Nanjing: Sun Yat-sen’s mausoleum, Ming tombs and the Qinhuai
Half a dynasty buried under one hill, and a river to finish the evening
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The honest version
What the day is actually likeTen and a half hours split between a hill and a river: three sites on Purple Mountain before lunch, then the old city and a boat on the Qinhuai once the lanterns come on.
Good for
- Travellers on the Beijing–Shanghai line with one day
- Republic-era and Ming history
Skip it if
If you want the Nanjing Museum, take a Tuesday–Sunday trip — the museum closes on Mondays and does not fit this loop.
Sun Yat-sen’s mausoleum is free but name-registered, and weekend slots disappear early. It is the one part of this day that can be full.
Where the day starts and ends
All times are departureNanjing South Railway Station or hotels inside the city wall
The day, to the minute
9 stopsThe mausoleum is free but needs a timed reservation; the order shifts to match the slot you get.
Pick-up at Nanjing South or your hotelPick-up
Sun Yat-sen MausoleumSight
392 steps, and the city behind you at the top
Ming Xiaoling MausoleumSight
The Hongwu emperor’s tomb and the elephant avenue
LunchMeal
Own expense; the guide points you at a local place
Meiling VillaSight
The “heart of Purple Mountain”, ringed by plane trees
Into the old cityDrive
About 30 minutes
Confucius Temple and the QinhuaiSight
The examination hall, Wuyi Lane
Boat on the QinhuaiSight
About 50 minutes; better once the lanterns are lit
Back to your hotel or the stationReturn
In and out
Per routeWhat is included
- Ming Xiaoling admission (about ¥70)
- Meiling Villa admission (about ¥30)
- Qinhuai river boat (about ¥60)
- Sun Yat-sen timed reservation (free)
- Car and driver for the day
Not included
- Lunch and dinner
- Presidential Palace or museum tickets
- Guide gratuities
- The mausoleum is free but name-registered, and weekend slots go early. Book as far ahead as you can.
- Nanjing Museum closes on Mondays. If you want it in the day, come Tuesday to Sunday.
- Private cars cannot enter the scenic area; you switch to the park shuttle, which is included.
Steps everywhere but gentle ones. About 6 km on foot — fine for children, tiring for grandparents.
Quick answers
Prices, hours and what is includedHow much does a day trip from Nanjing to Ming tombs and the Qinhuai cost?
$69 per person on the group tour, or from $256 per vehicle for a private car with driver and guide. The group price includes the driver, guide and admission; the private price is for the whole vehicle, whatever the party size.
How long is the day?
It runs 09:00 to 19:30 — about 10.5 hours from pick-up to drop-off, including the drive. If you are catching a train or flight the same evening, book it for after 21:00.
Where does it start?
Nanjing South Railway Station. Your driver and guide meet you there; the exact spot is confirmed the day before travel.
What is included in the price?
Ming Xiaoling admission (about ¥70); Meiling Villa admission (about ¥30); Qinhuai river boat (about ¥60).
What is not included?
Lunch and dinner; Presidential Palace or museum tickets.
How far ahead should I book?
Two days. We do not accept same-day or next-day bookings because the car, guide and admission have to be arranged in advance. Cancellation is free up to 7 days before the tour; inside that it steps to 20% (6–3 days) and 60% (2–1 days), and nothing is refunded on the day itself.
