Meiling Palace（‌‌美龄宫‌）Travel Guide

Nov 12, 2024 by orient china travel

Meiling Palace Travel Guide for Foreigners

1. Introduction

Meiling Palace, also known as the official residence of Soong May - ling, is located on the eastern slope of Zijin Mountain in Nanjing. It was built in 1931 and was designed by Chinese architect Zhao Shen. This three - story building combines Chinese and Western architectural styles, with a unique charm. It was once an important place for Chiang Kai - shek and Soong May - ling to live and work during the period of the Republic of China. It witnessed many historical events during that time and has rich historical and cultural connotations.

2. How to Get There

By Public Transport:
- Bus: You can take bus routes such as 20, 315, etc. and get off at the Meiling Palace Station.
- Subway: Take Metro Line 2 to 苜蓿园 Station, and then walk about 10 - 15 minutes to reach Meiling Palace.
By Car: There are parking lots near the scenic area, but during peak tourist seasons, there may be traffic congestion and limited parking spaces.

3. Tickets and Opening Hours

Tickets: The ticket price is usually around 30 RMB. You can purchase tickets at the entrance of the scenic area.
Opening Hours: It is open from 07:30 to 18:00 (last entry at 17:30).

4. Main Attractions

Building Structure: The exterior of the building is covered with green glazed tiles, and its shape is like a gemstone inlaid on Zijin Mountain. The interior decoration is luxurious, with a combination of Chinese and Western elements. There are elegant living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and study rooms. The furniture and decorations in the rooms can still show the living atmosphere of that era.
Surrounding Gardens: The surrounding gardens are well - designed, with various plants and flowers. The layout of the gardens is in line with the overall style of the building, creating a beautiful and quiet environment. In autumn, the ginkgo trees around the palace turn golden, forming a spectacular and romantic scene.
Historical Exhibitions: Inside the palace, there are various historical exhibitions that display photos, documents, and objects related to Chiang Kai - shek and Soong May - ling. These exhibitions can help visitors better understand the history and culture of the period of the Republic of China.

5. Travel Tips

Dress Comfortably: As there may be some walking involved, both inside and around the palace, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
Photography: The scenery of Meiling Palace is very beautiful, whether it is the building itself or the surrounding environment. It is a great place for photography. However, please pay attention to the signs and do not use flash in some exhibition areas to avoid damaging the exhibits.
Historical Understanding: Before visiting, you can do some simple research on the history of the Republic of China to better understand the background and significance of this place during your visit.
Crowd Avoidance: To avoid large crowds, it is advisable to visit during non - peak tourist seasons or at less busy times during the day.

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