Zhongshan Mountain National Park

The Zhongshan Mountain (also called Zijin/Purple Mountain) National Park, a historic spot dating back to China's Eastern Jin Dynasty, has two main parts: the eastern core with Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum complex and the western Xuanwu Lake area. Full of cultural heritage sites, deep historical meaning, and unspoiled ecosystems, it protects 42 graded monuments and over 200 other cultural relics. This all-in-one resort combines nature, culture, sports, and leisure in its area.

Highlights of Zhongshan Mountain National Park

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is the joint tomb of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang (founder of the Ming Dynasty) and Empress Ma, sitting on the southern slope of Purple Mountain's Dulongfu Wanzhu Peak in Nanjing. As Nanjing’s largest imperial mausoleum and one of ancient China’s grandest, it took 32 years to complete. The site has two main sections: a sacred pathway for ceremonies and the core burial area. Structures like the Dismounting Archway, Prohibition Stele, and Great Golden Gate line the 2,400-meter sacred pathway. Landmarks such as the Golden Water Bridge, Civil-Military Gate, and Xiaoling Gate run along the central axis of the burial area. Known for its grand, neatly symmetrical design, it created a model for long, curved spirit pathways—this model affected imperial tombs throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties. This great building was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003.

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum holds the tomb of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, an important leader in modern China. This large tomb complex faces south and was built from 1926 to 1929. It covers about 80,000 square meters. Visitors can see several main buildings: a stone archway, a long path, the main gate, a pavilion with stone tablets, a worship hall, and the burial room. From high above, the whole mausoleum looks like a "Liberty Bell" on the green mountainside. The design mixes Chinese and Western styles together. Wide green spaces and big stairs connect all the buildings with the natural beauty of Purple Mountain. People call it "China's most important modern mausoleum" because of its perfect balance in design.

Meiling Palace

Meiling Palace

The Meiling Palace stands 200 meters east of the Square Pavilion (part of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum) on Xiaohong Hill. Finished in 1933, it was first called "the Hillview Presidential Residence." Built to be the official home of the Nationalist Government Chairman, it later became a reception villa for VIPs visiting the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. When the Kuomintang government moved back to Nanjing from Chongqing in 1947, it became Chiang Kai-shek's official residence. It got its current name because Chiang and his wife Soong May-ling stayed there often. This two-story villa, surrounded by green plants and seasonal flowers, keeps its old furnishings, letting visitors see its past grandeur.

The Zijin（Purple） Mountain Observatory Museum

Zijin（Purple） Mountain Observatory

Added to the "Zhongshan Museum Cluster" in January 2025 as its newest member, it shows valuable ancient astronomical tools from the Ming and Qing dynasties. These include armillary spheres, abridged armillas, sundials, and celestial globes—treasured "national treasures" full of ancient wisdom. Its main exhibition, "Celestial Vistas: Ode to Astronomy and Technology," uses VR and interactive tech, letting visitors draw constellations in an immersive way and explore planetary secrets. Modern displays turn hard astronomical knowledge into easy-to-understand public education.

Educational Value

In Nanjing's Zhongshan Scenic Area, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and Sun Quan Memorial Hall make history real. Ming Xiaoling is a perfect example of Ming and Qing imperial tomb design for visitors to explore. Its sacred pathway, with stone guardian statues and perfect symmetry, shows old burial customs. Through its meaningful designs and buildings, the site helps people understand the old Chinese idea of "honoring the dead as we honor the living."

Activities to do at Zhongshan Mountain National Park

Popular Science Experience at Purple Mountain Observatory：The Zijin(Purple) Mountain Observatory Museum has an immersive exhibition called "Celestial Symphony: Where Astronomy Meets Technology". Using VR and interactive displays, visitors can draw constellations, figure out planetary secrets, and even see virtual talks between modern and ancient astronomers on touchscreens.