Nanjing is a city that knows how to keep history, culture, and natural beauty in close quarters. With its ancient walls, imperial tombs, and serene lakes, it’s a place where a well-chosen tour can turn a visit into an immersive experience. We love a good private tour — especially one that’s flexible enough to tailor to individual interests. For example, the Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour offers a customizable way to see everything from the Sun Yatsen Mausoleum to Purple Mountain, making sure you don’t miss what matters most to you. The fact that it includes hotel or station pickup and drop-off means no stress, just the pleasure of discovery. If you’re short on time, the Half-Day Private Customized Nanjing City Tour packs a lot into four hours, letting you pick your favorite sites.
While guided private tours are perfect for deep dives into Nanjing’s history and culture, the city’s scenic spots also shine during evening cruises or thematic explorations. For example, the Nanjing By Night: Qinghuai River Cruise with Authentic Dining Experience offers a relaxed way to enjoy Nanjing’s illuminated skyline and lively markets, with a dinner included. For those who want to combine cultural sites with leisure, the All Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour with Tailor-Made Highlights brings together top attractions like the Ming Tomb and Confucius Temple with a personalized touch. Whether your goal is a rundown or a relaxed evening, Nanjing has a tour for you.
1. Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour
At number 1, the Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour stands out for its customizable approach. It’s perfect if you want to craft your experience with a private guide, who will work with you to decide the day’s itinerary. The tour lasts approximately 6 to 8 hours and includes hotel or station pickup and drop-off, making it a seamless experience. You can choose high-priority sites like Chaotian Palace, Sun Yatsen Mausoleum, or Purple Mountain, or focus on cultural or natural sights such as Xuanwu Lake. Entrance fees are at your expense, but your guide will help you make the most of your time. The reviews praise the personalized service and knowledgeable guides, with guests mentioning guides like Fred as exceptional. This tour offers excellent value for those who want flexibility and expert local insights, especially if you have a full day to explore at your own pace.
Bottom line: Great for travelers who want a tailored experience and are comfortable customizing on the go.
2. Half-Day Private Customized Nanjing City Tour
Number 2 on our list, the Half-Day Private Customized Nanjing City Tour is perfect if your time is limited but you still want to see key sights. It lasts about four hours and includes hotel or railway station transfers. The flexibility means you can specify your interests—whether it’s visiting Zhonghua Gate, Sun Yatsen Mausoleum, or the Confucian Temple Area—or let your guide suggest a route. The reviews highlight how smooth and personalized the experience is, with guides like Fred making excellent recommendations. It’s a great way to cover the highlights, especially if you’re on a layover or just want a quick but meaningful taste of Nanjing.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers with limited time who want to see the city on their own terms.
3. All Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour with Tailor-Made Highlights
Number 3, the All Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour, offers a comprehensive experience. It lasts about 7 to 8 hours and covers top attractions like Purple Mountain, Mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen, and the Ancient City Wall. What sets it apart is the tailor-made itinerary — you decide what to see, and your private guide makes it happen. Reviews mention guides like John, who “made sure we got everywhere on time,” and the tour’s flexibility makes it suitable for travelers who want in-depth exploration without rushing. Entrance fees, lunch, and private door-to-door transfers are included, making it a hassle-free option for those who prefer a full, personalized day.
Bottom line: Best for travelers who want a complete, custom experience with all logistics taken care of.
4. Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service
At number 4, the Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service offers a professional language support option. It’s ideal if you prefer to lead your own day but want a local expert to provide guidance and assistance. The guide can help navigate attractions like Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Xiaoling Tomb, or Confucius Temple, and assists with calling taxis or organizing meals. The service lasts 8 hours and is praised for its seamless logistics and knowledgeable guides like Fred. It’s perfect for independent travelers who want to explore comfortably without the stress of planning every detail.
Bottom line: Suitable for travelers who prefer to set their own itinerary but want expert support.
5. Private Day Tour to Niushoushan Cultural Park
Number 5 is the Private Day Tour to Niushoushan Cultural Park. It’s a relaxing escape, offering a combination of natural scenery and Buddhist cultural heritage. The tour, lasting 6 to 8 hours, includes visits to Great Usnisa Palace, Usnisa Temple, and the Usnisa Pagoda. Excellent for those seeking peaceful surroundings and spiritual sites, the tour features a vegetarian lunch and all transfers. Reviews note guides like Fred as extremely knowledgeable, with a focus on cultural insights. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a tranquil cultural experience outside the city center.
Bottom line: Perfect for those interested in Buddhist heritage and scenic tranquility.
6. Nanjing Professional and Private English Tour Guide Service
Number 6, the Nanjing Professional and Private English Tour Guide Service offers a full-day, highly customizable experience. It covers major sites such as Zhu Yuanzhang’s Mausoleum, Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, and Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. The guide will tailor the visit based on your interests, with reviews mentioning guides like Savor providing in-depth explanations. The private driver and flexible itinerary make it suitable for history enthusiasts or those wanting a rundown without rushing.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want an in-depth, fully personalized tour.
7. 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb, City Wall & Memorial Hall
Number 7 offers a focused half-day experience with the 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb, City Wall & Memorial Hall. It features the Xiaoling Tomb of Ming Dynasty, Ming City Wall, and the Memorial Hall of Nanjing Massacre. The tour is ideal if you want to visit key historical sites efficiently, with the guide sharing detailed insights. Reviews praise guides like Emily for their professionalism and knowledge, making this a recommended choice for those wanting a deep cultural experience in a condensed timeframe.
Bottom line: Excellent for travelers who want a concentrated dose of Nanjing’s key sites.
8. Nanjing City Private Customized Day Tour with Lunch
Number 8, the Nanjing City Private Customized Day Tour with Lunch combines flexibility with local flavor. It lasts 7 to 8 hours and includes a lunch based on your dietary preferences. You can customize the stops, including Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum, Xiaoling Tomb, or the Ming City Wall. Guides like Savor are praised for their flexibility and knowledge, making this an excellent choice for those who want to craft a perfect day. Guests mention the company’s responsiveness and the guide’s ability to adapt, ensuring a satisfying experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a personalized day with a delicious local meal.
9. Nanjing By Night: Qinghuai River Cruise with Authentic Dining Experience
Number 9 offers a magical evening with the Nanjing By Night: Qinghuai River Cruise. It lasts about 3 hours, including a traditional Chinese dinner, and stops at Confucius Temple Market. Watching the night light show and drifting along the river provides a unique perspective of Nanjing’s illuminated landmarks. Reviews highlight Fred’s extensive knowledge and the well-organized logistics, making it a memorable, relaxed way to see the city’s night scene.
Bottom line: Perfect for couples or anyone wanting a scenic, cultural evening experience.
10. Nanjing Private Day Tour of The Republic Era with Lunch
Number 10, the Private Day Tour of The Republic Era offers a deep dive into modern Chinese history. It covers Meiling Palace, Nanjing Presidential Palace, and the Nanjing Massacre Memorial. The tour lasts about 8 hours and includes lunch, making it suitable for history buffs. Guides like Savor are praised for their detailed storytelling and flexibility. This tour is best suited for travelers interested in understanding 20th-century Chinese politics and architecture.
Bottom line: Great for those wanting a comprehensive historical overview of Nanjing.
11. All Inclusive Amazing Nanjing City Highlights Private Day Tour
Number 11 features the All Inclusive Amazing Nanjing City Highlights Private Day Tour. It covers key sites like Sun Yatsen Mausoleum, Xiaoling Tomb, Confucius Temple, and Jiming Temple in about 8 hours. The tour includes a local lunch and is praised for the guide’s extensive knowledge and smooth logistics. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want a balanced mix of cultural, religious, and historical sites in one day.
Bottom line: Balanced, full-day exploration suited for first-time visitors.
12. Nanjing Private Flexible Day Tour with Professional Guide and Driver Service
Number 12, the Nanjing Private Flexible Day Tour emphasizes full flexibility. It’s designed for travelers who want to select their sites beforehand, with the guide and driver making it happen comfortably over 7-8 hours. You can focus on Mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen, Xiaoling Tomb, or Confucius Temple—whatever piques your interest. Guests appreciate how the guide, like Lily, makes the experience engaging and informative, with seamless logistics and personalized attention.
Bottom line: Best for travelers who know exactly what they want to see and prefer to customize every detail.
13. Flexible Suzhou Private Day Tour from Nanjing by Bullet Train
Number 13 takes you beyond Nanjing with the Flexible Suzhou Private Day Tour from Nanjing. It’s ideal for a full-day trip to Suzhou, known for its classical gardens and canals. You’ll take a bullet train, visit Humble Administrator’s Garden, stroll Pingjiang Road, and see Jinji Lake—all customized to your preferences. Reviews mention guides like Emily, who make sure you see the highlights without feeling rushed. This tour is best if you want to combine cultural exploration with convenient transportation.
Bottom line: Perfect for a day trip combining history, scenery, and local life.
14. Half-Day Nanjing Purple Mountain Private Tour in Your Way
Number 14, the Half-Day Purple Mountain Private Tour offers complete flexibility. You choose which sites — Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Xiaoling Tomb, or Linggu Temple — and your guide will tailor the visit accordingly. The tour lasts about 4 to 5 hours and includes hotel or station pickup. It’s suited for travelers who want a quick, personalized introduction to Purple Mountain’s most significant sites without rushing.
Bottom line: Designed for those with limited time but a desire for tailored exploration.
15. Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour
Finally, the Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour offers a DIY-style experience. With a private driver and customizable schedule, you decide which attractions to visit—be it Zhonghua Gate, Nanjing Museum, or Confucius Temple. It’s ideal for self-sufficient travelers who want the convenience of private transport combined with the freedom to explore on their own terms. Reviews praise the driver Li An for his knowledge and punctuality, making it a reliable option for independent explorers.
Bottom line: Perfect for confident travelers who want flexibility without sacrificing comfort.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Nanjing
When selecting your ideal tour, consider your budget, time available, and interests. For an in-depth, personalized experience, the All Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour or Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour are excellent. If you prefer a shorter, more relaxed outing, the Half-Day Private Customized Nanjing City Tour or 6-Hour Tour of Xiaoling Tomb might suit you better.
For those interested in scenery and evening atmospheres, the Nanjing By Night River Cruise offers a memorable relaxed experience. Budget travelers can opt for the Private Day Tour with Flexible Itinerary, which provides private transportation without a fixed schedule.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons like spring and autumn, to ensure availability and the best guides.
Nanjing’s rich tapestry of past and present offers countless ways to explore. Whether you’re after a full-day private tour, a night river cruise, or a customized half-day, there’s a tour tailored to your style. For history buffs, cultural aficionados, or casual explorers, these options let you experience Nanjing authentically and comfortably. Remember to choose based on your interests and schedule — a good guide can make all the difference. So pick your adventure, book early, and prepare to see a city that’s both proud of its past and eager to share it with you.