6 to 8 hours, making it suitable for those wanting a half-day or full-day cultural retreat. The focus on Buddhist heritage and natural beauty makes it stand out among Nanjing tours.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those interested in spiritual sites and scenic landscapes with a relaxed pace.

6. Nanjing Professional and Private Tour Guide Service

This professional guide service offers an immersive experience with a customized itinerary, including attractions like the Memorial Hall of the Nanjing Massacre and Zhu Yuanzhang’s Mausoleum. For around $200 per person, you get a full-day experience with door-to-door transfers.

The reviews emphasize the guide’s extensive knowledge and personalized approach, making this a top-tier choice for history enthusiasts. The service is flexible and can include visits to various sites based on your interests, with an 8-hour duration that lets you see Nanjing without feeling rushed.

Bottom Line: Suited for travelers wanting a completely tailored, in-depth exploration with top professional support.

7. 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb, City Wall & Memorial Hall

This half-day tour is a great way to cover some of Nanjing’s most iconic sites—Xiaoling Tomb, Ming City Wall, and the Memorial Hall of Nanjing Massacre. It’s designed for travelers who have limited time but want a focused, private experience. The guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel or station.

Guests highlight the expert commentary and well-paced schedule, which allows for meaningful visits to each site. The tour’s concise format makes it ideal for those on a tight schedule or with limited energy for walking.

Bottom Line: A practical, efficient option for seeing top landmarks in a few hours with an experienced guide.

8. Nanjing City Private Customized Day Tour with Lunch

This full-day private tour allows you to explore the best of Nanjing in your own way, with the added bonus of a delicious local lunch. Sites include Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Xiaoling Tomb, and the City Wall. The guide works with you to create a tailor-made itinerary that suits your interests.

Guests appreciate the personalized attention and the flexibility to include or exclude sites. The lunch is a nice touch, especially if you love trying local dishes. The guide can also suggest additional sites like Qinghuai River or Confucius Temple, depending on your preferences.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want to balance sightseeing with local cuisine and personalized planning.

9. Nanjing By Night: Qinghuai River Cruise with Authentic Dining Experience

Experience Nanjing after dark on a scenic Qinghuai River cruise combined with a traditional dinner. Starting with a transfer from your hotel, you’ll enjoy a 50-minute boat ride past old buildings and bridges, with commentary on the city’s history.

Afterward, explore the bustling Confucius Temple Market and enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine at a local restaurant. The tour lasts about 3 hours and includes everything from the boat ticket to dinner, making it a hassle-free way to see Nanjing’s nightlife.

Guests highlight Fred’s knowledgeable guidance and the opportunity to experience Nanjing’s vibrant night scene. This tour is perfect for those who want a relaxed evening with stunning views and culture.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a scenic, dinner-focused evening with cultural insights.

10. Nanjing Private Day Tour of The Republic Era with Lunch

This full-day tour explores Nanjing’s modern history, including visits to Meiling Palace and the Presidential Palace. It also covers sites related to China’s Republic era, with a flexible itinerary that includes a local lunch.

Reviewers note the guides’ deep knowledge of recent history, making it a compelling choice for history buffs. The tour lasts about 8 hours, allowing enough time to soak in the sights and stories. It’s an excellent way to understand Nanjing’s role in shaping modern China.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those interested in modern Chinese history and political landmarks.

11. Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service

This professional guide service emphasizes full customization and local language support. It’s suitable for both leisure and business travelers, offering a flexible itinerary that can include sites like Purple Mountain or Nanjing Museum.

Guests appreciate the fluency of the guides and their ability to tailor the experience. It’s a great option if you want a personalized, seamless day with optional private car service. The guides are highly rated, making it a dependable choice for a well-organized trip.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking personalized service with a focus on language support.

12. All Inclusive Amazing Nanjing City Highlights Private Day Tour

This all-inclusive full-day tour covers most major sites, including Sun Yatsen Mausoleum, Xiaoling Tomb, Confucius Temple, Ming City Wall, and Jiming Temple. It includes a local lunch and private guide, making it a hassle-free way to see Nanjing.

Guests comment on the well-organized itinerary and attentive guide, ensuring they experienced the highlights without stress. This tour suits travelers who want a rundown with everything arranged for them.

Bottom Line: For those who want a seamless, all-in-one day exploring Nanjing’s top attractions.

13. Nanjing Private Flexible Day Tour with Professional Guide and Driver Service

This customizable day tour offers a full day of exploration with your own private guide and driver. You can visit Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Xiaoling Tomb, or the Ming City Wall based on your interests. The tour lasts 7 to 8 hours and is designed to be flexible.

Guests highlight how the guide adapts to their preferences and shares insider insights. It’s ideal if you want a tailored experience with the convenience of private transport.

Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers who want a completely personalized, flexible schedule.

14. Flexible Suzhou Private Day Tour from Nanjing by Bullet Train

While a bit outside Nanjing, this day trip to Suzhou offers a chance to explore Chinese gardens like Humble Administrator’s Garden and historic streets like Pingjiang Road. It includes bullet train tickets, private guide, and a local lunch.

Guests love the customizable itinerary and the opportunity to experience Suzhou’s famous classical gardens and canals. It’s a longer day—about 9 to 10 hours—perfect for those eager to see another iconic Chinese city.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want to extend their Nanjing visit and see another legendary historic city.

15. Half-Day Nanjing Purple Mountain Private Tour in Your Way

This half-day tour focuses on the Purple Mountain Scenic Area, including Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Xiaoling Tomb. It offers private guide and door-to-door transfers, with options to add a local lunch or dinner.

Guests praise the customizable itinerary and expert guiding, making it suitable for those with limited time but high interest in Purple Mountain’s cultural sites.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a personalized, scenic experience in a half day.

How to Choose the Best Tour in Nanjing

When choosing your tour, consider your budget, available time, interests, and mobility. For a comprehensive experience, the All Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour offers an excellent value, especially if you want a tailored itinerary with transportation and lunch included. If you only have a few hours, the Half-Day Private Customized Nanjing City Tour or 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb, City Wall & Memorial Hall are great options.

For unique evening experiences, the Qinghuai River cruise combines scenic views with dinner. Budget travelers might prefer the Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service, which offers flexible, guided support on your own terms.

Final Thoughts

Nanjing offers a rich selection of guided tours and experiences that suit a variety of interests and schedules. If you want a fully customizable day, the Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour stands out. For a balanced, half-day exploration, the Half-Day Private Customized Nanjing City Tour is perfect. And for those eager to enjoy cultural sites and scenic landscapes, the All Inclusive Tour provides a complete experience.

As with any trip, booking early is wise—especially for popular private tours or during peak seasons. No matter which you choose, Nanjing’s history and charm are waiting to be explored with the right guide by your side.