Purple Mountain (Zijin Shan)
Purple Mountain (Zijin Shan)
4.5
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
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4.5
329 reviews
Excellent
150
Very good
151
Average
22
Poor
5
Terrible
1
UOtterTravel
Port Saint Lucie, FL1,255 contributions
Apr 2019
We saw the Purple Mountains while on a day tour of Nanjing. It was quite busy the day we visited as it was the last day of the Plum Blossom Festival and many people were taking photos. There were many sites to see, including the mausoleum, which we viewed from the base. The blossoms were beautiful!
Written 22 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ron F
Perth, Australia11 contributions
Sept 2014 • Couples
Nanjing : Dr Sun Yat-Sen's Mausoleum to Ming Tomb Scenic Area
Ultra-modern Metro Line #2 to Muxuyuan station. Exit #1 with English sign "To Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum Beauty Spot".
A large board of tourist map of Zhongshan Mountain National Park immediately outside Muxuyuan exit.
Walk on Ninghang Gong Lu (road). Turn left at Lingyuan Road & walk a few meters to arrive at the free Sightseeing Shuttle no. 1. Total = 10-15 minutes' walking.
We took the frequent & interesting 12 to 15-seater motorised trolley (colour: red/black/gold) from the same area of the bus stop. Bought the ticket from the booth - RMB 5/per adult. Another ticket (also RMB5/adult) to the Ming Tomb could only be bought from the ticket booth at Sun Yat-Sen's mausoleum scenic spot.
The trolley stopped in front of the entrance to Sun Yat-Sen's scenic area. Free admission.
Very clean pedestrian avenue (except many people, as in the rest of China, still haven't stopped the bad habit of spitting everywhere & even right in front of other people). Cafes, restaurants & shops before reaching the square & the archway to the Mausoleum.
10 terraces & 392 steps up to the Mausoleum. Worth the climb. Took photos, especially from the bottom & top of the steps with views over the Zhongshan (also called Zijin) Mountain.
Lined up at the side for the Sacrificial Hall containing Dr Sun's white marble statue, coffin chamber & inscriptions on walls. No photography inside. Toilet (scarce facility in China) before the Hall.
Walked down the steps & back to the square.
White motorised trolleys were waiting in front the 4.3m-high Xiaojing Tripod & the large board of tourist map. A ride cost RMB15 to the Ming Tomb.
We walked a few meters back to the archway. The more frequent, popular & better organised 12-seater blue-n-yellow motorised trolleys (RMB5) were on the left (a few steps down), with blue-tile-roofed line area & sign-board "To Ming Tomb Scenic area" (in English too). Ticket booth was opposite.
Ming Tomb - a sprawling 170-hectare ground & an UNESCO World Heritage Site - consists of the must-see Tomb Palace of the first Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Wengzhong Tomb Path & Shixiang Tomb Path etc.
Entrance fee : RMB70, but Seniors 70 & above with ID as proof of age get in free.
Sakura Garden - especially in spring for cherry & plum blossoms - before you exit.
Dr Sun's Mausoleum & Ming Tomb can easily take up one whole day. Plenty of sign-boards & introductions in Chinese/English/Japanese/Korean.
Ultra-modern Metro Line #2 to Muxuyuan station. Exit #1 with English sign "To Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum Beauty Spot".
A large board of tourist map of Zhongshan Mountain National Park immediately outside Muxuyuan exit.
Walk on Ninghang Gong Lu (road). Turn left at Lingyuan Road & walk a few meters to arrive at the free Sightseeing Shuttle no. 1. Total = 10-15 minutes' walking.
We took the frequent & interesting 12 to 15-seater motorised trolley (colour: red/black/gold) from the same area of the bus stop. Bought the ticket from the booth - RMB 5/per adult. Another ticket (also RMB5/adult) to the Ming Tomb could only be bought from the ticket booth at Sun Yat-Sen's mausoleum scenic spot.
The trolley stopped in front of the entrance to Sun Yat-Sen's scenic area. Free admission.
Very clean pedestrian avenue (except many people, as in the rest of China, still haven't stopped the bad habit of spitting everywhere & even right in front of other people). Cafes, restaurants & shops before reaching the square & the archway to the Mausoleum.
10 terraces & 392 steps up to the Mausoleum. Worth the climb. Took photos, especially from the bottom & top of the steps with views over the Zhongshan (also called Zijin) Mountain.
Lined up at the side for the Sacrificial Hall containing Dr Sun's white marble statue, coffin chamber & inscriptions on walls. No photography inside. Toilet (scarce facility in China) before the Hall.
Walked down the steps & back to the square.
White motorised trolleys were waiting in front the 4.3m-high Xiaojing Tripod & the large board of tourist map. A ride cost RMB15 to the Ming Tomb.
We walked a few meters back to the archway. The more frequent, popular & better organised 12-seater blue-n-yellow motorised trolleys (RMB5) were on the left (a few steps down), with blue-tile-roofed line area & sign-board "To Ming Tomb Scenic area" (in English too). Ticket booth was opposite.
Ming Tomb - a sprawling 170-hectare ground & an UNESCO World Heritage Site - consists of the must-see Tomb Palace of the first Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Wengzhong Tomb Path & Shixiang Tomb Path etc.
Entrance fee : RMB70, but Seniors 70 & above with ID as proof of age get in free.
Sakura Garden - especially in spring for cherry & plum blossoms - before you exit.
Dr Sun's Mausoleum & Ming Tomb can easily take up one whole day. Plenty of sign-boards & introductions in Chinese/English/Japanese/Korean.
Written 9 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BobF1947
Tampa, FL114 contributions
Mar 2012
From ancient stone animals to plum blossoms to Ming tombs to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen's impressive mausoleum, this scenic area offers countless sites AND sights for visitors and residents. Spread across hundreds of beautiful acres of nature, there is ample opportunity to relax and gain respect for the history reflected. But plan to walk and walk and walk, unless you can grab a shuttle. And there are hundreds of steps to climb to pay respects and visit the tombs. All well worth the time and effort. A beautiful and valuable park.
Written 31 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew B
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina168 contributions
Feb 2015 • Friends
I rated this four stars, but it is not a destination in-and-of itself. Trip Advisor often presents the same site in multiple ways, which may lead you to believe they are separate destinations. Such is the case here. This is more of a locale in which actual spots are located. You will most likely come, because this is where the Ming tomb and Yat-Sen memorial is.
Written 5 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HD_Lew
Singapore, Singapore314 contributions
Oct 2016 • Solo
The mountain is big and full of many attractions. I did not hike up the mountain due to the unfavourable weather and was more interested in visiting the attractions instead.
The mountain can be easily accessed via the subway- Muxuyuan (line2). The ticket counter could be found at the exit point on the ground level. My trip was entirely based on the brochure (refer to photo attached) given to me at the ticket counter.
The 4 in 1 attraction ticket cost 100 rmb and it requires you to take the bus (10 rmb/ride) 4 times. you can walk to the attraction if you want, but some attractions require long walking distance so it may be wise to conserve some energy. Lastly, be sure to check with the ticket counter as well as the bus driver on the location you are heading to. There are many other bus stop/line servicing other routes as well !
The mountain can be easily accessed via the subway- Muxuyuan (line2). The ticket counter could be found at the exit point on the ground level. My trip was entirely based on the brochure (refer to photo attached) given to me at the ticket counter.
The 4 in 1 attraction ticket cost 100 rmb and it requires you to take the bus (10 rmb/ride) 4 times. you can walk to the attraction if you want, but some attractions require long walking distance so it may be wise to conserve some energy. Lastly, be sure to check with the ticket counter as well as the bus driver on the location you are heading to. There are many other bus stop/line servicing other routes as well !
Written 22 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ColeenMonKni
Everywhere44 contributions
Jan 2016
Went to Purple Mountain on our second day in the city and had a nice relaxing day. Go to Muxuyuan Station on line 2 on the subway, and en just walk up the side of the mountain. It is not a hard walk (we did it with our backpacks on), and you can walk all the way up to the Sat-Yat Sen Masoleum. Mostly Chinese visiting when we were there.
You can get a mountain pass ticket for 100 yuan, but be careful that they don't get confused and punch the wrong attraction. We had not been to The Ming Tomb (there are two of them) but they almost didn't let us into the real World Heritage Site. It was definitely worth arguing with the gate person about it, and beautiful even on a smoggy winter's day.
You can get a mountain pass ticket for 100 yuan, but be careful that they don't get confused and punch the wrong attraction. We had not been to The Ming Tomb (there are two of them) but they almost didn't let us into the real World Heritage Site. It was definitely worth arguing with the gate person about it, and beautiful even on a smoggy winter's day.
Written 13 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TilleyMan
Melbourne, Australia199 contributions
May 2012 • Business
We spent a very active day visiting the Xuanwu Lake Park (and part of the old city wall) then walking up the seemingly thousands of steps to the top of Purple Mountain. Towards the top the neat stone steps deteriorate into a real goat track of loose stones and rubble... hard going.
Great view from the top, but an exhausting relentless climb... thank goodness for the refreshment stands at the top, I downed one 550ml bottle of water in a few seconds before opening another!
Sadly the view was not too good due to the chronic air pollution (even on a Saturday) and the rubbish strewn everywhere added to the rundown feeling once at the summit. A road seemingly takes you further to the 'real' summit, but is then blocked off by a high fence due to the military communications towers up there.
Having rehydrated, we caught the cablecar down the mountain... great views and a far more relaxing way to end the trip. If planning to walk up Purple Mountain wear good walking shoes and carry plenty of water!
Great view from the top, but an exhausting relentless climb... thank goodness for the refreshment stands at the top, I downed one 550ml bottle of water in a few seconds before opening another!
Sadly the view was not too good due to the chronic air pollution (even on a Saturday) and the rubbish strewn everywhere added to the rundown feeling once at the summit. A road seemingly takes you further to the 'real' summit, but is then blocked off by a high fence due to the military communications towers up there.
Having rehydrated, we caught the cablecar down the mountain... great views and a far more relaxing way to end the trip. If planning to walk up Purple Mountain wear good walking shoes and carry plenty of water!
Written 11 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nanchang_Nel
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania210 contributions
You can't go to Nanjing without visiting the Purple Mountain. After the noise of the traffic, the relentless hooting of horns, bus exhaust fumes choking your lungs, dust in your eyes, being run over by electric bikes going to wrong way on the pavement, push bikes with three generations, pushing through the river of pedestrians fighting their way along the busy pavements, you will be pleased to be on a tranquil mountain.
It costs 70rmb to get in and you can visit the Mausoleum too if you like (I have never bothered). The Purple Cloud Lake is fantastic. Very few people make it up there, just a few old men playing cards on stone tables under the dappled shade of the trees around the lake. It is not permitted to swim in the lake but people (men) swim in the lake.
You can walk all the way around the lake (doesn't take long - maybe 30 mins). You can see the Ming Tombs of course, you pass them on the way to the Lake but the Lake, for me, is the main attraction. You need a bit of peace and quiet living in NJ.
It costs 70rmb to get in and you can visit the Mausoleum too if you like (I have never bothered). The Purple Cloud Lake is fantastic. Very few people make it up there, just a few old men playing cards on stone tables under the dappled shade of the trees around the lake. It is not permitted to swim in the lake but people (men) swim in the lake.
You can walk all the way around the lake (doesn't take long - maybe 30 mins). You can see the Ming Tombs of course, you pass them on the way to the Lake but the Lake, for me, is the main attraction. You need a bit of peace and quiet living in NJ.
Written 23 May 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ckm818
Hong Kong, China305 contributions
Dec 2019
Hiking as a tourist: an activity to breathe new air, exercise at your own pace, and be merry with birdsongs around. But it’s also a much-sought-after getaway for locals. That’s certainly the case in Nanjing’s Purple Mountain.
On my way up, I witnessed employees from Dyson walking as a team. On the way back, there are many dog owners enjoying the outdoor walk with their pets.
The climb was not too demanding, but definitely more so than the option of cable car. One of my vivid memories was the open mouth of my travel guide when I elected to go on foot. And, why not? The view is worth the mileage.
On my way up, I witnessed employees from Dyson walking as a team. On the way back, there are many dog owners enjoying the outdoor walk with their pets.
The climb was not too demanding, but definitely more so than the option of cable car. One of my vivid memories was the open mouth of my travel guide when I elected to go on foot. And, why not? The view is worth the mileage.
Written 8 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
peterhe
Beijing, China1 contribution
Mar 2019 • Family
Purple Mountain Observatory
I went travelling in Nanjing, the capital city of Jiangsu Province, together with my family last summer. Accidentally, we found a treasure place for amateur astronomers, the Purple Mountain Observatory.
The Purple Mountain Observatory is located on the Purple Mountain. It’s the first Modern Astronomical Research Institute in China, which was built in September 1, 1934 and has a very long history. Because of its excellent equipment and function, it has won the reputation of “The best in Asia”. Although the buildings are very old now, the telescope system can still work today. Now, the Purple Mountain Observatory is more like a museum, and there are no researchers working in it any more.
I felt so excited to climb up the mountain and I still remember the beauty of the sunset on the mountain. It was summer when I was travelling. Nanjing is one of the hottest places in China. I can’t live without our AC. But when I got to the top of the mountain, it suddenly turned cool. When I was touching the old dome, I felt shocked by the intelligence of our old generations and the magnificence of the un-known universe. Purple Mountain Observatory
Is one of the best places that I have ever visited in China.
I went travelling in Nanjing, the capital city of Jiangsu Province, together with my family last summer. Accidentally, we found a treasure place for amateur astronomers, the Purple Mountain Observatory.
The Purple Mountain Observatory is located on the Purple Mountain. It’s the first Modern Astronomical Research Institute in China, which was built in September 1, 1934 and has a very long history. Because of its excellent equipment and function, it has won the reputation of “The best in Asia”. Although the buildings are very old now, the telescope system can still work today. Now, the Purple Mountain Observatory is more like a museum, and there are no researchers working in it any more.
I felt so excited to climb up the mountain and I still remember the beauty of the sunset on the mountain. It was summer when I was travelling. Nanjing is one of the hottest places in China. I can’t live without our AC. But when I got to the top of the mountain, it suddenly turned cool. When I was touching the old dome, I felt shocked by the intelligence of our old generations and the magnificence of the un-known universe. Purple Mountain Observatory
Is one of the best places that I have ever visited in China.
Written 9 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We wish to visit the purple mountain and the Nanjing massacre memorial hall, but we only have one day, is it possible ?
Written 19 September 2018
Absolutely, assuming you have transportation. Purple mountain is a bit out of the city area where the museum is. When I was in Nanjing in November the Massacre Museuem had just closed for renovations. I am not sure how long that was anticipated to take but you may want to verify as to whether or not it will be open when you are there. May save you some planning.
Written 19 September 2018
Marcela G
Envigado, Colombia
How can i contó the purple mountain from the traían station?
How long is the visit?
Written 9 July 2017
Is there some Spring blossom here right now?
Written 20 March 2015
Take Bus 20 from the Drum Tower or Bus Y3 from the train station.
the closest Metro station is Metro Line No 2,Muxuyuan station and from there you can find groups to visit by bus the mountain and also visit the observatory....
Written 30 January 2015
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