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The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is located at the foot of Wanzhu Peak in Dulongfu, on the southern foot of Zhongshan Mountain. It is the tomb of Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma. It is one of the largest imperial mausoleums in ancient my country and has a history of more than 600 years.
The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, completed over 38 years, marked the beginning of the imperial mausoleum tradition for the Ming and Qing dynasties. Only the final portion of the mausoleum remains. Its overall layout is magnificent, and its surviving buildings are majestic and imposing. The stone and brick carvings are clearly patterned and crafted with exceptional artistry. The 2,400-meter-long, winding, S-shaped path to the sacred path is particularly striking, unlike the wide, direct paths leading to the tombs of previous emperors.
Plum Blossom Mountain is located just south of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and is planted with plum blossoms. At the foot of the mountain is Plum Blossom Valley, with more than 13,000 plum trees. The "Nanjing International Plum Blossom Festival" is held every spring (usually between February and March); the most beautiful season for Shinto is autumn, with its colorful and vibrant flowers.
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Shinto
Located within the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum scenic area, the main sections are the "Stone Elephant Road" and the "Weng Zhong Road," each approximately 600 meters long. The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum's Sacred Road differs significantly from the roads leading to the imperial mausoleums of previous dynasties. While pre-Ming dynasty roads were short and straight, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum's Sacred Road winds its way around Plum Blossom Hill, home to the tomb of Sun Quan from the Three Kingdoms era, forming a curved shape resembling the Big Dipper.
Zixia Lake
Located to the east of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the lake is surrounded by lush trees, the water is shimmering, and the clouds and sky are reflected. To the north is Purple Mountain, with its overlapping peaks and beautiful scenery that is pleasing to the eyes.
70 yuan/person
March 1st - November 30th: 6:30-18:30
December 1st - February 28th: 7:00-17:30
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Museum 9:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is the tomb of the Hongwu Emperor, founder of the Ming Dynasty, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It reflects Ming Dynasty architecture, ceremonial layout, and the early imperial history of China.
Located at the foot of Purple Mountain in Nanjing. Accessible via city buses, taxis, or a short walk from Ming Xiaoling East Gate or nearby Metro Line 2 (Zhongshan Gate Station).
Open daily, generally 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Spring and autumn offer the best weather for walking and photography.
Advance booking 1–3 days ahead is recommended during weekends, public holidays, or peak tourist season.
2–3 hours is sufficient to walk the Sacred Way, explore the mausoleum, and enjoy surrounding gardens.
Guided tours and audio guides are available in Chinese and English. Some private tour companies may offer other languages on request.
Enter through the East Gate, walk along the Sacred Way, reach the main tomb area, visit the stele pavilion, and finish with a stroll through the surrounding gardens.
Night visits are generally not available; special cultural events may occasionally be hosted, check official schedules.
Weekdays and early mornings are less crowded. Public holidays and weekends attract larger crowds.
Facilities include public restrooms, small cafes or snack stalls, drinking fountains, rest areas, and souvenir shops near entrances.
Accessible in most areas; however, the Sacred Way and some steps may be challenging for those with mobility issues. Strollers and wheelchairs may require assistance in steeper areas.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and credit/debit cards are widely accepted; carrying some cash is advisable.
Cafes, small restaurants, and tea houses are located near the mausoleum entrance and along the Purple Mountain area.
Vegetarian options are available; vegan choices are limited. Halal food can be found in nearby Nanjing neighborhoods.
Several hotels, guesthouses, and boutique accommodations are available around Purple Mountain and near the East Gate entrance.
Souvenir shops sell postcards, miniature statues, traditional crafts, and Ming Dynasty-themed memorabilia.
Taxis, buses, or Metro Line 2 connect the mausoleum to downtown Nanjing and other nearby attractions on Purple Mountain.
