Park & nature

Purple Mountain (Nanjing)

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Purple Mountain (Nanjing)Farm · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
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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.

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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.

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