Linggu Scenic Area - Linggu Park

Linggu Scenic Area - Linggu Park

• A tranquil environment where you can admire the magnificent Ming Dynasty Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (Wuliang Hall), climb the Linggu Pagoda, and pay respects to revolutionary martyrs in the memorial cemetery.

Scenic Introduction

Linggu Scenic Area is situated on the southeastern slope of Zhongshan Mountain (Purple Mountain), approximately 1.5 kilometers east of the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. It is one of the three major scenic areas in the Zhongshan Mountain Scenic Zone. Compared to the more visited Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, this area has fewer tourists. Surrounded by ancient towering trees, it is famed for the beauty of "Linggu’s Deep Pines," offering visitors a peaceful and serene experience.

Scenic History

During the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang relocated a renowned temple from the Southern Dynasties period to its current site while constructing the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. The temple was later destroyed in wars and rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty's Tongzhi era, though it was reduced in scale and relocated to one side. In the Republican era, the National Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery was established here. Thus, the Linggu Temple Scenic Area is a fusion of an ancient temple and a memorial cemetery. Its north-south central axis stretches one kilometer and marks the original site of the Linggu Temple. Today, the main structures along this axis are part of the series of buildings that make up the National Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery.

Memorial Archway for the Fallen Soldiers of the National Revolutionary Army

The main entrance, Hongshan Gate, is located at the southern end. Outside the gate lies a large liberation pond called Wan Gong Pond, where lotus flowers can be admired in summer. Entering through the gate and heading north, you’ll first encounter the Memorial Archway for the Fallen Soldiers of the National Revolutionary Army. This five-bay, six-pillar structure features a green-glazed tile roof and exudes remarkable grandeur, with a pair of stone beasts positioned in front. Further ahead lies the most distinctive building in the scenic area—the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (Wuliang Hall).

Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (Wuliang Hall)

The Wuliang Hall is the only surviving structure from the Ming Dynasty Linggu Temple. Built in the 14th year of the Hongwu reign (1381 AD), this grand hall was constructed entirely of brick and stone without using a single beam or column. The interior serves as the memorial hall for the cemetery. On the central wall is inscribed “The Spirit Tablet of the National Revolutionary Martyrs,” flanked by the lyrics of the Republican National Anthem and Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Political Testament. The surrounding walls are inlaid with plaques listing the names of fallen soldiers. A wax museum featuring figures of notable figures from the Xinhai Revolution is also housed within the Wuliang Hall. Outside the hall, to the southwest, there is a massive stone turtle pedestal from the Ming Dynasty, although the stone stele that once sat atop it has been lost.

First Cemetery for Fallen Soldiers

North of the Wuliang Hall lies the First Cemetery for Fallen Soldiers, marked by a monument commemorating those who died during the Battle of Shanghai. About 300 meters to the east and west are the Second and Third Cemeteries, which house soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Northern Expedition and the War of Resistance against Japan. The eastern Second Cemetery was later converted into the tomb of Deng Yanda, a founder of the Chinese Peasants' and Workers' Democratic Party. Behind the arc-shaped memorial wall of the First Cemetery stands the Songfeng Pavilion, originally the cemetery’s memorial hall and now a place selling local snacks and small souvenirs. To the east of Songfeng Pavilion is the Shensongju Vegetarian Restaurant, where visitors can enjoy vegetarian meals.

Monument of the Three Wonders

The original Linggu Temple was built during the Liang Dynasty of the Southern Dynasties by Emperor Wu of Liang to commemorate the monk Baozhi (the inspiration for the folk character Ji Gong). The Baogong Pagoda and Monument of the Three Wonders located to the west of Songfeng Pavilion originated from that temple. The stone monument earned the name “Three Wonders” because it features a painting attributed to Wu Daozi, a poem by Li Bai, and calligraphy by Yan Zhenqing. Unfortunately, both the pagoda and the monument were later destroyed. They were rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty’s Tongzhi era, and the Monument of the Three Wonders is now embedded into the pagoda. Its inscriptions and paintings have faded over time. A newer, clearer version of the “Three Wonders” Monument can also be found behind the Zhigong Hall nearby. The Linggu Pagoda, also known as the Monument to the Fallen Soldiers of the National Revolutionary Army, is situated at the northernmost end of the central axis. Standing nine stories tall, it is the scenic area’s iconic landmark and offers panoramic views from the top.

Linggu Temple

To the east of the Wuliang Hall lies the present-day Linggu Temple, which features a pond called Bashengshui (Eight Merits Water) in front. Within the temple are structures such as the Mahavira Hall, Guanyin Pavilion, Scripture Depository, Maitreya Hall, and Ancestral Hall. The eastern wing of the Mahavira Hall houses the Xuanzang Hall, where the main chamber, Dadaojuetang (Xuanzang Memorial Hall), displays a miniature golden stupa containing the sacred relics of Xuanzang’s skull. These relics are extremely precious and usually not on public display—they can only be seen during special exhibitions held at the temple.

Within the Linggu Temple Scenic Area, there are several lesser-known but worthwhile sites. Heading north from the “Linggu Songshen” (Deep Pines of Linggu) stone tablet located east of the temple, or eastward from the Linggu Pagoda, you’ll find the tomb of Tan Yankai, former chairman of the Nationalist government. The white marble peony flower stands and altar there are said to be original pieces from the Old Summer Palace. Walking westward from the Linggu Pagoda and through the vast Osmanthus Garden, you’ll come across the Guilin Stone House. The ruins of this stone structure are embedded with various Ming and Qing stone carvings, offering a unique aesthetic of decayed beauty.

Special Tips

1. From late September to early October, osmanthus flowers begin to bloom. You can visit the vast Osmanthus Garden to enjoy the fragrance, and the Guilin Stone House provides a great backdrop for atmospheric photos. Additionally, don’t miss the Golden Osmanthus King, a particularly robust tree located in front of the First Cemetery.

2. Within the Zhongshan Mountain Scenic Area, you can take a small train or sightseeing bus to reach attractions such as the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, and Linggu Temple. Tickets for both the small train and sightseeing bus cost 10 RMB per person.

3. For a detailed map of the Zhongshan Mountain Scenic Area and sightseeing bus routes, visit: http://zschina.nanjing.gov.cn.

4. Guided tour services are available within the scenic area to help you learn more about the history behind these structures. The fee is 95 RMB/hour for groups under 30 people and 100 RMB/hour for larger groups. For inquiries, call the scenic area’s main switchboard at 025-84446111-0 and ask to be transferred to the guide service department.

5. Official WeChat account: zschina_nj (Nanjing Zhongshan Mountain Scenic Area), where you can access free audio guides.

Address: No. 2 Linggu Temple, Xuanwu District, Nanjing

Type: Forest, Cemetery/Memorial Site, Historical Architecture, Temple

Recommended Visit Duration: 2–3 hours

Phone: 025-84431174

Official Website: http://zschina.nanjing.gov.cn/lgjq/

Opening Hours:

March to October: 6:30–18:30; November to February of the following year: 6:30–18:00.