Purple Mountain

Introducing Purple Mountain
The Purple Mountain is also known as the Bell Mountain. The Purple Mountain rises majestically east of Nanjing, its peaks often shrouded in a breathtaking cloak of purple and gold at sunrise and sunset — the inspiration for its name. This captivating mountain, spanning 30 hectares (11.6 square miles) and reaching a height of 448 meters (1,470 feet), is much more than just a scenic wonder. Its slopes, adorned with over 200 heritage and scenic tourist sites, whisper tales of a rich and storied past.

The mountain’s heart unfolds across three core scenic areas: the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Scenic Area, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Scenic Area, and the Linggu Scenic Area. Here, global treasures like the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum stand alongside national treasures like the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, a masterpiece of 20th-century Chinese architecture. Adding to its allure are the tranquil Linggu Temple, a prominent Buddhist temple, and the elegant Meiling Palace, once hailed as the “Far East’s Grandest Villa.” Beyond its iconic landmarks, Purple Mountain has even more to offer. Don’t miss the chance to experience its wonders.

Purple Mountain Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Zi Jin Shan 紫金山
• Elevation: 448.2 meters (1,470 ft)
• Best Time to Visit: March to May; September to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 3 to 4 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, History and Culture, Hiking
• Opening Hours: 8:30 – 17:00
• Entrance Fee: Free (Purple Mountain and Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum), CNY94 (Combo ticket for Mingxiaoling Mausoleum, Meiling Palace, Music Hall and Linggu Scenic Area).
• Address: Zhongshan Scenic Area, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province

History of the Purple Mountain
For centuries, the majestic presence of Purple Mountain has captivated emperors and leaders. Sun Quan (182-252 AD), the Emperor of the Wu Kingdom, was so taken by the view of its soaring peak that he chose its southern slopes as his final resting place. Centuries later, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang (1328-1398) also recognized the area’s auspicious energy, constructing the grand Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum on the mountain’s slopes. Even Sun Yat-sen (1866-1952), considered the father of modern China, was drawn to Purple Mountain’s unique aura. Honoring his wishes, the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum stands there today, a concrete example of the mountain’s timeless appeal.

What to expect at Purple Mountain
Whether you crave sweeping vistas, a window into China’s storied past, or a serene moment for introspection, Purple Mountain beckons with an enchanting escape.

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
The mausoleum is the final resting place of Emperor Hongwu, the founder of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). While the actual tomb mound remains unexcavated, visitors can explore the surrounding complex of exquisitely crafted halls, pavilions, and courtyards, including the impressive Great Golden Gate and the majestic Dismount Archway, all showcasing the grandeur of Ming Dynasty architecture. Beyond these marvels, the site also boasts serene natural beauty at Zixia Lake and the tranquil charm of Plum Blossom Valley.

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum is a solemn tribute to Dr. Sun Yat-sen, known as the father of modern China. Completed in 1929, the mausoleum’s grand staircase leads visitors through a serene park adorned with ancient trees and classical pavilions, enhancing the tranquil ambiance. The main hall houses a statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, surrounded by intricate carvings and historical artifacts that illuminate his pivotal role in China’s revolutionary history.

Open-air Music Hall
Nestled southeast of Bo’ai Square at the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, the Open-air Music Hall stands as a commemorative landmark. Completed in 1933, this expansive structure covers over an acre, its semi-circular design embracing a central stage. Adding a touch of serenity, a crescent-shaped lotus pond, its waters kept perpetually clear by a hidden spring, graces the foot of the stand. The pond is framed by a sweeping, semi-circular lawn, neatly divided into twelve fan-shaped sections by radiating pathways. Today, the space regularly comes alive with the sounds of music, hosting events like the Nanjing Forest Concert and the Zhongshan Holiday Concert.

Meiling Palace
Completed in 1934, Meiling Palace began as the intended residence for the chairman of the Chinese National Government. However, Chiang Kai-Shek gifted it to his wife, Soong Meiling, transforming it into their romantic summer retreat by 1936. Later serving as a welcoming base for officials visiting the nearby Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, the palace became Chiang Kai-Shek’s official residence after World War II. Its harmonious blend of East and West is evident in its traditional Chinese exterior adorned with intricate carvings, alongside a Western interior showcasing historical treasures and Soong Meiling’s Impressionist-style paintings.

Linggu Scenic Area
Linggu Temple and Linggu Pagoda are two prominent landmarks in this area. Linggu Temple, originally built during the Liang Dynasty (502-557 AD), serves as both a Buddhist temple for worship and meditation and a memorial for over 30,000 soldiers who perished during China’s Northern Expedition War (1926-1928). The temple is also known for housing Monk Xuanzang, famed for his journey to India to acquire Buddhist scriptures, adding to its cultural importance.

Adjacent to Linggu Temple stands Linggu Pagoda, a striking nine-story structure towering 60 meters (198 ft) high. Completed in 1929, the pagoda commemorates fallen soldiers. Inside, it features inscriptions of speeches and names of martyrs from pivotal periods like the Revolution of 1911 and the Northern Expedition. Together, these landmarks intertwine spirituality, history, and national memory in a profound and meaningful way.

How to get to Purple Mountain
• By Bus: Take bus 20 to Mingxiaoling tingchechang Station.
• By Subway: Take subway line 2 to Muxuyuan Station.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Nanjing to Purple Mountain.

Additional travel advice on Purple Mountain
• Visitors can go to the attractions inside the scenic area (including Sun Yatsen Mausoleum, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Linggu Temple, etc.) by sightseeing bus, battery car or small train.
• Free audio guide is available at official WeChat Service account (ID: zschina_nj).