Autumn in Jinling, the Year of the Dragon (3): Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is a must-see when visiting Nanjing. As the first of the Ming and Qing imperial tombs in China, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum was built in the 14th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1381) and completed in the 3rd year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1405), taking 25 years to complete. The entire mausoleum area harmoniously unifies humanity and nature, reaching the perfect height of the unity of heaven and man, and becoming an excellent example of the combination of traditional Chinese architectural art and environmental aesthetics. In late autumn, stepping into the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the autumn scenery flows like poetry and painting. On both sides of the ancient Sacred Way, the ginkgo leaves are like gold foil carvings, falling in the breeze, layer upon layer, covering the ground with a brilliant carpet. The maple leaves are like burning flames, red and dazzling, their bright colors seem to be the passion of time, contrasting with the surrounding green pines and cypresses, combining strength and softness. The divine beasts on the Stone Elephant Road appear more ancient and heavy in the autumn light, lying quietly among the colorful fallen leaves, as if silently telling the long history. The red walls of the mausoleum palace become more solemn and dignified in the autumn colors, with branches and leaves of red or yellow protruding from the walls, adding a touch of vitality to this majestic place. Walking through the scenic area, the fallen leaves rustle underfoot, as if softly singing the melody of autumn, each step seems to tread on the strings of time, making one intoxicated and lost. Travel tips: Address: Zhongshan Scenic Area, Xuanwu District, Nanjing Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 to Muxuyuan Station (Exit 1), walk 1.2 km; take Bus 315 to Meihuagu West Gate Station, walk 341 meters. Opening hours: December 1 to January 31, 7:00–17:30 February 1 to November 30, 6:30–18:30 Tickets: Adults: CNY 70 (Ctrip discount price: CNY 63); Seniors aged 60–69, students (full-time undergraduate and below), children over 1.4 meters: half price; Seniors aged 70 and above, children aged 6 and below, disabled persons, active military personnel, and veterans: free.