Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, located within the Zhongshan Scenic Area, is the tomb of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma. The mausoleum is grand and spectacular, representing the architectural and stone-carving achievements of the early Ming Dynasty and directly influencing the layout of imperial tombs in the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The tomb area is divided into two main parts: the winding and zigzagging spirit way of the tomb, and the main structure of the tomb, which is the burial place of Zhu Yuanzhang. The main structures of Ming Xiaoling include the Wenwu Square Gate (the main entrance), the Hall of Offerings, the Square City, the Ming Tower, and the Treasure Top (also known as Chongqiu), all arranged along the traditional central axis and enclosed by walls. The tomb’s layout design of ‘front court, rear sleeping quarters, front square, rear round’ and architectural forms such as Square City Ming Tower and Treasure City Treasure Top, pioneered the construction standards for imperial tombs in the Ming and Qing dynasties, earning the reputation of a milestone in the history of Chinese imperial tombs.
The spirit way, stretching from Xiamafang to the main gate of Ming Xiaoling and measuring 2400 meters, is winding and deep, breaking away from the traditional straight layout of Chinese imperial tomb spirit ways. The spirit way is divided into two sections: the Stone Elephant Road and the Wengzhong Road, with stone carvings on both sides being a highlight. There are 12 pairs of tall stone animals and 2 pairs each of civil and military officials. The stone carvings are made from single blocks of stone and are characterized by their simple shapes, clear patterns, and exquisite craftsmanship. In autumn, the ginkgo and red maple trees here also attract many photography enthusiasts.
The Hall of Offerings, also known as the Xiaoling Hall, was originally the place to offer sacrifices to the spirits of Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma. The original hall has been destroyed, but the three-tiered Xumi seat base and six relief Yunlong landscape stones remain. Now it serves as a display room for historical materials of Ming Xiaoling.
The Square City is a massive structure in front of the Xiaoling Treasure Top, built externally with large stone slabs and a Xumi base at the bottom. The Ming Tower is located on top of the Square City, and the original yellow-glazed large roof has been destroyed and later restored. One can ascend to the Ming Tower via the walkways on both sides of the Square City.
The Red Chamber Cultural Garden is a garden landscape that embodies the culture of the Red Chamber and the rich Jiangnan style. The Zixia Lake to the north is an ideal place for summer retreat and cooling. Opening hours: 02/01-11/30 from 06:30 to 18:30; 12/01-01/31 from 07:00 to 17:30. Ming Xiaoling Museum (09:00-16:30, last admission at 16:00); closed every Monday. Concessions: Children: Free for children aged 6 (inclusive) or below, or with a height of 1.4 meters (inclusive) or below. Elderly: Free for elderly aged 70 (inclusive) or above with valid identification; half-price for those aged 60 (inclusive) to 69 (inclusive). Students: Half-price for children over 1.4 meters (exclusive), and full-time undergraduate and below students with valid identification; booking age limit is from 6 (exclusive) to 24 (inclusive) years old (students must show their student ID at the ticket check). Disabled: Free with valid identification. Journalists: Free with journalist identification when on assignment. Retired personnel: Free with valid identification. Active-duty military personnel: Free with valid identification. Retired military officers: Free with valid identification. Residents with Nanjing Social Security Card: Elderly residents of Nanjing aged 60 (inclusive) or above can enter the park for free with an ID card, Nanjing Elderly Card, or Nanjing Social Security Card. Veterans: Free with valid identification. Additional information: The above information is for reference only; please check the actual information disclosed by the scenic area on the day. Service facilities: Parking lot: [Ming Xiaoling Parking Lot] Reference price: ¥7.5/15 minutes; Address: Taipingmen Road, Ming City Wall, Mingling Road, Meihua Valley Road, Lingyuan Road, Scenic Greenway (Ten Dynasties Cultural Park, Boai Garden), Boai Road, Boai East Road, Post Office West Road, Post Office East Road, Linggu Temple Road, Linggu Scenic Area, Qingnian Road, Totoling Scenic Area, Purple Mountain Cableway, Astronomical Observatory Road, Cableway Lower Station, within the enclosed area; Spaces: 2717; Core scenic area daytime small cars, during the National Day and Spring Festival holidays, the time-based charging standard is ¥7. 5/15 minutes, and the flat-rate charging standard is ¥60 per time; during New Year’s Day, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, and weekends, the time-based charging standard is ¥5/15 minutes, and the flat-rate charging standard is ¥40 per time; other charging standards remain unchanged, time-based charging: daytime, small cars ¥3/15 minutes, large cars ¥5/15 minutes; nighttime, small cars ¥1/hour, large cars ¥1. 5/hour; flat-rate charging: daytime, small cars ¥15 per time, large cars ¥25 per time; nighttime, small cars ¥6 per time, large cars ¥10 per time. Luggage storage: Reference price: ¥10 per item per day; Address: Visitor Service Center. Scenic explanation: Ming Xiaoling Gate 7 guide service point, please purchase on your own if needed.
A Route: Mausoleum (Jin Shui Bridge, Wenwu Square Gate, Stele Pavilion, Xiangdian, Baocheng) for groups of 30 people (inclusive) or fewer, guided tour at 95 yuan for 60-70 minutes; for groups of more than 30 people, guided tour at 100 yuan for 60-70 minutes, with automated tour guide service costing 10 yuan.
B Route: Sacred Way (Lingxing Gate, Wengzhong Road, Stone Watch Column, Stone Elephant Road) for groups of 30 people (inclusive) or fewer, guided tour at 70 yuan for 30-40 minutes; for groups of more than 30 people, guided tour at 75 yuan for 60-70 minutes. C Route: Lingxing Gate, Wengzhong Road, Stone Watch Column, for groups of 30 people (inclusive) or fewer, guided tour at 45 yuan for approximately 30 minutes; for groups of more than 30 people, guided tour at 50 yuan for approximately 30 minutes. D Route: Meihua Mountain Area or Meihua Valley Area, for groups of 30 people (inclusive) or fewer, guided tour at 95 yuan for 60-70 minutes; for groups of more than 30 people, guided tour at 100 yuan for 60-70 minutes, with automated tour guide service costing 10 yuan. Garden Transportation: Reference price: 10 yuan per trip. Address: Muxuyuan Subway Station, Zhongshan Mausoleum Parking Lot, Linggu Scenic Area Entrance. Guided Tour Device Rental: Reference price: 10 yuan per device, with a deposit of 50 yuan per device. Child Stroller Rental: Reference price: Free, with a deposit of 1000 yuan required. Address: Visitor Center. Restrooms: Multiple restrooms are available within the scenic area, which can be selected according to the guide signs. Dining: Restaurants such as KFC are located around the scenic area, accepting WeChat and Alipay payments. Vending Machines: The scenic area has vending machines selling various beverages, accepting WeChat and Alipay payments. Convenience Stores: Several convenience stores are located near the entrance of the scenic area, supporting WeChat and Alipay payments.
