Ming Xiaoling MausoleumPopular

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

Tomb of the first Ming emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang. UNESCO site. The Sacred Way with stone animal statues is iconic.

SightsCity & Nightlife

$10

2–3 hours

Overview

Key takeaway

Tomb of the first Ming emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang. UNESCO site. The Sacred Way with stone animal statues is iconic.

Time & cost

Plan 2–3 hours. Budget: $10. Hours: 06:30–18:30.

Best for

Best for first-time Nanjing visitors who want a clear 2–3 hours stop without guesswork.

Practical

Price$10
Duration2–3 hours
Hours06:30–18:30
Getting thereMetro Line 2 to Muxuyuan

Tips

On site

The Sacred Way (石象路) is most beautiful in late November with golden ginkgo leaves.

Timing

Arrive early for photos.

Timing

Leave with hours in mind (06:30–18:30). Weekends and holidays need extra queue time.

Pay

Nearby stalls usually take Alipay or WeChat. Foreign-card terminals are rare — set up Alipay before you go.

Show this

Show the Chinese name “明孝陵” to drivers and staff. It beats a long English explanation.

Show to staff

你好,请问入口在哪里?我有预约/门票,谢谢。

Nǐ hǎo, qǐngwèn rùkǒu zài nǎlǐ? Wǒ yǒu yùyuē / ménpiào, xièxie.

Hi — where is the entrance? I have a reservation/ticket. Thank you.

Location & how to go

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Nanjing

MetroMetro Line 2 to Muxuyuan
BusCity buses serve the area, but routes change. Use Amap/Baidu for the live stop and last bus near Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum.
Taxi / DidiDidi or a licensed taxi is the simplest door-to-door. Set destination to “明孝陵” and pay in-app with Alipay/WeChat.

Reviews

★★★★★4.6· 24 verified reviews

Editor verification notes

Operational notes from the ChinaPie editorial team — not traveler ratings, and not counted toward stars.

  • ChinaPie Editors
    Editor verification note

    We re-checked the opening hours and metro exit on site; signage matches the guide above.

  • ChinaPie Editors
    Editor verification note

    ChinaPie editors verified the ticket window and entry rules in person. Arrive before 08:30 to skip the school-group queues.

Guide Q&A

How much are tickets for Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum?

$10

What are the opening hours of Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum?

06:30–18:30

How do I get to Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum?

Metro Line 2 to Muxuyuan

How long should I spend at Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum?

2–3 hours

Any practical tips for Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum?

The Sacred Way (石象路) is most beautiful in late November with golden ginkgo leaves. Arrive early for photos.

Is Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum in Nanjing easy for first-time visitors?

Yes as a typical tourist stop. Save the metro stop, screenshot tickets/hours, and allow extra time on weekends.

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