Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, nestled at Nanjing’s Purple Mountain foothills, is the final resting place of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang (Hongwu Emperor), founder of the Ming Dynasty, and Empress Ma. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, this 14th-century marvel spans 1.7 million square meters, blending natural beauty, architectural grandeur, and historical significance.
Historical Overview
Construction began in 1381, mobilizing 100,000 artisans and soldiers over 25 years. As the first imperial tomb of the Ming-Qing dynasties, it set the standard for 500 years of royal burials, showcasing Ming craftsmanship through its stone carvings, symmetrical layout, and symbolic design.
Structural Layout
The mausoleum follows a three-part design:
- Sacred Pathway: A 618-meter spirit road lined with mythical stone statues (lions, camels, qilins) and civil/military officials, guarding the tomb.
- Main Complex: Features the Grand Golden Gate, Square City, Ming Tower, and Treasure Dome, crowned by the 400-meter-diameter burial mound.
- Auxiliary Buildings: Includes temples, bridges, and the Imperial Garden, harmonizing with the mountain-water landscape.
Major Attractions
- Stone Elephant Road: Lifelike sculptures symbolizing imperial authority.
- Ming Tower: A 15th-century pagoda overlooking the tomb.
- Treasure Dome: The underground palace housing royal relics.
- Plum Blossom Hill: Seasonal blooms enhancing spring visits.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (2–3h): Sacred Path → Ming Tower → Treasure Dome → Plum Blossom Hill.
- Extended Route (4–5h): Add the Ming Dynasty Museum and Wenwu Archway.
- Combined Tour: Pair with Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Linggu Temple for a full-day cultural immersion.
Ticket Purchase
- Online: Book via official website or WeChat.
- On-Site: ¥70/adult; discounts for students/seniors.
- Hours: 6:30–18:30 (Mar–Nov); 7:00–17:30 (Dec–Feb).
Transportation
- Metro: Line 2 to Muxuyuan Station, then bus 20/315.
- Bus: Routes 20, 315, or Tour Bus 2/3.
- Taxi: Direct to Shixiang Road entrance.
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Seasons: March–May (spring blossoms) and September–November (autumn foliage).
- Essentials: Wear sturdy shoes (20,000+ steps), bring water, and respect no-touch rules. Avoid weekends for quieter visits.
- Prohibited: Drones, large bags, and climbing on statues.
A testament to imperial ingenuity and natural harmony, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum offers a profound journey through China’s royal past.
What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
