5 DAYS THE ANCIENT CAPITAL FOR SIX DYNASTIES – NANJING

Upon arrival in Nanjing, be met by our local guide and transfer to your hotel for check in.

Day tour to Jinling (Former name of Nanjing)

After breakfast, transfer to Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (中山陵) (approx. 10km / 30mins), a great forerunner of Chinese democratic revolution.  The mausoleum, at the foot of the majestic Purple Mountain, is permeated with a solemn atmosphere.  It often evokes a sentiment of respect with its glazed tori; steep, long stairways (392 steps) leading up to the memorial hall, and its inscribed headstone, which all attest to the great deeds of this honourable man.

Departing from the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, we will proceed to visit Linggu Temple (灵谷寺) and the Ming Xiao Tomb (明孝陵). The tomb of the first Ming emperor stands as an exemplary model of ancient China's royal tomb architecture, reflecting the prevailing concept of power that influenced Chinese civilization for over 5,000 years.

After lunch, we will drive back to the city and visit the Nanjing Presidential Residence (南京总统府). The Presidential Palace, over six hundred years old, was originally constructed as the Prince Han's Residence in the early years of the Ming Dynasty.

Half Day tour to Niushou Mountain & Usnisa Palace

After breakfast, transfer to Niushou Mountain & Usnisa Palace (牛首山佛顶宫) (approx. 20km / 60mins)，Niushou Mountain, named for its twin peaks resembling ox horns, has a history dating back 1700 years when it was built by the founder of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. The Usnisa Palace, situated on the western peak of Niushou Mountain, features a unique pit construction. The exterior space is divided into two sections: the large dome and the small dome, symbolizing external and internal support. The underground structure comprises six floors, housing the Usnisa Hall and the Usnisa Worshipping Palace.

Half Day tour to Porcelain Tower of Nanjing

After lunch, we will visit the Porcelain Tower of Nanjing (大报恩寺), once considered one of the seven medieval wonders of the world. Although destroyed by rebels in the 19th century, a full-size replica of the tower now stands in Nanjing.

Following dinner, we will embark on a night tour of the Qinhuai River. During this tour, you may visit the Confucius Temple (夫子庙), originally built in 1034 and dedicated to the great philosopher Confucius. Rebuilt in the 1980s, the temple now features numerous shops, restaurants, and bars, transforming it into a vibrant commercial and entertainment center that blends rich culture and art.

Half day tour to Imperial Examination Museum of China

After breakfast, we will transfer to the Imperial Examination Museum of China (中国科举博物馆). Built during the Southern Song Dynasty, it was one of the largest imperial examination centers in ancient China, initially serving as a venue for county and prefectural level examinations. Today, the museum primarily collects and exhibits cultural relics and historical data related to the imperial examination, as well as conducts research on the imperial civil examination system.

Half day tour to Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo

The Hongshan Forest Zoo (南京红山动物园) simulates the natural habitats of wild animals, providing them with ample space to roam. Visitors can explore animal trails and immerse themselves in nature. Additionally, the zoo has developed over 400 types of cultural and creative products.

Enjoy a leisure morning before transfer back to Nanjing airport for flight back.