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Day Trips from Nanjing

Canal towns, classical gardens and Yellow Mountain — Nanjing is one of the best-connected rail hubs in China.

Quick Trip Planner

DestinationJourney (approx.)HowBudget
Yangzhou (扬州)48–72 minHigh-speed train to Yangzhou EastAbout ¥200–250
Zhenjiang (镇江)From 18 minHigh-speed trainAbout ¥130–180
Suzhou (苏州)45 min–1 hHigh-speed trainAbout ¥250–300
Wuxi (无锡)From 39 minHigh-speed trainAbout ¥250–350
Shanghai (上海)1 h 15 min–2 hG train to Hongqiao or ShanghaiAbout ¥300–400
Huangshan (黄山)About 2.5–3 hHigh-speed train to Huangshan NorthAbout ¥700–1,000 for 2 days

Times and fares are typical; check 12306 or Trip.com for your date. How to book: China High-Speed Rail Guide.

Best Day Trips

Stone arch bridge over the water at Slender West Lake, Yangzhou

Yangzhou (扬州)

  • Why: Slender West Lake, Ge Garden, Dongguan Street and famous morning tea
  • Tickets: Slender West Lake ¥100 (students ¥50) Feb–Oct
  • Getting there: HSR 48–72 min, 2nd class ¥34–75
Moon gate in a classical Suzhou garden

Suzhou (苏州)

  • Why: Classical gardens, canals and Pingjiang Road
  • Tickets: Humble Administrator’s Garden ¥80 peak / ¥70 off-peak
  • Getting there: HSR from about 45 minutes

Zhenjiang (镇江)

  • Why: Jinshan Temple, Xijin Ferry old street, black vinegar and pot-lid noodles
  • Tickets: Jinshan Temple ¥50
  • Getting there: HSR from 18 minutes

Wuxi (无锡)

  • Why: Taihu Lake at Yuantouzhu (cherry blossom in spring) and Huishan old town
  • Getting there: HSR from 39 minutes
Shanghai Lujiazui skyline lit up at night from the Bund

Shanghai (上海)

  • Why: The Bund, Yu Garden and the French Concession
  • Getting there: G trains 1 h 15 min–2 h, 2nd class ¥108–212
  • More: Shanghai city guide

Huangshan (黄山) — overnight

  • Why: Granite peaks, sea of clouds and sunrise; Hongcun and Xidi villages nearby
  • Tickets: About ¥190 in peak season; cable cars extra
  • Getting there: HSR to Huangshan North in about 2.5–3 hours
Tips for trips out of Nanjing (tap to expand)
  • Book trains on 12306 or Trip.com as soon as your dates are fixed — weekend and holiday trains sell out.
  • Bring your passport: you need it to board and at many ticket offices.
  • Check your station — most high-speed trains leave from Nanjing South.
  • Travel on weekdays where you can, and avoid the October Golden Week.

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More Nanjing Guides

Last updated: September 2026. Journey times and fares are approximate. Prices, opening hours and rules in China change often — treat costs as estimates and confirm anything important with the official source before you go.

Photos: Caitriana Nicholson from 北京 ~ Beijing, 中国 ~ China / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Pvt pauline / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) · David Zhang from Canada / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)