Zhongshan Botanical Garden

Introducing Zhongshan Botanical Garden

Located within Nanjing's Zhongshan Scenic Area, the Sun Yat-sen Botanical Garden is China's first national botanical garden. Established in 1929, it formerly served as the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Botanical Garden, a monumental structure within the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. It now serves as a hub for plant science research, appreciation, and education.

The park covers an area of ​​187 hectares and is divided into the South Garden and the North Garden. It has a flower and tree exhibition greenhouse, a medicinal plant garden, a plant classification system garden, an arboretum, a rose garden, a Mediterranean scenic garden, an economic plant breeding garden, a science popularization and exhibition area, an aquatic plant exhibition area, an experimental nursery, a research office, a scientific achievement promotion area, and a natural vegetation protection area.

Climate and best time to travel

From April to May, a tulip exhibition is held. In summer, the "king of aquatic flowers," the Victoria amazonica, with its large green leaves and elegant flowers, blooms in full bloom, along with lotus and water lilies. Late November to early December is the best time to enjoy the crimson maple trees. The maple trees lining the avenues are ablaze red, and the forest paths are carpeted with fallen leaves. Sunlight filtering through the leaves casts dappled shadows on the dirt. The autumn colors of Zhongshan Botanical Garden rival those of Qixia Mountain.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Beiyuan
, the older park, is a center for botanical research in the central and northern subtropical regions of China. It boasts 10 specialized gardens (areas), including an ornamental plant center, a medicinal plant center, an economic plant center, and other facilities. It also houses the Jiangsu Medicinal Plant Research and Development Center and the Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Ex Situ Plant Conservation. It also houses East China's largest herbarium, boasting 700,000 specimens. There's also a children's playground, Bridge World.

South Garden

South Garden, also known as the "Botanical Expo Garden of the Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiangsu Province," opens onto Qianhu Lake, offering a distant view of the Ming Dynasty city wall to the south. The main exhibition areas of South Garden are located to the north of Qianhu Lake. The garden is divided into 11 zones, each focused on its own landscape: the Tropical Botanical Garden, the Grass Garden, the Blind Botanical Garden, the Red Maple Hill Scenic Area, the Bonsai Garden, the Rose Garden, the Medicinal Garden, the Pine and Cypress Garden, the Arboretum, the Plant Classification System Garden, and the Nature Trail - Nanjing Sun Yat-sen Botanical Garden Nature Education Area. The garden houses over 3,000 living plant species.

Recommended play time: 3-5 hours

Tickets

20 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

8:30-17:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Zhongshan Botanical Garden

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

Zhongshan Botanical Garden, established in 1929, is a renowned botanical garden in Nanjing, dedicated to the study and display of diverse plant species. It is named after Sun Yat-sen, the founder of the Republic of China, and serves as a major green space in Nanjing for both education and leisure.

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

The garden is located at the foot of the Purple Mountain in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. You can reach it by taxi, bus, or metro (Zhongshanling Station, Line 2). It’s also walkable from nearby tourist spots like the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The garden is open daily from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are during spring (April to May) when the flowers bloom and in autumn (September to November) for pleasant weather and colorful foliage.

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

The entrance fee is around 30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online through official platforms or third-party apps for convenience.

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

Booking tickets in advance is not required, but it’s recommended during peak seasons like public holidays or weekends. Booking a day in advance should suffice.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

It takes about 2-3 hours to fully explore the Zhongshan Botanical Garden, especially if you want to see all the themed gardens, visit the greenhouses, and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the area.

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

Key highlights include the Rose Garden, Orchid Garden, Bamboo Garden, and the ecological greenhouses. The lakes and water features also provide peaceful spots to relax or take photos.

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

Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and audio guides can be rented for a more in-depth experience. English audio guides may also be available, but it’s best to check in advance.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots are in the Rose Garden, near the pond areas, and by the tall trees in the Bamboo Garden. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best lighting for photos.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start with the entrance, then visit the Rose and Orchid Gardens. Explore the ecological greenhouses and bamboo area, and finish with a walk around the pond and through the lush forest areas for a relaxed experience.

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

Currently, there are no night visits or light shows at Zhongshan Botanical Garden. However, evening strolls are possible, offering a quiet atmosphere to enjoy the scenery after dark.

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

The garden can get crowded on weekends and holidays. The least crowded times to visit are on weekdays, especially early mornings or late afternoons.

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

Facilities include toilets, water fountains, rest areas, and small shops selling snacks and souvenirs. However, food options inside the garden are limited, so you might want to eat beforehand or bring snacks.

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

The garden is generally accessible, with paved paths and plenty of seating areas. However, certain steep areas near the hilltops may be challenging for elderly visitors or those with mobility issues.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. Cash payments are also accepted, but using mobile payments is more convenient.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are a few small cafes near the entrance. For a wider variety of food, you can head into Nanjing city center, where you’ll find many dining options.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

There are vegetarian and vegan food options in the nearby city, especially in areas like Xinjiekou. Halal food options are available in specific restaurants catering to the Muslim community.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several hotels near the Purple Mountain area, such as the Nanjing Zhongshan International Conference Center and Nanjing Yangtze River Hotel, which are a short taxi ride away from the garden.

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

Nearby attractions include the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, and the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge. These can easily be combined into a day trip around the Purple Mountain area.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops near the entrance sell small botanical-themed items, traditional Chinese handicrafts, and local specialties like Nanjing salted duck and silk products.

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

After visiting, taxis or buses are the most convenient options. You can also take the metro from nearby Zhongshanling Station to continue exploring other areas of Nanjing.