Purple Cloud Lake in Nanjing

Purple Cloud Lake in Nanjing

To the northeast of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum lies Purple Cloud Lake, an artificial reservoir nestled deep within the mountains. It earned its name due to its connection with the Purple Cloud Cave. Constructed in the mid-1930s with funding donated by patriotic overseas Chinese Hu Wenhu, the lake was designed to collect spring water from the Zhongshan Mountain. Previously not open to the public, it remained relatively unknown. Covering an area of about 50,000 square meters, the lake boasts crystal-clear waters, lush surrounding woods, and picturesque scenery with green mountains and blue waters. It is praised as the “Pearl in the Mountains” and the “First Pollution-Free Lake in Nanjing.” It has now become a popular destination for tourists seeking respite from the summer heat.

The western part of the lake originally featured a peninsula called Peach Blossom Cove, which was redesigned into Lianxin Island in 1994. Covering an area of about 3,000 square meters, the island is covered with abundant flowers and trees, lush green grass, and features an artificial beach that serves as a bathing area. Four Miao-style bamboo pavilions and waterside gazebos have also been built to accommodate visitors for vacation and relaxation.

Near the lake once stood the Dinglin Temple, a bustling Buddhist site in ancient times. It is said that Wang Anshi, a renowned statesman and literary figure of the Song Dynasty, once studied here and named his study room Zhaowen Studio, with the plaque inscribed by the calligrapher Mi Fu. However, the temple fell into disrepair over the years, experiencing multiple cycles of rise and decline. In recent years, a “Wang Anshi Memorial Hall,” also known as the Dinglin Villa, was newly constructed on the original site. Surrounded by floral-patterned walls, the elegant ancient-style building houses exhibits arranged as they were originally, with well-preserved relics of various sizes. The portrait of Wang Anshi was painted by the famous Song Dynasty artist Li Gonglin. Outside the hall, there is a corridor with walls engraved with 100 of his poems, all inscribed by renowned contemporary calligraphers across China, showcasing remarkable artistry. Ancient trees tower in the courtyard, and streams murmur softly, offering scenic beauty in all seasons and a serene, enchanting atmosphere.

To the north of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, a new “Yan Zhenqing Stele Forest Garden” was established in recent years at the suggestion of friends from the Japanese calligraphy community. Covering an area of about 2,500 square meters, the first phase of the project includes structures such as a memorial archway, a gatehouse, a statue of Yan Zhenqing, and a stele corridor, all designed in the Tang Dynasty style. The five characters “三教会宗堂” (Hall of the Three Teachings’ Origin) on the archway are handwritten by Yan Zhenqing himself. The gatehouse is inscribed with “书星集萃” (Collection of Calligraphic Stars). The stele corridor not only displays calligraphy works by Yan Zhenqing but also features pieces by contemporary calligraphers from both China and Japan, presenting an impressive array. The garden opened to the public in 1992, welcoming domestic and international visitors.

Purple Cloud Lake in Nanjing derives its name from the Purple Cloud Cave, which was originally called Zhu Lake Cave, referred to as the “Thirty-first Grotto Heaven” in Taoist scriptures. In the late Yuan Dynasty, the Taoist priest Zhou Dian lived in seclusion in the cave. After Zhu Yuanzhang became emperor, he conferred upon him the title of “Purple Cloud Real Person,” and thus the cave, and by extension the lake, gained its name. The lake is surrounded by verdant woods and vibrant red maples. The Righteousness Pavilion is located on the eastern shore of Purple Cloud Lake, in front of the Purple Cloud Cave, situated between the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum.

In 1947, Chiang Kai-shek selected this site as the location for his tomb and erected the Righteousness Pavilion on the northern shore of the lake as a symbolic marker for the planned burial site.

A new water park has been built along the lakeshore, serving as a popular spot for locals to escape the summer heat. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery, with shimmering water reflecting the sky. To the north are rolling mountain ranges, creating a delightful scenery of lake and mountain views that captivate the eye.

Address: Northeast of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Xuanwu District, Nanjing

Type: Lake

Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours

Phone: 025-84446111

Opening Hours:

March–October: 6:30–18:30; November–February: 6:30–18:00

Ticket Information:

No separate ticket required. Included with the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum admission. Adult ticket for Ming Xiaoling (including Ming Xiaoling, Plum Blossom Hill, Plum Blossom Valley, Red Mansion Art & Literature Garden, and Purple Cloud Lake): 70 RMB. There is also a Zhongshan Scenic Area combo ticket for 100 RMB, covering Ming Xiaoling, Linggu Temple, Music Stage, and Meiling Palace.