Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
Imperial tomb of the Ming Dynasty's founding emperor
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Purple Mountain, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
Ming Xiaoling is the mausoleum of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and one of the most important imperial burial sites in China. Located on the southern slope of Purple Mountain, the tomb was constructed beginning in 1381 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the architectural template for all subsequent Ming and Qing imperial tombs, including those in Beijing. The approach along the Sacred Way — a path lined with monumental stone animal and human figures standing silent guard — is one of the most evocative walks in Nanjing.
A combined Purple Mountain scenic area ticket costs around 100 yuan. The mausoleum is open from 6:30am to 6:00pm (last entry at 5:30pm).
Details
The Sacred Way
The Sacred Way (Shendao) is the ceremonial approach to the tomb, a roughly 800-meter path lined with paired stone sculptures of animals and officials. The animal figures — elephants, camels, horses, lions, and mythical qilin and xiezhi — are carved in both standing and kneeling poses, while stone officials in court robes stand at attention near the path's end. The sculptures are over 600 years old, weathered to a soft grey, and draped with moss and lichen. Walking the Sacred Way beneath the canopy of ancient trees is one of the most memorable experiences in Nanjing.
The Tomb Complex
Beyond the Sacred Way, the tomb complex proper consists of a series of gates, courtyards, and ceremonial halls ascending the hillside. The main sacrificial hall sits on a raised terrace, and the path continues upward through the Ming Tower (Minglou) to the burial mound, a large earthen tumulus surrounded by a wall. The tomb itself has never been excavated. The atmosphere grows quieter and more contemplative as you ascend, with the forest closing in around the upper structures.
Forest Setting
The mausoleum is set within dense forest on the slopes of Purple Mountain, and the mature trees — many centuries old — are integral to the experience. The canopy creates dappled light along the paths, and the forest is alive with birdsong. In autumn, the ginkgo and maple trees turn vivid gold and red, making the seasonal foliage one of the mausoleum's most photographed features.
Getting There
Address: Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Purple Mountain, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
The mausoleum is in the Purple Mountain scenic area. Bus routes from **Xiamafang Station** on Line 2 serve the area, or take a taxi from central Nanjing (roughly 15 to 20 minutes). The mausoleum is typically combined with the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Linggu Temple on a Purple Mountain day itinerary.
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Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum