For popular multi-day trips like Beijing and Mount Huangshan, booking 1-2 weeks in advance gives you flexibility on dates and guides. Day tours and local walks can often be booked with shorter notice, but check availability before you go if you have tight timing.

Yes, especially for longer trips. Private guides handle bullet train bookings, navigation between cities, and local context that solo travel misses. Even for a day exploring Nanjing itself, a local guide cuts through the noise and gets you into quieter sights.

Bullet trains are the backbone - Beijing, Shanghai, and Mount Huangshan are all 2-6 hours away. Most tours include train tickets and pickups from your hotel. For longer trips, some operators offer flights to distant cities like Harbin or multi-city itineraries with drop-off options.

Day tours usually cover admission fees, a guide, and hotel pickup. Multi-day packages typically add accommodation, meals, and transport between cities - but always check what's covered before booking, as inclusions vary.

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer mild weather and clear skies for sightseeing and mountain trips. Summer gets humid and crowded; winter's crisp but cold. If you're hitting Mount Huangshan, avoid peak tourist season.

Absolutely. Mount Huangshan, Hongcun village, and even Beijing are reachable as 2-day tours by bullet train. For shorter excursions, Nanjing's own walking tours and local neighbourhood experiences work as half or full-day options.

Most private tours handle it - train bookings, airport transfers, and car rentals are typically arranged by your guide or operator. For independent travel, check booking sites for direct train and flight options before you go.