Nanjing Day Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train

Traveling from Shanghai to Nanjing by bullet train is a popular way to experience one of China’s historic capitals in a single day. This tour, offered by Shanghai Advisor Tour, promises hassle-free logistics, expert guides, and an itinerary packed with highlights like the Porcelain Tower, ancient city walls, and the Ming Tombs. It’s ideal for travelers looking for a seamless, culturally rich experience without the hassle of planning every detail.

What we particularly like about this trip is the combination of comfort and depth—it includes hotel pickup, transportation, and guided commentary, making it accessible even if you’re not familiar with local logistics. The chance to see Nanjing’s most famous sights in just one day is compelling. On the flip side, the tour’s tight schedule means a fair amount of walking and driving, which might be tiring for some. Overall, it’s best suited for those who want a rundown of Nanjing’s highlights in a convenient package.

Key Points

• Convenient logistics with hotel pickup, private transport, and pre-booked train tickets save time and hassle.
• Rich itinerary covering iconic sites like the Porcelain Tower and Ming Tombs offers a well-rounded cultural experience.
• Authentic local dining in Laomendong provides a taste of Nanjing’s traditional cuisine and atmosphere.
• Expert guides enhance understanding, with some reviews praising their knowledge and friendly approach.
• Value for money is notable, given the inclusion of entrance fees, lunch, and transport; train ticket upgrades are optional.
• Limited return service after the tour may require some planning if you have late evening plans in Shanghai.

An In-Depth Review of the Nanjing Day Tour from Shanghai

The Booking and Price Point

At $278 per person, this tour presents a well-priced way to explore Nanjing’s top sights in a single day. What makes this price attractive isn’t just the sightseeing—it’s the inclusive nature of the experience. Entrance tickets for major sites like the Porcelain Tower and Ming Tomb are covered, along with a traditional lunch. The cost also includes professional guides and transportation within Nanjing. However, keep in mind that bullet train tickets are not included; travelers must choose their preferred class (2nd, 1st, or business), which adds to the flexibility but also the total cost. Round-trip 2nd class tickets are about $40, a small investment for the high-speed comfort.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll See

Pickup and Train Journey

Your day begins early, with a pickup from your Shanghai hotel or meeting point around 7:00 am. From there, the journey kicks off with a smooth, two-hour bullet train ride to Nanjing. This aspect is a major highlight—riding a high-speed train through the Chinese countryside is an experience in itself, often described as comfortable and efficient. The guide will handle your train booking in advance, so you just need to select your seat class.

Porcelain Tower of Nanjing

Once in Nanjing, the tour starts at the iconic Porcelain Tower—an architectural marvel perched on the south bank of the Yangtze River. Known as the ‘Temple of Gratitude,’ this site was once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World. We loved the way the guide explained its historical significance, though one reviewer mentioned they wished they’d had more time to explore the interior, as admission is free but limited to outdoor views.

Ming City Wall & Zhonghua Gate

A short walk from the tower takes you to the ancient city wall, which dates back over 650 years. Here, you can stroll along the old battlements and get a sense of Nanjing’s strategic importance in Chinese history. The Zhonghua Gate, the largest castle-style city gate in China, is especially impressive both for its scale and well-preserved architecture. As one reviewer noted, “Much walking and driving” are involved, so wearing comfortable shoes is a good idea.

Lunch at Laomendong

After the morning sightseeing, it’s time for lunch in Laomendong, an area famed for its traditional architecture and lively atmosphere. The included meal offers a chance to enjoy authentic Nanjing flavors—some reviewers appreciated the local dishes served in an “ancient restaurant” setting. Post-lunch, you can wander the historic streets and get a feel for the city’s folk customs and architecture, which have been preserved remarkably well.

Xiaoling Tomb of Ming Dynasty

The afternoon is dedicated to the UNESCO-listed Ming Tombs, a highlight for many visitors. This site, renowned for its grandeur, scenic beauty, and historical importance, leaves a lasting impression. The guided commentary enhances the experience, giving context to the tomb’s design and the tomb-building process. According to a reviewer, “You might find the scale and beauty of the Ming Tombs magnificent,” which echoes many visitors’ sentiments.

What Reviewers Say

One reviewer, frank_s, commented, “Saw much in Nanjing. Guide was ok. I knew more Chinese history. Much walking and driving. Did not see actual Ming tomb because we went to Sun Yat-sen Memorial, that was worth seeing.” This points to one of the limitations—some sites are replaced based on the guide’s discretion, and time constraints mean not everything can be covered.

Another reviewer appreciated the knowledgeable guides and the authentic food in Laomendong, which adds value beyond just sightseeing. They found the experience well-organized but noted the tour ends around 5:00 pm, requiring travelers to plan their return to Shanghai.

Logistics and Practicalities

The tour’s timing is tight but manageable. Pickup at 7:00 am, with the train leaving shortly thereafter, means a very early start but allows for a full day of sightseeing. The return trip is around 5:30 pm, with arrival back at Shanghai around 7:30 pm. Transport within Nanjing is included, making movement between sites smooth and comfortable. The guide remains with the group throughout, providing insights and answering questions.

It’s worth mentioning that the upgrade to first or business class train tickets is available for those who prioritize comfort, especially on longer journeys. The tour’s price remains fixed, but passengers can pay extra for seat upgrades—a good option for travelers who want a bit more space and luxury.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Seamless, all-in-one package including hotel pickup, transport, and entrance fees.
• Expert guides who can bring the sites to life.
• Authentic lunch and opportunity to wander historic streets.
• Comfortable high-speed train ride, offering scenic views and quick transit.
• Good value considering the number of sites visited.

Cons

• The schedule is quite packed, which might lead to fatigue.
• Some sites, like the actual Ming tomb, may be skipped or replaced based on the guide’s discretion.
• The tour ends early evening, so planning for your return to Shanghai is necessary.
• Does not include bullet train tickets, which must be purchased separately or selected during booking.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, or travelers seeking a comprehensive day trip without the hassle of logistics. It suits those who want a guided, structured overview of Nanjing’s top sights, especially if you’re short on time but eager to see the most important landmarks. It’s also well-suited for travelers who appreciate authentic local cuisine and a mix of sightseeing and culture.

However, if you’re someone who prefers a more relaxed pace or wants to explore off-the-beaten-path sites, this tour might feel a bit rushed. Also, those who want to explore the Ming Tombs in-depth might find the limited time frustrating.

Final Thoughts

This Nanjing day trip from Shanghai provides a fantastic balance of convenience, culture, and history. The smooth logistics, knowledgeable guides, and inclusion of major highlights make it a good value for travelers eager to get a snapshot of Nanjing in a single day. The authentic lunch and scenic train ride elevate the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing tour.

For travelers who value efficiency without sacrificing depth, this tour offers an excellent way to see Nanjing’s most famous sites. It’s particularly suited for those new to China, looking for a well-organized and enriching day trip, or anyone wanting to combine modern train travel with cultural discovery.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour? Yes, transportation within Nanjing and hotel pickup in Shanghai are included. The train tickets are not included but can be selected and booked in advance.

What is the duration of the tour? The total experience lasts about 11 hours, from hotel pickup early in the morning to return in the evening around 7:30 pm.

Do I need to buy train tickets separately? No, your guide will book your train tickets in advance based on your chosen seat class; you just need to select your preference.

Can I upgrade my train seat? Yes, upgrades to first or business class are available for an additional fee—$62 for first class, $124 for business class.

Is lunch included? Yes, a traditional lunch in Laomendong is part of the package.

What if I have dietary restrictions? The tour includes a set meal; it’s best to specify any dietary needs when booking or clarify with the tour provider in advance.

This thoughtfully curated day trip from Shanghai to Nanjing combines convenience, comfort, and cultural richness—making it a smart choice for travelers wanting a deep dive into China’s historic capital, all in one seamless package.