Tomb of Xu Da

Introducing Xu Da's Tomb

Located at No. 192 Bancang Street, outside Taipingmen, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, the Tomb of Xu Da is the burial site of Xu Da, King of Zhongshan, one of the founding heroes of the Ming Dynasty. It is a World Cultural Heritage site and a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Site. Xu Da died in February of the 18th year of the Hongwu reign (1385). He was posthumously honored as King of Zhongshan, given the posthumous title of Wuning, and buried in the shadow of Zhongshan (also known as Purple Mountain). The Tomb was designated a Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Site in 1956. On July 3, 2003, it was designated a World Cultural Heritage Site along with the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. In May 2006, it was merged with the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and other tombs of early Ming heroes to become a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Site.

Xu Da's tomb faces south, facing Zhongshan Mountain. The cemetery boasts a magnificent layout. At the entrance stands a memorial archway inscribed with the inscription "Ming Zhongshan King's Sacred Way." This archway was recreated in 1984 by the Nanjing Municipal Cultural Relics Management Committee. The sacred way stretches approximately 300 meters, and behind the memorial archway are stone carvings. A single stele remains, along with a pair of stone horses, a pair of stone sheep, a pair of stone tigers, a pair of warriors, and a pair of civil officials.

The "Imperial Stele of the King of Zhongshan" is the largest and most representative stele found among the tombs of meritorious officials of the Ming Dynasty. Measuring 8.95 meters tall, 2.2 meters wide, and 0.70 meters thick, it consists of three parts: the upper section features a relief inscription of clouds and dragons, with the seal script inscription "Imperial Stele of the King of Zhongshan" centered; the middle section contains the stele's body, inscribed with Zhu Yuanzhang's own inscription, which spans 28 lines and over 2,000 characters, chronicling Xu Da's life and achievements. The inscription includes punctuation marks, a rarity among ancient steles; and the lower section features a tortoise-shaped base.

Climate and best time to travel

The subtropical monsoon climate is home to Xu Da, a renowned military leader. He was granted the title of Duke of Wei during his lifetime and posthumously honored as the King of Zhongshan. He was honored in the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and his temple is ranked first among the meritorious officials. Centuries later, people still pay tribute to him. All seasons are suitable for travel.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

The "Ming Zhongshan King's Divine Road" archway, stone carvings on the divine road, and the Xu Da family tombs are located here. The "Imperial Stele of the Zhongshan King's Divine Road" is the largest and most representative of the Ming Dynasty's meritorious official tombs. The stele is 8.95 meters tall, 2.2 meters wide, and 0.70 meters thick. It consists of three parts: the upper section features a relief inscription of clouds and dragons, with the seal script inscription "Imperial Stele of the Zhongshan King's Divine Road" in the center; the middle section contains the stele body, inscribed with Zhu Yuanzhang's own inscription, which spans 28 lines and over 2,000 characters, chronicling Xu Da's life's achievements. The text is marked with punctuation marks, a rarity among ancient stele steles.

It is recommended to play for about 1 hour.

Tickets

5 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

9:00-17:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Tomb of Xu Da

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Tomb of Xu Da is the final resting place of Xu Da, a renowned military leader and close associate of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder of the Ming Dynasty. His tomb is a symbol of his significant contributions to the founding of the dynasty and his role in military history.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The Tomb of Xu Da is located in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. It is accessible by taxi or public transport, with bus routes passing nearby. The closest metro station is a short distance away, and walking from there is an option.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The tomb is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee is typically around 30 CNY. Tickets can be bought at the entrance or online through various local ticket platforms.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, though it is recommended during holidays or weekends to ensure entry without delays.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

You will need around 1-2 hours to fully explore the tomb and its surroundings, including the memorial hall and park area.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The tomb itself is the main attraction, but visitors should also check out the memorial hall and the surrounding garden area. The landscape surrounding the tomb offers a tranquil view of the area.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may also be provided, but availability in languages other than Mandarin is limited. It’s best to confirm with the site beforehand.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The tomb itself offers a great backdrop for photography. The surrounding park area, especially with its lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere, provides excellent photo opportunities.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by visiting the main tomb area, then explore the memorial hall to learn more about Xu Da’s life and legacy. Afterward, take a stroll through the park area to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

There are no night visits or light shows. Special tours may be available during holidays, but it's best to check the schedule in advance.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The tomb can be crowded on weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are weekday mornings and off-peak seasons.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

There are basic facilities including toilets and rest areas. There are no large food courts, but small vendors sell refreshments nearby. No large souvenir shops are present, but some local items can be purchased.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The tomb area is generally accessible, though some parts of the park may have uneven paths. It is suitable for elderly and disabled visitors with basic mobility aids available.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Both cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted. Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it’s best to carry some cash or use mobile payment options.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are no major restaurants inside the site, but several local eateries and small cafés are nearby, offering traditional Chinese meals and snacks.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

There are some vegetarian options available at nearby restaurants, but halal and vegan food options may be limited. It’s advisable to check specific restaurants in advance.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Nearby hotels include the InterContinental Nanjing, Hilton Nanjing, and several budget hotels within a short drive from the tomb.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, Nanjing Museum, and Xuanwu Lake. These can easily be combined for a full day of sightseeing in Nanjing.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are small souvenir stalls near the tomb selling items such as local crafts, traditional Chinese goods, and small memorabilia related to Xu Da and the Ming Dynasty.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

Taxi or ride-hailing apps (such as Didi) are the best options for continuing your trip. Public buses are also available, connecting to other parts of Nanjing.