My name is Lily Xia, and I am a professional travel consultant with over a decade of experience in China’s tourism sector. I have helped numerous international travelers plan their trips across the country. This guide provides essential information and practical tips for visiting the magnificent Zhongshan Scenic Area in Nanjing, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience.
Introduction to Zhongshan Scenic Area
The Zhongshan Scenic Area, also commonly referred to as Purple Mountain (Zijin Shan), is a vast and historically significant national park located in the Xuanwu District of Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. It covers an impressive area of approximately 31 square kilometers (about 12 square miles). The mountain is named “Purple” due to the occasional purple-hued clouds that can be seen at its summit at dawn and dusk. Its lush forests, dotted with majestic historical monuments, make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Chinese history and nature.
Tickets & Opening Hours
Important Note: The Zhongshan Scenic Area is a large park containing several individual attractions, each with its own separate ticket.
Individual Attraction Tickets (Approximate):
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum: Free (Reservation required* via official WeChat account or onsite QR code).
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum: ¥70 (Peak Season: Feb – Nov) / ¥60 (Off-Season: Dec – Jan).
Linggu Temple Area: ¥35 (Year-round).
Music Terrace& Zixia Lake: Often included in combo tickets or small extra fee.
Nanjing Botanical Garden: Separate ticket, approx. ¥15-45 depending on sections.
Combination Tickets (Highly Recommended):
Combo Ticket (Ming Xiaoling + Linggu + Music Terrace): Approximately ¥100 (Offers significant savings).
Available at ticket offices near any major entrance, especially the Ming Xiaoling entrance.
Opening Hours:
Park Area: Generally open from early morning until evening (e.g., 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM), but hours can fluctuate seasonally.
Individual Attractions (like Ming Xiaoling, Linggu Pagoda): Typically 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM / 5:30 PM. Last entry is usually 30-60 minutes before closing.
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Reservation essential, often available on the day but book early via WeChat to secure a slot).
Main Attractions
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum: The final resting place of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of modern China. It is an architectural masterpiece with a majestic 392-step staircase leading to the tomb, offering panoramic views.
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum: The tomb of the Hongwu Emperor, the founder of the Ming Dynasty. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Spirit Way lined with large stone statues of animals and mythical guardians.
Linggu Scenic Area: Comprises the Linggu Temple, the Beamless Hall, and the Linggu Pagoda. It’s a peaceful area with beautiful architecture and forests.
Purple Mountain Observatory: One of the oldest observatories in China, located near the peak. It offers museums and great views of the city (requires separate ticket and transport to reach).
Meiling Palace: A beautiful villa that was the residence of Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling. It’s often called the “Most Beautiful Villa in the East.”
Transportation: How to Get There
By Metro:Line 2: Get off at Muxuyuan Station. This is the best station for accessing the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum entrance. Follow the signs.
Cost: ¥2-¥5 depending on your starting point.
By Taxi / Didi: Direct and convenient. Ask for “Zhōngshān Líng” for Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum or “Míng Xiàolíng” for that entrance.
Cost: ¥20-¥50 from downtown.
By Bus: Many buses serve the area (e.g., Bus 20, 203 to “Ming Xiaoling” stop).
Cost: ¥2. Can be confusing for non-Mandarin speakers.
Experiences & Activities
Historical & Cultural Exploration: The primary activity is exploring the magnificent mausoleums, temples, and historical buildings.
Hiking & Walking: Numerous paved paths and trails wind through the forests, suitable for all fitness levels. Climbing to the peak is a popular activity.
Cable Car / Chairlift: A cable car runs to the top of Purple Mountain, near the Observatory, offering stunning aerial views.Cost: Approximately ¥60-100 for a round trip.
Food Guide
Inside the Scenic Area: You will find small kiosks selling water, ice cream, and simple snacks (corn, instant noodles). There are also a few basic cafeterias near the major attractions. Strongly recommend bringing your own water and some snacks for energy.
Q&A
Q: Is it suitable for children and elderly visitors?
A: The main challenge is the vast size and walking required. The shuttle buses are essential for reducing fatigue. Note that Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum has a long, steep staircase. Ming Xiaoling’s Spirit Way is long but flat. Comfortable shoes are a must.
Q: What is the best order to visit the sites?
A: A common route is to start early at Ming Xiaoling (enter near Muxuyuan Metro), walk the Spirit Way, then take the shuttle bus to the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and then another shuttle to the Linggu Area.**
Q: Is English signage available?
A: Major attractions have basic English signs (names, directions). Detailed historical explanations may have limited or imperfect English. Using a translation app for information boards is helpful.
Lily Xia
She is Lily Xia,a 25 years old gilr.
For over ten years, she’ve been traveling with her camera,
and her greatest passion is capturing the beautiful moments,
places, and especially the people she meet along the way.