Zhongshan National Park

Zhongshan Mountain, also known as Purple Mountain, is located in the east of Nanjing, which is a famous attraction in Nanjing with its long history and profound cultural heritage. Zhongshan National Park is composed of the three main scenic areas: Ming Tomb Scenic Area, Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum Scenic Area and Linggu Scenic Area. At the Zhongshan National Park, you can know about the story of the Dr. Sun Yat-sen and Song Meiling and know about the history of the Ming Tomb.
 

Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum Scenic Area

Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum

Opening Hours: 8:00-17:00(Closed on Mondays)

Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum is the mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the forerunner of the democratic revolution, and one of the core scenic spots in Zhongshan National Park. As a landmark building in Nanjing, it is the first choice for visitors who visit Nanjing for the first time.

The design of Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum combined Chinese architecture with Western architecture. The dome design of the memorial hall integrates art and concept. The whole building is made of granite, which is solid and heavy, and forms a contrast with the surrounding mountains and forests.

Open-Air Music Hall

Opening hours:

December to January: 7:00-17:30

February to November: 6:30-18:30

Open-Air Music Hall is located near the Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum, which can be visit together with the Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum. The Open-Air Music Hall combines the characteristics of ancient Greek architectures and the classical gardens of southern China. At the Open-Air Music Hall, you can listen to the music here and sit down to have a rest. Also, there are many pigeons flying around the music hall, and you can take photos of the pigeons while they are flying around the music hall.
 

The Ming Tomb Scenic Area

Opening hours:

December to January: 7:00-17:30

February to November: 6:30-18:30

The Ming Tomb Scenic Area is also the core scenic spot of Zhongshan National Park, and it is the mausoleum of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of Ming Dynasty, and the empress Ma. In July 2003, it was listed in the World Heritage List by UNESCO. At the Ming Tomb, you can know about the history of the Ming Dynasty of China as well as know about the story of emperor Zhu Yuanzhang. You can see the winding spirit path and the palace in a solemn atmosphere.

It is recommended that you enter the Ming Tomb from Entrance 5, and you can visit the Shixiang Road, which is called the most beautiful 600 meters in Nanjing.

Linggu Scenic Area

Opening Hours:

December to January: 7:00-17:30

February to November: 6:30-18:30

Linggu Scenic Area is also the core scenic spot of Zhongshan National Park. It is a place where historical sites of the Six Dynasties gather together. There are the Wuliang Hall(Beamless Hall), an ancient building in the Ming Dynasty, Linggu Temple rebuilt in the Qing Dynasty, Linggu Pagoda and Songfeng Pavilion, as well as the Three Wonders Monument of Baogong Pagoda and other famous tombs. There are also ten thousand osmanthus in the Linggu Scenic Area. Every late autumn, red leaves are like fire, and sweet-scented osmanthus is fragrant.

Wuliang Hall(Beamless Hall) in Linggu Scenic Area is famous for its masonry arch coupon structure, but it stands today without beams and columns, showing the peak of ancient architectural technology in China.
 

Linggu Temple

Linggu Temple is located in the southern foot of the Zhongshan Mountain. It is a royal temple with a history over 600 years. Visiting the Linggu Temple, you can feel the majesty of the royal temple, experience the silence of the Buddhist temple and enjoy the picturesque scenery. At the Linggu Temple, you can visit the Baogong Pagoda and listen to the sound of the bell. Many famous poems wrote many famous poetry for the sound of the bell in the Linggu Temple. You can see the ancient ginkgo trees, which is especially beautiful in autumn.
 

Linggu Tower

Linggu Tower is the landmark of the Linggu Scenic Area. Climbing to the top of the Linggu Tower, you can have a panoramic view of the surroundings landscapes including the forests and buildings.
 

Meiling Palace

Opening hours: 7:30-18:00(Last entry is 17:30)

The official name of Meiling Palace is the former residence of the President of the National Government. Because it is located on Xiaohong Mountain, it is also called "Xiaohong Mountain President's Residence". At the Meiling Palace, you can see the different kinds of rooms of Dr. Sun Yat-sen and Song Meiling and some paintings of Song Meiling.

Overlooking the Meiling Palace, it looks like a necklace. In spring and summer, the necklace composed of trees is lush and vibrant. In autumn, the necklace is golden with the autumn foliage. In winter, the necklace may be covered by snow.

Wutong Avenue

Wutong Avenue is one of the most popular and beautiful places in the Zhongshan National Park. The plane trees on the Lingyuan Road have a history over 100 years. In Nanjing, you should not miss the Wutong Avenue in the Zhongshan National Park. In spring and summer, you can see the lush tree leaves of the plane trees at the Wutong Avenue. In autumn, the plane trees at the Wutong Avenue are golden and attractive, which makes the Wutong Avenue a popular stop for many tourists. They will photograph at the Wutong Avenue.
 

Recommended Route in Zhongshan National Park

Muxuyuan Subway Station-Wutong Avenue-Meiling Palace-The Ming Tomb-Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum-Open-Air Music Hall-Linggu Scenic Area-Zhonglingjie Subway Station

1. Take the Nanjing Subway Line 2 and get off at the Muxuyuan Station
2. Walk about 5 minutes to the Wutong Avenue
3. Walk about 10 minutes to the Meiling Palace
4. Walk about 10 minutes to the Ming Tomb(Entrance is at Gate 5)
5. Take the tour bus to the Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum
6. Walk about 5 minutes to the Open-Air Music Hall
7. Take the tour bus to the Linggu Scenic Area
8. Take the tour bus to the Zhonglingjie Subway Station
    

Best Time to Visit Zhongshan National Park

Zhongshan National Park is always beautiful in different seasons. The best time to visit Zhongshan National Park will depend on the scenery you prefer. In spring, the plum blossom at the foot of the Zhongshan Mountain are attractive and colorful. In summer, the plane trees on the Lingyuan Road are lush and green. In autumn, the osmanthus flowers at the Linggu Scenic Area are fragrant. The plane trees at the Wutong Avenue is golden. And the ginkgo trees on the both sides of the spirit path at the Ming Tomb are golden and charming. The golden and red leaves at the Zhongshan National Park in autumn make the Zhongshan National Park more beautiful and charming. In winter, the Purple Mountain may be covered by the snow, which is tranquil and silent.