Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, located at the southern foot of Purple Mountain in Nanjing, is the final resting place of the Hongwu Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang (the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty) and his wife Empress Ma. As the first imperial tomb of the Ming Dynasty, it established the architectural standard for Ming and Qing imperial mausoleums over the next 500 years.

Overview

The mausoleum's construction began in 1381 and was completed in 1405, spanning 25 years and employing over 100,000 workers. Covering an area of 1.7 million square meters, it is one of China's largest imperial tombs. The site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 and is rated as a 5A tourist attraction by China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The architectural design follows the principle of "using the mountain as the tomb" from the Tang and Song Dynasties while innovating with a unique "square front, round back" layout that symbolizes the ancient Chinese philosophy of "heaven is round, earth is square."

Admission and Hours

• Tickets: 70 CNY per person
• Opening Hours:
  • February to November: 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM
  • December to January: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Getting There

• By Metro: Take Line 2 to Muxuyuan Station, Exit 1. Walk about 1 kilometer to reach the mausoleum.
• By Bus: Take bus routes 20 or 315 to Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Station.

Main Attractions

The Sacred Way

The Sacred Way is an open-air museum of stone sculptures stretching over 800 meters. It consists of two sections:

1. The Stone Animal Way: Features 12 pairs of stone animals including lions, xiezhi (mythical creatures), camels, elephants, qilin (Chinese unicorns), and horses.

2. The Stone Officials Way: Features four pairs of stone officials and generals, each standing 4 meters tall.

The Square City and Minglou Tower

The Square City is a massive fortress-like structure with the Minglou Tower standing on top. The tower was reconstructed in 2008 following historical records, featuring a double-eaved roof covered in yellow glazed tiles. From here, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Purple Mountain and the surrounding landscape.

The Plum Blossom Hill

Known as "China's Top Plum Blossom Mountain," this area features over 10,000 plum trees of more than 100 varieties. The best time to view plum blossoms is from mid-February to early March.

Yanque Lake

This scenic lake adds natural beauty to the mausoleum complex, offering different views throughout the seasons:

• Spring: Plum blossoms reflect on the water
• Summer: Lotus flowers and water lilies bloom
• Autumn: Colorful foliage surrounds the lake
• Winter: Snow creates a serene landscape

Local Cuisine

Near the mausoleum, visitors can try Nanjing's famous dishes:

• Duck Blood Soup with Vermicelli (鸭血粉丝汤)
• Salted Duck (盐水鸭)
• Crab Roe Soup Dumplings (蟹黄汤包)
• Pan-fried Beef Dumplings (牛肉锅贴)
• Osmanthus Sweet Rice Balls (桂花糖芋苗)

Travel Tips

1. Best Time to Visit: Spring (February-April) for plum blossoms, or autumn (September-November) for comfortable weather and fall colors.

2. Recommended Duration: 2-3 hours for the main attractions, 4-5 hours if you want to explore thoroughly.

3. What to Bring:

   • Comfortable walking shoes
   • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
   • Water and snacks
   • Camera
   • Light jacket (even in summer, as some areas can be cool)

4. Visitor Etiquette:

   • Show respect as this is both a tourist site and a burial ground
   • Do not climb on or touch the stone statues
   • Keep noise levels down
   • Stay on designated paths
   • Dispose of trash properly

The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum stands as a testament to the grandeur of imperial China and the architectural achievements of the Ming Dynasty. Its blend of historical significance, artistic value, and natural beauty makes it a must-visit destination in Nanjing.