Zhongshan Mountain National Park(Purple Mountain)

Zhongshan Mountain National Park is located in the east of Nanjing, centered around Purple Mountain, historically known as Zhongshan. Its main peak stands nearly 450 m above sea level, with winding ridges resembling a dragon. Ancient people described Jinling's terrain as "Zhongshan coils like a dragon, while Stone City crouches like a tiger." The entire park blends mountains, water, the city, and forests. Along its southern foothills from west to east lie three core attractions: Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and Linggu Temple, interspersed with Plum Blossom Hill, Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen, and the former site of Purple Mountain Observatory.

The three major sections each have their highlights: The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is the joint burial site of Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma, with stone animals lining both sides of the sacred path winding around Plum Blossom Hill. In late fall, the ginkgo, Chinese tallow, and maple trees gradually change color, representing the quintessential autumn scenery of Nanjing. The Sun Yat-sen mausoleum features long stone steps ascending layer by layer along the central axis, with its blue-glazed tile sacrificial hall standing out vividly against the lush forest. The Linggu attraction offers relatively tranquil surroundings, where the Beamless Hall—the only remaining structure from the Ming Dynasty's Linggu Temple—is entirely built of brick and stone without a single beam or pillar, making it worth a special visit. Every early spring, Plum Blossom Hill becomes blanketed with blooming plum flowers, and the tradition of spring outings to admire them has been passed down through generations. Meanwhile, the tree-shaded Lingyuan Road remains lush and green year-round—simply strolling leisurely along this path is delightfully soothing.

Zhongshan offers more than just mausoleums. The attraction covers a vast area with considerable walking distances between sections, so it's advisable to plan your route in advance, allocate most of a day, and wear comfortable walking shoes. For hiking enthusiasts, the mountain trail to the main peak, Toutuo ridge, offers a panoramic view of Xuanwu lake and Nanjing city. This route is also a popular fitness spot for locals.