Nanjing is a city with a long history and a lively riverfront that makes boat tours and cruises especially appealing. The city’s Qinghuai River, with its ancient architecture and vibrant night scenes, lends itself perfectly to evening boat rides that combine sightseeing with local dining. One standout, the Nanjing By Night: Qinghuai River Cruise with Authentic Dining Experience, offers a seamless blend of scenic views, cultural insights, and delicious food. For those craving a more flexible, private experience, the Half Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour with Night River Cruise provides personalized sightseeing along with an evening cruise, all tailored to your schedule. And for budget travelers, the Nanjing: Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River for Adults offers a short, scenic journey that captures the city’s charm at a very affordable price.
Whether you’re interested in a romantic evening, a quick sightseeing fix, or a deep dive into Nanjing’s history, there’s a boat tour that fits your style. These experiences show off the city from a unique perspective, giving you a different view of Nanjing’s landmarks, vibrant streets, and historic sites illuminated at night.
Quick Overview
This guide covers three standout boat tours in Nanjing, each offering a different way to see the city from the water:
– An evening cruise with authentic dinner and cultural stops Nanjing By Night: Qinghuai River Cruise with Authentic Dining Experience
– A customizable half-day private tour that combines key attractions with a night river cruise Half Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour with Night River Cruise
– An affordable, scenic night cruise along the Outer Qinhuai River for adult travelers Nanjing: Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River for Adults
Now, let’s take a closer look at each experience to help you decide which fits your interests and schedule.
1. Nanjing By Night: Qinghuai River Cruise with Authentic Dining Experience
At number 1, this cruise offers an immersive three-hour journey along Nanjing’s iconic Qinghuai River, especially magical after sunset. The tour includes a private guide, hotel transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle, and most importantly, a traditional Chinese dinner onboard. It’s an excellent way to see the city’s historic buildings, local markets, and nighttime light show in one smooth package.
The itinerary kicks off with a dinner at a local restaurant, where you can sample authentic dishes before heading to the Confucius Temple Market. Here, you can browse local vendors selling crafts and snacks. Then, you’ll hop onto your boat for a 50-minute cruise, during which your guide shares stories about Nanjing’s rich cultural past and modern life. The boat ride takes you past old buildings and viewpoints that are beautifully lit at night, creating a picturesque scene. The light show at the mouth of the river is particularly striking.
This tour’s real strength is combining scenic beauty, cultural insight, and culinary tradition in one evening. The reviews highlight the expert guide, excellent logistics, and delicious local food. Priced at $138, it offers great value for travelers wanting a full night out.
Bottom Line: Perfect for visitors who want a well-rounded, comfortable experience with good food, cultural background, and beautiful views. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy guided tours that cover multiple highlights effortlessly.
2. Half Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour with Night River Cruise
Coming in second is this personalized half-day tour, which allows you to customize your itinerary while including a night cruise on the Qinhuai River. For around $206, this experience is ideal if you’re pressed for time but want to see top attractions such as Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum, Xiaoling Tomb, or Zhonghua Gate.
The tour begins with your guide and driver meeting you at your hotel or train station. The flexible schedule means you decide what to see, with recommended stops that capture Nanjing’s essence. After visiting the Purple Mountain area—home to some of the city’s most significant sites—you’ll head to Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum to admire its impressive architecture and learn about its historical importance.
In the evening, the tour culminates with the night cruise along the Qinhuai River, where illuminated bridges and ancient gates cast reflections in the water. This combination of sightseeing and scenic cruising makes for a memorable experience. The private nature of the tour also means it’s perfect for travelers who want a tailored, stress-free day.
Guests emphasize how Lily’s knowledgeable guidance made the day special, and the flexible schedule allows you to skip or linger at sites as you prefer. The tour’s value lies in combining cultural exploration with a relaxing river cruise, making it ideal for couples or small groups.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a personalized, flexible itinerary with a mix of sightseeing and a scenic night cruise. It’s a great choice if you prefer a private experience and want to maximize your short stay.
3. Nanjing: Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River for Adults
For travelers on a budget, the Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River for Adults offers a 40-minute scenic ride for only $20 per person. This straightforward tour lets you enjoy Nanjing’s illuminated landmarks in a relaxed, no-frills setting.
The cruise covers key sights like Zhonghua Gate and Bao’en Temple, providing a brief but charming view of Nanjing’s rich past. The ticket is valid for a full day, so you can choose your own departure time, making it flexible for your evening plans. The boat’s calm waters and scenic lights make for good photo opportunities and a peaceful break from sightseeing.
While it’s a shorter and less elaborate experience than the other options, it’s ideal if you’re budget-conscious or want a quick, scenic respite after a day of exploring. Reviewers note the enchanting views and consider it a value-packed activity for those wanting a simple night cruise.
Bottom Line: Perfect for budget travelers seeking a short, scenic river cruise. It’s a low-cost way to enjoy Nanjing’s night views without the added fuss of meals or guided commentary.
$20 per person
How to Choose
When deciding between these boat tours, think about your budget, time available, and what type of experience you prefer. If you want a full evening combining dinner, sightseeing, and cultural insight, the Nanjing By Night: Qinghuai River Cruise with Authentic Dining Experience is the best pick.
For a more personalized, flexible experience that hits top sights and includes a night cruise, the Half Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour with Night River Cruise suits travelers who want control over their itinerary.
If you’re on a budget or just want a short scenic ride, the Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River offers a quick, affordable glimpse of Nanjing’s illuminated landmarks.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred time slot. Consider your interest level in dining, cultural sites, or just a brief scenic escape to match the right cruise to your trip.
Final Thoughts
Nanjing’s boat tours unlock a different perspective on the city’s history and beauty. For a romantic evening, the Qinghuai River cruise with dinner is hard to beat. If you prefer a personalized, flexible day with sightseeing and a night cruise, the half-day private tour delivers. Budget travelers will appreciate the simple but scenic outer Qinhuai River cruise.
Whichever you choose, these experiences are sure to add a memorable dimension to your visit. Just remember to book early and check the cruise times to make the most of your time on Nanjing’s waters.