Ming Xiaoling Tomb - Nanjing

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Ming Xiaoling Tomb - Nanjing, China

 The Ming Xiaoling tomb (named one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites in 2000) in the Purple Mountain park provides an amazing opportunity to see and understand an important aspect of Chinese history.  This Ming tomb is the final resting place for the emperor HongWu, who founded the Ming Dynasty in 1368, the only Ming emperor to be buried outside of Beijing (the remainder of the Ming Dynasty emperors were buried in Beijing after HongWu’s son moved the capital from Nanjing to Beijing).

The "Sacred Way"

The entrance to the Ming Xiaoling park commands a steep entrance fee (70 RMB per ticket), which would not be worth it if it were not for the beautiful park and other attractions within the compound.  Be prepared to spend a good 3-4 hours here as there is a lot of ground to cover. Starting at the main entrance is the “Sacred Way” which leads up to the tomb of the emperor. The path is lined with massive stone statues of various pairs of animals (elephants, camels, lions, qilin, etc) and pairs of stone guards and scholars) leading up to the base of the mountain. 

The path is absolutely stunning and the natural surroundings provide a peaceful and serene atmosphere. If you are lucky enough to visit in the fall you will be treated with the changing of the leaves on the trees that adorn the path and fill the park (consequently tourism traffic during this time of year is insane).

Ming Xiaoling - Nanjing, China

Once you arrive at the end of the sacred way you will cross a bridge that leads to the main building of the mausoleum.  The design of the building follows the traditional Ming architectural style.  I could not believe how massive it was while standing at the bottom entrance.  Hiking up a staircase tunneled through the middle of the building you can walk around the top platform of the building for a nice view of the Nanjing skyline.

On the backside of the main building is a path that leads up to the peak of the mountain.  When you arrive at the top you are treated to an amazing view of the entire Purple Mountain park area and the entire city of Nanjing.  You can either hike back down to the park area or take a cable car down to the entrance of the Purple Mountain Park.

Since this will take you out of the Ming Xiaoling area (and remember, you paid 70 RMB for your ticket) I would either recommend that you head back down the path and explore the rest of the beautiful Ming Xiaoling park or explore it before you visit the Ming tomb.

A beautiful pond in the Ming Xiaoling Park

The area near the “Sacred Way” contains a recently renovated park that provides some beautiful scenery as well as some other historical attractions.  There is a massive green park area that is an excellent place to have a picnic or just enjoy the afternoon.  Near the animal statue part of the path is a neat little compound that celebrates another great emperor in China’s history, Sun Quan. Sun Quan ruled during the famous Three Kingdoms period of China (he died in 252 AD) and there is some cool historical information about him provided here as well as a massive statue of him.

Statue of Emperor Sun Quan

The rest of the park is a collection of beautiful ponds, pavilions, and paths.  There is even a recently constructed outdoor theater (I wasn’t able to find any information about any performances however) that would be an excellent way to pass the evening.

A visit to this Ming tomb is a must for any visitors to Nanjing not only because of the historical significance of the site, but because it is located in an extremely beautiful mountain park. It is even worth a visit if you have been to the Ming Tomb’s in Beijing. I absolutely loved this park, and its close proximity to other attractions and historical sites makes it a perfect way to spend the day.  After visiting the tomb check out Sun Yatsen’s mausoleum, Xuanwu lake, or the Nanjing Botanical Garden.

How to get there:

From Sun Yatsen’s Mausoleum – take the tourist trolley located at the base of the mausoleum for 5 RMB

From the city center – take a cab and ask to go to 明孝陵 (Ming Xiaoling)

Bus – Take Tourism Bus no. 3 or city buses no. 315 or 20 and get off at Ming Xiaoling

Hours of Operation:

Daily until 6:30pm

Entrance Fee: 70 RMB (Free entrance to the park after 6:30pm but the tomb and other attractions are closed)

On the "Sacred Way"

Sun Yatsen's Mausoleum - Nanjing

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Statue of Dr. Sun Yatsen

Regarded as the father of modern China, Sun Yatsen holds a special place in the hearts of Chinese the world over.  When he died in March of 1925 he was buried in a beautifully elaborate mausoleum in Nanjing.  He was a key figure in the 1911 Revolution that marked the end of dynastic rule and the beginning of the Republic of China. He is revered both in mainland China and in Taiwan.

The mausoleum’s design was the result of a contest held shortly after his death in which Chinese designers around the world submitted plans as a part of a competition held by the government.

It is a beautiful design that is reminiscent of the old imperial style tombs and seems to mark the end of traditional China, ushering in a new era for the country.  The tomb is located in the Purple Mountain park in Central Nanjing and can be easily accessed from anywhere in the city center.

Lion Statue in front of Sun's famous saying, "天下为公“

If you take a cab or bus you will arrive at the parking lot near the south gate and can either hike your way up to the main entrance or pay for a ride on one of the trolleys that will take you up a scenic route to the gate which will set you back 5 RMB per person.

Once you enter the main gates you will work your way through a small shopping district that has various trinkets and souvenirs as well as a few eateries and snack carts.  Pushing your way through the small commercial area you will come to the beginning of the long hike up to the tomb.  I really loved the beautiful natural scenery that surrounded the different structures and buildings that make up the mausoleum. It is easy to see how highly the Chinese regard Sun Yatsen from the great care for the facilities and the reverence people show towards him.

The main hall at the mausoleum

As you make your way up the steps you can see tons of beautifully ornate flower pots and lion statues. One of the gates has Dr. Sun's famous saying "天下为公“ which means "Everything under Heaven belongs to Everyone." At the top of the compound is a structure that houses a giant statue of Dr. Sun. You can purchase flowers to be placed in front of his tomb and make your way through the building to pay your respects. It was interesting to watch people as they made their way through the room. It is almost as if they were praying to him and due to the seemingly sacred nature of the venue, pictures inside while inside the hall are prohibited. 

A lion statue on the stairway to Dr. Sun's tomb

The hike all the way up to the top is rewarded with a breathtaking view of the mausoleum area, the park, and a beautiful view of Nanjing’s skyline (providing you attend on a clear, smog-free day).  I must have spent a good 45 minutes just sitting on one of the many benches on the upper platform just looking out over the park and the city.  I really enjoyed this place!

Make sure you plan an entire day here as after you finish visiting Dr. Sun’s mausoleum you can visit one of the many other historical sites and attractions in the Purple Mountain Park.  At the base of the compound (near the entrance gates) you can take a trolley to the Ming Xiaoling mausoleum (the only Ming emperor to be buried outside of Beijing) and then hit up the Nanjing Botanical Garden or Xuanwu Lake.

How to get there:

Cab – Once in a cab ask to go to中山陵 (Zhong shanling).

Bus – either take Bus no. 9 or Nanjing’s Tourist Bus No. 1 and get off at the Mausoleum stop.

Entrance Fee:

Entrance to the mausoleum is free

Hours of Operation:

Daily from 8:30 – 5:00 (except for November 12, Dr. Sun’s birthday, which is 10:00 – 5:00).

Please note that the Sacrificial Hall and the Burial room are closed on Mondays for maintenance.