Nanjing | What to Do at the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is located in the northeast of Nanjing, at the foot of Purple Mountain. To be precise, it is outside the city. If you take the subway, you will probably get off at Muxuyuan Dajie Station on Line 2, and then walk to the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum from Gate 3. The journey is "long," so be prepared. If you are traveling with elderly people or children, I suggest you spend some money to take the sightseeing bus in the scenic area, which can save you about 2/3 of the journey. I think it costs CNY 30 per person, but I can't remember exactly. 🌟 Highlights: Plum Blossom Hill If you come to the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum in early spring (around February), you must not miss Plum Blossom Hill. I went there at the end of December, and the plum blossoms were still buds. They hadn't bloomed yet. Enter through Gate 2 and you'll see Plum Blossom Valley, which is full of plum blossoms. The bus stops at the west gate of Plum Blossom Valley. Of course, if you come at this time of year, the wintersweet near the Xiaoling Hall of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum will have already bloomed. Changsheng Deer Park The Changsheng Deer Park near Gate 3 is also worth a visit. For CNY 30 (paid separately outside the gate), two adults and one child can enter together, and you can get a bag of hay and get up close to the sika deer. Magnolia In spring (March), the magnolia is also very beautiful. Enter through Gate 4 and you will definitely see it after about 500 meters. Maple Leaves and the Sacred Way If you want to see the maple leaves 🍁 on the Sacred Way, November is the best time. Enter through Gate 5 and you'll see the Sacred Way. Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Enter through Gate 1 and turn left, walk along Wengzhong Road and the Sacred Way, cross the Golden Water Bridge, and you will reach the innermost part of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum in about 10–15 minutes. This is the Ming Tower, which is about 15 meters high. It's as high as a 4- or 5-story building. It's a great place to take photos. The red walls and yellow tiles are very beautiful. In December, you can see wintersweet and winter jasmine along the way. Under the blue sky and white clouds, breathing in the fresh air is very pleasant. The maple leaves have basically fallen.