Private Day Tour of Local Life and Famous Sights in Nanjing

Zijin Mountain Scenic Area in Nanjing boasts numerous attractions. The highlight is the Mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen, a grand tribute to China's revolutionary leader. Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases intricate tomb architecture. Other notable spots include the Purple Peak Pavilion, offering breathtaking city views, and Linggu Temple, a serene Buddhist site. Hiking trails weave through lush forests, connecting these cultural treasures with nature's tranquility. Arrive at the scenic spot in the morning and participate in the morning exercises of local people, such as tai Chi, gymnastics, and square dancing.

Nanjing's Nengrenli Morning Market: A Feast for the Senses

Step into Nengrenli Morning Market, where Nanjing’s heartbeat comes alive at dawn. This bustling hub, tucked in the city’s historic quarters, offers a vivid slice of local life. Vendors proudly display steaming bamboo baskets of xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), sizzling jianbing (savory crepes), and fragrant bowls of duck blood vermicelli soup—a Nanjing classic.

Stalls overflow with seasonal produce, from lotus roots to hairy crabs, while the air hums with bartering banter and clanging woks. Join locals sipping doujiang (soy milk) at street-side stools or hunt for quirky trinkets—old-school thermoses, silk scarves, and handmade pottery.

More than a market, it’s a cultural theater. Watch elderly regulars haggle playfully, or chat with vendors eager to share stories. Arrive early (6–9 AM) to beat crowds and savor breakfast like a true Nanjing local. A visit here isn’t just about food—it’s a warm embrace of China’s everyday magic.

Maoshan (Mount Mao): Daoism’s Sacred Mountain

Nestled in Jiangsu, near Nanjing, Maoshan is a cradle of Daoism, famed as the birthplace of the Shangqing sect. For 2,000 years, pilgrims have sought wisdom in its misty peaks and ancient temples.

History & Spirituality
Named after the Three Mao Brothers (Han Dynasty immortals), Maoshan thrived under 4th-century alchemist Tao Hongjing, who shaped Shangqing Daoism here. Key sites like Jiuxiao Wanfu Palace preserve star charts, elixir cauldrons, and scriptures reflecting Daoist harmony with nature.

Highlights

Dinggong Peak (372m): Summit with sunrise rituals at Flying Rise Altar.

Sacred Spring: Legendary healing waters tied to the Mao Brothers.

Calligraphy Forest: Stone-carved Daoist texts by emperors and scholars.

Experiences
Join dawn qigong sessions, explore the Maoshan Museum (Ming-era talismans), or attend March–April temple fairs with fire rituals.

Built in 1034, Fuzimiao honors Confucius and was once an imperial exam site. Today, it’s a lively area by the Qinhuai River, blending history with modern charm.

Highlights

Confucius Temple: Traditional architecture and Confucian teachings.

Qinhuai River: Lantern-lit boat rides, magical at night.

Street Food: Try duck blood vermicelli soup, tangbao (soup dumplings), and sweet osmanthus cakes.

Don’t Miss

Imperial Exam Museum: Learn about ancient China’s scholar system.

Lantern Festival (Jan–Feb): A dazzling cultural celebration.

Fuzimiao is a sensory journey into Nanjing’s heart.

At the end of a day's outing, you can choose to have dinner at a highly-reputed local restaurant or at a home cooked by a master chef. Either way, it will leave you with an unforgettable and wonderful impression.