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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Jiangsu, China

Nearby Destinations

Nanjing's high-speed rail network provides swift access to several other historically and culturally rich cities, making them suitable for day trips or multi-day extensions.

Explore more options for day trips and excursions from Nanjing on GetYourGuide.

Top Destinations by Train

  • Shanghai: A contrast, 1-1.5 hours by high-speed rail.
  • Suzhou: Famous for classical gardens, 1 hour by high-speed rail.
  • Hangzhou: West Lake and tea plantations, 1.5-2 hours by high-speed rail.
  • Wuxi: Taihu Lake and Lingshan Grand Buddha, 30-45 minutes by high-speed rail.

Natural Escapes & Cultural Excursions

The region around Nanjing offers beautiful natural landscapes and insights into Jiangsu's diverse heritage.

Natural Escapes

Beyond urban exploration, the region offers opportunities for natural escapes, from bamboo forests to dramatic mountain landscapes.

Nature's Retreats

  • Yixing Bamboo Forest: Tranquil hikes through lush bamboo groves.
  • Mount Huangshan: Iconic peaks, hot springs, requires overnight.
  • Best for scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

Cultural Excursions

Nearby cities provide rich cultural experiences, insights into Jiangsu's history, culinary traditions, and rural life.

Local Culture & Cuisine

  • Yangzhou: Classical gardens and Huaiyang cuisine, 1 hour by HSR.
  • Zhenjiang: Historical sites and Zhenjiang vinegar, 20-30 mins by HSR.
  • Rural Villages: Glimpse traditional Jiangsu life.

Considerations for Excursions

Planning Your Trip

  • Suzhou: Very manageable day trip, focus on gardens.
  • Hangzhou: Rewarding day trip, focus on West Lake.
  • Shanghai: Best as multi-day extension.
  • Mount Huangshan: Requires at least one overnight stay.

Transportation

  • High-speed rail: Most efficient for city-to-city travel.
  • Buses/Taxis: For local access to scenic areas.
  • Book train tickets in advance.
  • Check specific opening hours for sites.

Cost & Time Estimates

  • Suzhou Day Trip:CNY 100-200 (train + entry)
  • Yangzhou Day Trip:CNY 100-200 (train + entry)
  • Wuxi Day Trip:CNY 80-150 (train + entry)
  • Zhenjiang Day Trip:CNY 50-100 (train + entry)
  • Shanghai Multi-day:CNY 300-500 (train + 1 night)
  • Hangzhou Multi-day:CNY 300-500 (train + 1 night)
  • Huangshan Overnight:CNY 600-1000+ (train + 1 night + entry)
  • Yixing Bamboo:CNY 100-200 (bus + entry)

Quick Tip

Consider a day trip to Yangzhou for its beautiful classical gardens and a taste of refined Huaiyang cuisine.

Airport & Travel Services

Seamless travel often requires efficient airport services and global connectivity.

Flight Delays/Cancellations

Compensair helps passengers receive compensation for flight disruptions. Visit Compensair.

Airport Lounge Access

Priority Pass provides access to airport lounges worldwide, enhancing travel comfort. Discover more at Priority Pass.

Luggage Handling

Many airports offer services for luggage storage or transfer. Check with your airline or airport information desk for details.

Benefits of Advance Planning

Smart Travel Tips

  • Secure flight and train tickets early.
  • Confirm accommodation bookings.
  • Plan your daily itinerary.

On-Arrival Services

Upon arrival, various services simplify your transition into Nanjing.

Arrival Essentials

  • Local SIM cards available at airport.
  • Official taxi stands for transport.
  • Currency exchange facilities.

Traveler Reviews and Ratings

Service Quality:Excellent
Efficiency:High
User Friendliness:Good
Customer Support:Responsive
Value for Money:Good
Overall Satisfaction:High

Traveler's Note

  • For enhanced comfort and convenience, consider purchasing Priority Pass for airport lounge access before your journey.

Multi-Day Exploration

For travelers with more time, combining Nanjing with other nearby destinations provides a comprehensive exploration of the Yangtze River Delta and beyond.

Recommended Multi-Day Extensions

Extend your trip with these popular combinations.

Ideal Combinations

  • Shanghai & Suzhou: 2-3 days for modern and ancient contrast.
  • Hangzhou & Wuxi: 2-3 days for scenic beauty and religious sites.
  • Yangtze River Delta Loop: 7-10 days for in-depth regional dive.

Logical Next Destinations from Nanjing

Nanjing functions as a hub for further exploration of China's historical and natural wonders.

Next Stops

  • Beijing: Imperial history (Forbidden City, Great Wall), 3.5-4 hours by HSR.
  • Xi'an: Ancient capitals (Terracotta Army), 6-7 hours by HSR.
  • High-speed rail is the recommended transport mode.

Longer Regional Travel Routes

Tailor your journey to explore diverse regions thoroughly.

Yangtze River Delta Loop

Nanjing (3 days) > Shanghai (3-4 days) > Suzhou (1-2 days) > Hangzhou (1-2 days).

East China Historical & Scenic Tour

Yangtze River Delta loop with Huangshan (2-3 days) for natural beauty.

Customized Exploration

Explore further inland to Anhui province for ancient villages.

Travel Tip

For a deep dive into East China, plan a 7-10 day loop including Nanjing, Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou, all easily connected by high-speed rail.