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Open WhatsApp ChatNanjing Lukou Airport (NKG) to downtown with English-speaking driver. Fixed price, free flight tracking. Explore the ancient capital of six dynasties in comfort.
One of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals — where imperial tombs, Republican-era architecture, and Yangtze River views converge.
The name "Nanjing" (南京) literally means "Southern Capital." It was the capital of six dynasties (Wu, Eastern Jin, Song, Qi, Liang, Chen) and later the Ming Dynasty before the capital moved to Beijing. During the Republic of China era, it served as the national capital again. The city's name reflects its status as a political and cultural center in southern China for over 1,700 years.
Nanjing is one of China's top educational centers, home to Nanjing University (founded 1902, ranked top 5 nationally) and Southeast University (founded 1902, renowned for architecture and engineering). Other major institutions include Hohai University, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and the prestigious Nanjing Arts Institute. The city hosts over 50 universities and research institutes.
Nanjing's metro system has 13 lines and 500+ km of track, making it one of the most extensive in China. The airport line (S1) connects Lukou Airport to the city center in about 35 minutes. However, reaching the Purple Mountain scenic area, the Yangtze River bridges, and some historical sites requires transfers. A private car is the most convenient way to visit multiple sites like the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and the Presidential Palace in one day.
Nanjing straddles the Yangtze River, with the river flowing through the northern part of the city. Purple Mountain (Zijin Shan) dominates the eastern skyline, covered in forests and home to numerous historical sites. Xuanwu Lake, a vast imperial lake in the city center, offers scenic walks and boat rides. The city enjoys a subtropical climate with four distinct seasons and is famous for its plum blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn.
From imperial mausoleums to Republican-era landmarks, explore Nanjing's rich heritage with a private driver.
Fixed-price private car service for Nanjing's most popular journeys.
~35 km · 40–60 min · Economy/Business/MPV
Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) is the main gateway to the city. Your driver meets you at the arrival hall with a name board, tracks your flight for delays, and takes you directly to hotels in Xuanwu, Gulou, or Qinhuai districts. No waiting for taxis or navigating the metro with luggage.
~15 km · 20–30 min · Economy/Business/MPV
Nanjing South Railway Station is the main high-speed rail hub. With luggage after a long train journey, a private car is the most comfortable option for reaching your hotel directly. Your driver meets you at the designated exit with a name board.
~20 km · 8-hour day trip
Visit Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Linggu Temple, and the Meiling Palace in one day. Your driver navigates the mountain roads, drops you at each entrance, and waits while you explore. Perfect for history and nature lovers.
8 hours · Business vehicle · Custom itinerary
Visit the Presidential Palace, Confucius Temple, Nanjing City Wall, and Xuanwu Lake in one day with a private car. Your driver knows the best routes, parking locations, and timing to avoid crowds. Add a fluent English guide for deeper historical insights.
Everything you need to know about arriving in Nanjing and reaching your hotel.
South of the city · 35 km to city center
NKG is Nanjing's main airport, serving domestic and international flights across China and Asia. Located about 35 km south of the city center, it has a single modern terminal. The S1 Airport Metro Line connects to the city center, but with luggage after a long flight, a private car is far more comfortable and takes about 40–60 minutes to downtown hotels.
Hefei Xinqiao (HFE) · 170 km · Shanghai Pudong (PVG) · 280 km
Some travelers may arrive at Hefei Xinqiao (HFE) or Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and need ground transport to Nanjing. From Hefei, the drive takes about 2 hours; from Shanghai Pudong, about 3–3.5 hours. Our private car service can arrange long-distance transfers from either airport with an English-speaking driver.
Main high-speed hub · Yuhuatai District
The largest high-speed rail station in Nanjing, serving the Beijing-Shanghai and Shanghai-Wuhan-Chengdu lines. It connects Nanjing to Shanghai (1 hr), Beijing (3.5 hr), and Hangzhou (1.5 hr). A private car pickup is recommended as the station is vast and taxi queues can be long.
Historic central station · Xuanwu District
Located near Xuanwu Lake, this is Nanjing's oldest main station. It serves conventional trains to northern and eastern China, plus some high-speed services. Its central location makes hotel transfers quick and convenient.
Freight & regional · Gulou District
Primarily used for freight and some regional passenger services. Located in the Gulou district, it is less relevant for most travelers but useful for certain regional routes.
Suburban HSR · Jiangning District
Serves the Jiangning district south of the city center with high-speed rail connections. Convenient for travelers visiting the Jiangning development zone or staying in the southern suburbs.
University district · Qixia District
Located near the Xianlin University Town, serving high-speed trains on the Shanghai-Nanjing intercity line. Convenient for travelers visiting the university district or staying in the eastern suburbs.
We meet you at the exit with a name board and help with luggage.
Book Station TransferCapture the ancient capital from the most iconic and photogenic angles.
Best at dawn
The grand staircase of the mausoleum, framed by ancient pines and the rising sun, creates a powerful image. The view from the top platform over the city is breathtaking on clear mornings.
Best in autumn
The stone statues of elephants, camels, and officials lining the Sacred Way are framed by golden ginkgo and red maple trees in autumn. This is one of Nanjing's most photographed spots.
Best after sunset
The Confucius Temple area comes alive with red lanterns reflected in the Qinhuai River. Traditional boats drift past historic pavilions, creating a magical scene.
Best in spring
The Ming City Wall curves along the edge of Xuanwu Lake, with cherry blossoms and willow trees in the foreground. The combination of ancient architecture and natural beauty is stunning.
Best in early morning mist
The misty forests of Purple Mountain create an ethereal atmosphere in the early morning. The interplay of light, mist, and ancient trees is a photographer's dream. Your driver can pick you up before dawn.
Best in soft afternoon light
The modern architecture of the Nanjing Museum, with its clean lines and reflecting pools, creates striking compositions. The contrast between the contemporary building and the ancient artifacts inside makes for compelling photography.
Nanjing's most famous dish. Duck is brined in a mixture of salt, spices, and herbs, then air-dried. The result is tender, flavorful meat with a subtle saltiness. Hanguang and Shiziqiao restaurants serve the best.
A beloved Nanjing street food. Duck blood, vermicelli noodles, and duck organs in a rich, savory broth. The best stalls are found near the Confucius Temple area.
Nanjing's version of roast duck predates Beijing's famous Peking duck. The skin is crispy, the meat is succulent, and the flavor is slightly sweeter. A must-try for duck lovers.
A traditional sweet porridge made with glutinous rice, red beans, dates, and other ingredients. Originally from Nanjing's Qixia Temple, it's now enjoyed nationwide during the Laba Festival.
Nanjing's most famous pedestrian shopping area, centered around the historic Confucius Temple. Features traditional shops, snack vendors, and souvenir stalls along the Qinhuai River. Best visited in the evening when the lanterns are lit.
Nanjing's premier commercial district with modern shopping malls, international brands, and department stores. The area around the Xinjiekou metro intersection is the city's busiest shopping hub.
A restored historic district with traditional architecture, artisan shops, and local snack vendors. Less touristy than the Confucius Temple area and more authentic. Your driver can recommend the best local snack shops.
Learn about Nanjing's 1,600-year brocade tradition and buy authentic cloud brocade products. The museum shows the intricate weaving process and sells scarves, bags, and decorative items made with this UNESCO-listed craft.
A UNESCO-listed intangible heritage, Nanjing cloud brocade is woven with gold and silk threads on traditional looms. Scarves, bags, and small decorative items make exquisite souvenirs. The Nanjing Cloud Brocade Museum is the best place to buy authentic pieces.
Vacuum-packed salted duck makes a practical and delicious souvenir. The best brands are Hanguang and Shiziqiao, available at the Confucius Temple area and major supermarkets. Ask your driver for recommendations on the freshest options.
Beautiful, colorful agate pebbles found in the Yangtze River near Nanjing. Legend says they were formed from the tears of a Buddhist monk. Small polished pebbles make unique, inexpensive souvenirs. Available at the Confucius Temple market.
Nanjing has a long tradition of bamboo carving and ink stone craftsmanship. Small carved bamboo items and traditional ink stones make elegant gifts for calligraphy enthusiasts. Best found at Laomendong and the Confucius Temple craft shops.
Meet the traditional arts that have defined Nanjing for centuries — and the artisans keeping them alive.
UNESCO-listed intangible heritage. Nanjing cloud brocade is one of the most exquisite silk weaving traditions in the world, with a history of over 1,600 years. The technique uses large, complex looms operated by two weavers — one above and one below — to create intricate patterns with gold and silk threads. The brocade was once reserved exclusively for imperial robes.
Where to experience it: Nanjing Cloud Brocade Museum on Chating Street offers demonstrations and sales of authentic pieces. Ask your driver to book a visit.
A traditional printing technique that flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Nanjing's woodblock prints are known for their delicate lines, rich colors, and themes drawn from history, literature, and daily life. The technique involves carving intricate designs into pear wood blocks and hand-printing each color layer.
Where to find it: Traditional print shops in the Laomendong district and the Nanjing Folk Museum.
Nanjing has been a major center for Kunqu opera since the Ming Dynasty. The city's Kunqu troupes are known for their refined performances and preservation of classical repertoire. The Nanjing Kunqu Opera Theatre continues this tradition with regular performances.
Where to experience it: Nanjing Kunqu Opera Theatre, or the Jiangnan Gongyuan Theatre near the Confucius Temple. Ask your driver for current schedules.
Nanjing's bamboo carving tradition dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Master carvers create miniature sculptures, calligraphy, and landscapes on bamboo roots and stems. The style is known for its fine detail and elegant compositions, often depicting scenes from classical literature.
Where to find it: Craft shops in Laomendong and the Confucius Temple area. Some workshops offer demonstrations.
A traditional form of storytelling performed in the Nanjing dialect. Baiju (白局) combines spoken narration with singing, accompanied by traditional instruments. The stories often depict local life, history, and legends of Nanjing.
Where to experience it: Traditional teahouses in the Confucius Temple area and cultural performances at the Nanjing Folk Museum.
Nanjing has a long tradition of kite making, particularly the "sand swallow" kite style. The kites are hand-painted with intricate designs and flown during the Qingming Festival. The craft involves careful selection of bamboo, paper, and silk, and precise balancing for stable flight.
Where to find it: Traditional craft shops near the Confucius Temple and the Nanjing Folk Museum.
Insider tips to help you experience Nanjing like a local.
Arrive at the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum at 7:00 AM when it opens. The morning light is magical, and you'll have the site almost to yourself before the tour buses arrive. Your driver can pick you up at your hotel early.
Skip the hotel buffet and try Salty Duck (Banya) with congee, Youtiao (fried dough), and Soy Milk at a street stall. The best spots are on Shiziqiao Street and in the lanes behind the Confucius Temple.
Skip the crowded Confucius Temple and wander Laomendong instead. This restored historic district has fewer tourists, more local shops, and a more authentic atmosphere. Your driver can drop you at one end and pick you up at the other.
Spring: Cherry blossoms at Jiming Temple. Summer: Lotus flowers at Xuanwu Lake. Autumn: Golden ginkgo at Ming Xiaoling. Winter: Snow-covered city walls and cozy duck hot pot.
Nanjing's metro is packed from 7:30–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM. If you must travel during these hours, Line 1 and Line 2 are the busiest. A private car is worth every yuan during rush hour.
Nanjing is China's duck capital. Book a table at a renowned duck restaurant like Hanguang or Shiziqiao and try salted duck, roast duck, and duck blood soup in one meal. Your driver can make reservations.
Explore the region around Nanjing with a private car and English-speaking driver.
Each season reveals a different face of the ancient southern capital.
10–22°C · Mild & Blooming
Mild and pleasant with cherry blossoms at Jiming Temple and plum blossoms at Meihua Shan. Comfortable for walking the city walls and gardens.
24–34°C · Hot & Humid
Hot and humid, but Xuanwu Lake boat rides and evening Qinhuai River walks are delightful. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Book a car with AC for comfort.
15–24°C · Cool & Clear
The best time to visit. Golden ginkgo at Ming Xiaoling, red maples on Purple Mountain, and crisp clear skies. Perfect for photography and outdoor sightseeing.
0–10°C · Cold & Damp
Cold and damp, but the city walls and museums are quiet. A dusting of snow transforms the ancient capital into a serene scene. Duck hot pot is the perfect winter meal.
A few key phrases to help you navigate Nanjing.
Hello / Hi
Basic greeting for meeting your driver and entering shops.
Thank you
Use after receiving help or service.
I want to go to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
Tell your driver your destination. Replace with any Nanjing attraction.
How much is this?
Useful for shopping at markets and souvenir shops.
One bowl of duck blood vermicelli soup
The essential order at Nanjing street food stalls.
Where is the bathroom?
Useful at attractions, markets, and tourist sites.
Fixed price, English-speaking driver, free flight tracking. From NKG to any Nanjing hotel.
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Make your Nanjing journey smoother with these essential services.
Stay connected anywhere in China with a pocket Wi-Fi device. Pick up at NKG or have it delivered to your hotel.
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Book Medical at MediEscortChinaDirect private transfers from Nanjing airport to top attractions and hotels. Fixed price, English-speaking driver, easy booking.
Direct transfer to Fuzimiao and the Qinhuai River.
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