Purple Mountain (紫金山) Travel Guide
Nov 12, 2024
by orient china travel
Purple Mountain Travel Guide
1. Introduction
Purple Mountain, also known as Zijin Mountain, is located on the eastern side of Nanjing City. It is an important part of the Nanjing landscape and is famous for its rich natural resources, historical and cultural heritages. With an altitude of 448.9 meters, it covers an area of about 31 square kilometers. The mountain is filled with dense forests, clear springs, and various beautiful landscapes, making it a popular destination for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
2. How to Get There
- By Public Transport:
- Bus: There are several bus routes that can take you to Purple Mountain. For example, you can take bus routes such as 20, 315, etc. which have stops near the mountain entrances.
- Subway: Take Metro Line 2 and get off at 苜蓿园 Station or 下马坊 Station. From there, you can easily reach the mountain area by walking or taking a short shuttle bus ride.
- By Taxi or Self - Driving: If you choose to take a taxi, simply tell the driver your destination as Purple Mountain. If you drive by yourself, there are parking lots available at various entrances and scenic spots within the mountain area. However, during peak tourist seasons, parking may be limited, and traffic congestion is possible.
3. Tickets and Opening Hours
- Tickets: Purple Mountain itself is a large natural area, and many parts are free to enter. However, some specific scenic spots within the mountain, such as the Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat - sen, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, etc., have their own ticket prices and opening hours. For example, the Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat - sen is free but requires reservation, and the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum has an adult ticket price of 70 RMB.
- Opening Hours: The mountain area is generally open 24 hours. But the specific scenic spots within it have their own opening schedules. For instance, the Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat - sen is open from 8:30 to 17:00, and the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum has different opening times during different seasons.
4. Main Attractions
- Natural Scenery: The mountain is covered with lush forests, mainly composed of broad - leaved and coniferous trees. There are also many beautiful valleys, clear streams, and waterfalls. In spring, the mountain is filled with colorful flowers; in autumn, the leaves turn into various shades of red, yellow, and orange, creating a picturesque scene.
- Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat - sen: It is one of the most important attractions on Purple Mountain. It is the mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat - sen, the great pioneer of the Chinese democratic revolution. The mausoleum features magnificent architecture and a solemn atmosphere, with a long flight of stairs leading to the tomb chamber.
- Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum: This is the mausoleum of Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty. It is a large and well - preserved imperial tomb complex, including the Sacred Way with numerous stone statues, the main mausoleum buildings, and beautiful surrounding landscapes.
- Meiling Palace: It was the official residence of Soong May - ling. The building combines Chinese and Western architectural styles, and the interior decoration is luxurious. The surrounding gardens are also very beautiful, especially in autumn when the ginkgo trees turn golden.
- Zijin Observatory: It is one of the most famous observatories in China. Here, you can learn about the history of astronomy in China, observe astronomical instruments, and even have a chance to use telescopes to observe the sky if conditions permit.
5. Travel Tips
- Clothing and Footwear: As there are many hiking paths on the mountain, it is recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes. Depending on the season, bring appropriate clothing. In summer, bring light and breathable clothes to avoid heatstroke, and in winter, bring warm clothes as it can be cold on the mountain.
- Food and Water: There are some small shops and restaurants within the mountain area, but it is still a good idea to bring some snacks and bottled water, especially if you plan to explore for a long time.
- Respect the Environment: Purple Mountain is a precious natural and cultural heritage. Please do not litter, damage plants or historical relics, and follow the signs and instructions within the scenic area.
- Hiking Routes: There are various hiking routes on the mountain with different levels of difficulty. You can choose the one that suits your physical condition. If you are not sure, you can ask the local staff or other hikers for advice.