Mausoleum of the Ming Emperor（明孝陵）Travel Guide
Nov 12, 2024
by orient china travel
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Travel Guide
1. Introduction
The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is located at the southern slope of Zhongshan Mountain in Nanjing. It is the mausoleum of the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, and his wife Empress Ma3. It is the largest and one of the best-preserved imperial tombs in the Ming Dynasty, with a history of more than 600 years5. In 2003, together with the 13 Ming Tombs in Beijing, it was accepted into the World Heritage List as an associated site of "the Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties"3.
The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is located at the southern slope of Zhongshan Mountain in Nanjing. It is the mausoleum of the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, and his wife Empress Ma3. It is the largest and one of the best-preserved imperial tombs in the Ming Dynasty, with a history of more than 600 years5. In 2003, together with the 13 Ming Tombs in Beijing, it was accepted into the World Heritage List as an associated site of "the Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties"3.
2. How to Get There
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- By Public Transport: You can take buses No. 20, Tourism Bus No. 2 and 3 to the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum.
- By Car: If you drive, there are parking lots available near the scenic area. However, during peak tourist seasons, parking may be challenging, and traffic congestion is possible.
3. Tickets and Opening Hours
- Tickets: The ticket price for the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is 70 RMB for adults and 35 RMB for children, students, and the elderly (meeting certain age requirements)2.
- Opening Hours: It is open from 06:30 to 18:30 from February 1st to November 30th, and from 07:00 to 17:30 from December 1st to January 31st of the following year2.
4. Main Areas and Attractions
- Sacred Way: The Sacred Way is a remarkable part of the mausoleum. It is about 2400 meters long and meanders through the forest. On both sides of the Sacred Way, there are giant stone statues of warriors, horses, elephants, and other animals. These stone carvings are exquisite and vivid, showing the high level of craftsmanship in the Ming Dynasty2.
- Dismounting Archway: At the entrance of the mausoleum, there is a Dismounting Archway. In ancient times, as a gesture of respect for the emperor, visitors would get off their horses and sedans here.
- Main Body of the Mausoleum: The main body of the mausoleum includes the Wenwu Fangmen (the main entrance), the Xian Hall, the Fangcheng (square city), the Ming Tower, and the Baoding (the top of the tomb). These buildings are arranged along the central axis in a traditional manner and are surrounded by walls. The architecture is magnificent and reflects the grandeur of the imperial mausoleum4.
5. Travel Tips
- Weather: Nanjing has a subtropical monsoon climate. It is advisable to check the weather forecast before your visit and bring appropriate clothing and rain gear if necessary.
- Walking: The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is quite large, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes for walking. There are also some uphill and downhill sections, so be careful when walking.
- Respect and Etiquette: As this is a historical and cultural relic site, please maintain a solemn and respectful attitude during your visit. Do not touch or damage the cultural relics and follow the guidance of the staff.
- Guided Tours: You can choose to hire a professional guide or use an audio guide to better understand the history and significance of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum.