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Although Zhongshan Scenic Area is also known as the East Suburbs Scenic Area, Nanjing residents prefer to call it Purple Mountain. The mountain range here winds and undulates like a wandering dragon, capturing the beauty of the mountains and the water. The mountains, water, city, and forest blend seamlessly into one, encompassing the cultures of the Six Dynasties, the Ming Dynasty, the Republic of China, and Buddhism. It is arguably "the most culturally rich mountain in a Chinese city."
The scenic area is divided into three main areas: the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Linggu Temple, and Toudaoling, along with other surrounding scenic areas. Zhongshan (Purple Mountain) and Xuanwu Lake are at the heart of the area. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum are must-sees in Nanjing. The interconnected trees lining the mountain path create a canopy of greenery, making simply strolling beneath the tree-lined path a truly relaxing experience.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Spring and autumn are the best time to visit, with suitable temperatures, plum blossoms in spring and red leaves in autumn.
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
The Xiaoling Mausoleum is the joint burial site of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and his empress, Ma. Named Xiaoling Mausoleum after the empress's posthumous title of "Xiaoci," it is the most magnificent of all the Ming tombs in China. It represents the pinnacle of early Ming architecture and stone carving, directly influencing the design of imperial mausoleums for over 500 years during the Ming and Qing dynasties, earning it the reputation of "the premier imperial mausoleum of the Ming and Qing dynasties."
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
It is the mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founder of the Kuomintang and the Republic of China, and the forerunner of the democratic revolution. The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum faces a vast plain in front and is surrounded by towering green mountains in the back, with a magnificent atmosphere. Memorial buildings such as the Music Platform, Guanghua Pavilion, Liuhui Pavilion, Yangzhi Pavilion, Sutra Library, Xingjian Pavilion, Yongfeng Society, and Zhongshan Academy surround the mausoleum like stars surrounding the moon, forming the main landscape of the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum scenic area. They are all masterpieces of famous architects and have extremely high artistic value. It is known as "the first mausoleum in the history of modern Chinese architecture."
Plum Blossom Mountain
Meihuashan Plum Garden was built in 1929, with a plum planting area of more than 1,533 mu, and more than 13,000 plum trees of nearly 400 varieties. It is known as "the No. 1 Plum Mountain in the World" and "the No. 1 Plum Blossom Mountain in China". It is known as one of the "Four Major Plum Gardens in China" together with Shanghai Dianshan Lake Plum Garden, Wuxi Plum Garden and Wuhan East Lake Moshan Plum Garden, and ranks first among the four major plum gardens.
It is recommended to play for 4-5 hours
Partially free, combined ticket 100 yuan
7:00-18:30
Nanjing Zhongshan Scenic Area, centered around Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, is historically significant as a memorial for the founding father of modern China. The area also encompasses ancient Ming Dynasty tombs, blending modern revolutionary history with imperial heritage.
Located in the eastern part of Nanjing, near Purple Mountain. Accessible via Metro Line 2 (get off at Zhongshan Gate Station), city buses, taxis, or walking from nearby hotels.
Open daily, typically from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Spring and autumn are ideal for comfortable weather and clear views.
Booking 1–3 days in advance is recommended during weekends and public holidays.
Half a day to a full day is recommended to cover key sites and enjoy the scenic walking paths.
Guided tours are available in Chinese and English; some sites offer audio guides in multiple languages.
Start at the entrance, visit Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, walk down through gardens, then explore Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and Sacred Way, and finish at Linggu Temple area.
Night visits are generally limited; special cultural events may be scheduled during festivals.
Weekdays are less crowded; weekends and public holidays attract more visitors, especially near mausoleums.
Facilities include public toilets, snack kiosks, cafes, drinking fountains, and souvenir shops.
Most areas are accessible, though some steep steps and trails may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and cards are widely accepted; carrying some cash is still recommended.
Several cafes, tea houses, and local restaurants are available near the scenic area entrance and along the trails.
Vegetarian options are widely available; vegan options exist but are limited. Halal food is available in nearby Nanjing neighborhoods.
Various mid-range and luxury hotels are located near Purple Mountain and the scenic area entrance, including boutique guesthouses.
Souvenir shops offer postcards, traditional crafts, miniature statues, and Sun Yat-sen commemorative items.
Taxis, city buses, and Metro Line 2 or 3 connect the scenic area to downtown Nanjing and nearby attractions.
