Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum lies in Nanjing Zhongshan Mountain National Park, holding the shared tomb of Emperor Hongwu (Zhu Yuanzhang) and Empress Ma. It gets its name from the empress's posthumous title "Xiaoci" (Filial Piety). As the top Ming imperial tomb, this large, impressive complex shows the best of early Ming architecture and stone carving. It set the layout and design for imperial tombs through 500 years of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Highlights of Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

Sacred Way Sculptures

Stone Elephant Path

The 600-meter Sacred Way of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum has the Stone Elephant Path (Shixiang Path) and Guardian Officials Path (Wengzhong Path). It curves around Plum Blossom Hill like a Big Dipper, breaking the old tradition of straight imperial tomb pathways. On Shixiang Lu, 24 stone beasts stand, each carved from a single boulder. There are 12 pairs: lions, xiezhi (mythical unicorns), camels, elephants, qilin, and horses, all looking grand and smooth. Wengzhong Lu has eight huge stone guardians (Wengzhong): two pairs of warriors and two pairs of civil officials, all showing serious dignity. These sculptures followed ritual rules, standing for imperial power and also protecting against evil.

Fangcheng Minglou

Fangcheng Minglou

In front of the tomb mound stands the Fangcheng (square castle), a large stone structure with walls on a Sumeru pedestal base. The Minglou (tower) sits on top—its original yellow-tiled roof was rebuilt after destruction. Side ramps let you climb up for views of the whole mausoleum and distant Purple Mountain. North of here is the 400-meter-diameter Baoding (tumulus), burial place of Emperor Hongwu (Zhu Yuanzhang) and Empress Ma. Walk through the central arched tunnel, climb 54 steps, and reach the southern wall. It bears "This mountain entombs the Ming Founder" and feels deeply historic.

Plum Blossom Hill

The plum blossoms of Plum Blossom Hill

South of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is Plum Blossom Hill, known as "the world's best plum hill." Over 13,000 plum trees grow on its slopes and in Plum Valley (Meihua Gu) at the foot. From late February to mid-March each year, the Nanjing International Plum Blossom Festival turns the area into a mix of colors—pink, crimson and white blooms spread a nice smell. The Tomb of Sun Quan(Emperor of Eastern Wu) sits among the flowers, letting visitors enjoy both the beautiful blossoms and the historical site.

Xiang Hall

Also called Xiaoling Hall, it first served as a shrine holding the memorial tablets of Emperor Hongwu (Zhu Yuanzhang) and Empress Ma. The main structure was destroyed, but the 3-tier Sumeru pedestal and 6 carved stone ramps with dragon-cloud designs remain, showing its past grandeur. Now it acts as the Ming Xiaoling Historical Exhibition Hall. Through displayed artifacts, visitors can learn about the mausoleum's construction history and cultural importance, and understand early Ming architecture and imperial traditions.

Educational Value

The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum started the style of Ming-Qing imperial tombs. It shows early Ming political systems, ritual culture and state symbols. Its special layout and building methods reflect how Emperor Hongwu strengthened imperial power and changed rituals. When visitors look around, they turn historical texts into a sense of space. They can understand ideas like "the emperor is the highest" and "treating the dead like the living," which helps them better grasp ancient Chinese imperial rule.

Activities to do at Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

Visting Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Museum: In the "Journey into the Great Ming Mausoleum" hall of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Museum, artifacts, models and screens tell Zhu Yuanzhang's story—from poverty to emperor. It also shows how the tomb was built and its importance. A 360° circular theater uses sound and visuals to make viewers feel they're in Ming-era Nanjing. Before leaving, check out the Guanpu Gallery's Ming-style furniture. These careful copies show classic Ming craft.