Park & nature
Purple Mountain (Nanjing)
Farm · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0Some booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
Purple Mountain, also known as Zijin Shan, is a sprawling nature and cultural park on the eastern edge of Nanjing. It encompasses numerous historical sites, including the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, and Linggu Temple, all connected by shaded walking paths and roads. The mountain is also home to the Purple Mountain Observatory, one of China's oldest modern observatories, offering exhibits on astronomy and telescope views. Visitors can hike to the summit for city vistas, explore serene bamboo groves, and enjoy seasonal blooms like cherry blossoms in spring.
Don't miss
- Visit the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the impressive tomb of the Hongwu Emperor, with its sacred way lined with stone animals.
- Explore the Purple Mountain Observatory, featuring historic telescopes and a small museum on Chinese astronomy.
- Hike to the summit of Purple Mountain for panoramic views of Nanjing and the surrounding lake.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Purple Mountain (Nanjing)
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inNanjing Private English Tour Guide Service5★ · 13 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$75 per personSee dates →
Best full dayFlexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour5★ · 64 travelers6–8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$150 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleAll Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour with Tailor-Made Highlights4.9★ · 18 travelers7–8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$218 per personSee dates →More attractions in Nanjing



