Purple Mountain hiking tour Nanjing: Peak views and cableway down

Hike to Nanjing's peak and choose your second attraction

A private hiking tour of Purple Mountain in Nanjing with a local English-speaking guide, starting from your hotel or train station. You hike at your own pace to Toutuoling peak for views of the city and Yangtze River, descend by cableway, enjoy lunch, and pick one major attraction (Sun Yat Sen Mausoleum or Xiaoling Tomb of Ming Dynasty) before returning to your starting point. The full day runs 7 to 8 hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike Purple Mountain and city tour

• Meet guide and driver in Nanjing
• Drive to Purple Mountain scenic area
• Hike to Zijin observatory
• Hike to Toutuoling peak viewpoint
• Take cableway down the mountain
• Visit Sun-Yat Sen Mausoleum or Xiaoling Tomb
• Enjoy lunch with guide's recommendations
• Transfer back to hotel or train station

The experience

Your guide meets you at your Nanjing hotel or train station and drives you to Purple Mountain, the city's green lung and a network of hiking trails. The hike to Toutuoling peak is moderate. You set the pace while your guide leads you through wild flowers and forest sounds. On the way up, you can stop at Zijin Observatory if astronomy interests you. It's the birthplace of modern Chinese astronomy. At the peak, the view opens to the whole city and the Yangtze River on a clear day. The descent is easy: you take the cableway down instead of retracing your steps.

After the hike, you choose which attraction fits your energy and time: Sun Yat Sen Mausoleum, Xiaoling Tomb of Ming Dynasty, or even Lingu Si Buddhist Temple. Your guide recommends a lunch spot along the way and can advise on dietary needs. Once you've finished exploring, your driver takes you back to your hotel or train station.

What’s included

• Hotel or train station pickup and drop-off in Nanjing.
• private English-speaking guide.
• cableway ticket.
• lunch at a local restaurant.
• local taxi or Didi transfer during the tour.

Options for this experience

2 options

Pickup is included at Nanjing Train StationGuide in English · 7 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 11:00If you arrive by train, pickup is included at Nanjing Railway Station or Nanjing South Railway Station.

Nanjing Hotel PickupGuide in English · 7 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 11:00Pickup is included from your Nanjing hotel, where you are staying.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 11:00

AgesAdult (8 to 88 years) · Child (3 to 7 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sunny Private Tours

Is this one for you?You control the hiking pace and choose your second attraction based on energy and interest, so the day shapes itself around what matters to you rather than a fixed schedule.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 7 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What's the hike like on Purple Mountain?

The trail to Toutuoling peak is moderate and you control the pace with your guide. You walk through forest and wildflowers, with an optional stop at Zijin Observatory if you're interested in astronomy, and reach the summit for views across Nanjing and the Yangtze River.

Do I have to hike back down?

No. After reaching the peak, you take the cableway down, which is easy and fast.

Can I visit more than one of the other attractions?

Yes, you can choose to visit one or two additional sites like Sun Yat Sen Mausoleum or Xiaoling Tomb of Ming Dynasty, depending on your time and how you're feeling after the hike.

What's included in the tour?

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from your Nanjing hotel or train station, a private English-speaking guide, the cableway ticket, lunch with your guide's recommendations, and local transportation during the day.

How long does the whole day take?

Plan for 7 to 8 hours from pickup to return, though the exact length depends on which attractions you choose and how long you spend at each one.