The Purple Mountain (Zijin Shan) main peak, known as Touzu Peak, rises to about 449 metres above the eastern edge of Nanjing in Jiangsu Province, China. The classic route starts at the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum on Shitoubi Road in Xuanwu District, inside the Zhongshan Scenic Area, and climbs by stone stairways and ridge paths through mixed forest of camphor, sweetgum and pine. Visitors reach the trailhead by taking Metro Line 2 to Xiamafang and continuing by scenic-area bus or taxi for roughly 15 to 20 CNY; the Mausoleum itself requires a free timed reservation made with a passport or ID, and a taxi from Xinjiekou takes about 25 to 35 minutes. Parking is limited around the Mausoleum gate and most visitors arrive by public transport.
The round trip covers about 6 to 8 kilometres and roughly 350 metres of ascent, which takes three to four hours at a steady pace. Technical difficulty is low: the surface is mostly paved steps, packed dirt and rock slabs, with no scrambling and little exposure. Tree cover gives good shade on the lower slopes, while the upper ridge is more open and windy. Landmarks include the long ceremonial staircase of the Mausoleum, the ridge road with views over Xuanwu Lake and the Yangtze plain on clear days, and the summit area with its lookout points. Sensible turn-around points are the Mausoleum's memorial hall for a short outing or the ridge junctions below the summit if weather closes in.
Water is not reliably available on the ridge paths. Small kiosks and toilets cluster near the Mausoleum entrance and at a few stair landings, but visitors should carry at least one litre of water. Shelter consists of covered pavilions along the paths rather than staffed refuge huts. Summers are hot and humid with sudden downpours, so a rain jacket is useful, and the stairs become slippery after rain. Spring and autumn give the clearest air and the most comfortable temperatures. Paths are signposted mainly in Chinese, so an offline map in Amap or Baidu Maps helps at ridge junctions.
| Distance | about 6-8 km round trip via the ridge paths (~4-5 miles) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3-4 hours |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Best season | March-May, October-November |
| Address | Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, 7 Shitoubi Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing (南京市玄武区石头坡7号中山陵) |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Zhongshan Scenic Area, Xuanwu District, Nanjing
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water (at least 1 litre)
- Rain jacket in summer
- Passport for the Mausoleum reservation
Location
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, 7 Shitoubi Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing (南京市玄武区石头坡7号中山陵)
32.0595, 118.8520 View on map
Highlights
- Climb the ceremonial staircase of the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum before branching onto the ridge
- Reach Touzu Peak at about 449 m for views over Nanjing and the Yangtze plain
- Walk shaded forest paths of camphor, sweetgum and pine
- Combine the hike with the nearby Ming Xiaoling and Linggu Temple areas
Tips for visiting
- Reserve the free Mausoleum entry slot in advance with a passport or ID; slots can fill on weekends and holidays.
- Start before 9:00 to avoid crowds on the Mausoleum steps and the midday heat.
- Carry at least one litre of water, since supplies on the ridge are limited.
- Download an offline Amap or Baidu map because trail signs are mostly in Chinese.
- In summer, pack a rain jacket; stone steps turn slippery in wet weather.
- If weather turns, descend by the same stair route back toward the Mausoleum gate and taxi stands.
When to visit
March to May and October to November offer the clearest air and mild temperatures. Early morning on weekdays is the quietest time.
Accessibility
The lower Mausoleum approach is a long staircase and the ridge paths have many steps, so the route is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Scenic-area shuttle buses reach some lower viewpoints for visitors with limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Purple Mountain main peak hike take?
The round trip of about 6 to 8 km takes roughly three to four hours at a steady pace, including stops for views.
Is a ticket or reservation needed?
The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum requires a free timed reservation, usually made through the scenic area's WeChat mini program with a passport or ID. Confirm current rules before visiting.
How difficult is the trail?
It is a moderate hike with about 350 m of ascent on mostly paved steps and ridge paths, with no scrambling or serious exposure.
How do visitors get there without a car?
Metro Line 2 to Xiamafang, then a scenic-area bus or a taxi of about 15 to 20 CNY to the Mausoleum gate.