Highlights
- 明孝陵是明代开国皇帝朱元璋和皇后马氏的合葬陵墓。因皇后諡「孝慈」，故名孝陵。作为中国明陵之首的明孝陵，坐落在南京紫金山独龙阜玩珠峰下，东毗中山陵，南临梅花山。明孝陵壮观宏伟，代表了明初建筑和石刻艺术的最高成就，影响了明清两代500多年帝王陵寝的形制。依历史进程分布于北京、湖北、辽宁、河北等地的明清皇家陵寝，均按南京明孝陵的规制和模式营建。 孝陵是南京最大的帝王陵墓，也是中国古代最大的帝王陵寝之一。2003年7月3日，联合国教科文组织世界遗产委员会召开第27届会议，会上明孝陵被入选为世界文化遗产，其周边的常遇春墓、仇成墓、吴良墓、吴祯墓、徐达墓及李文忠墓6座功臣墓也同时被划入世界遗产保护范围。
- Photographers should aim for early morning or the last two hours before closing, when the light is best and crowds thin.
- Wear grippy shoes — surfaces are uneven and can be slippery after rain.
Highlights walk-through
2–3 hours — Enter early (within 30 min of opening) to stay ahead of tour groups; the main viewpoint is busiest between 10:00 and 14:00.
0.5h
Gate & visitor centre — pick up a map, check the shuttle/boat timetable
1–2h
Main viewpoint or signature sight — the photo everyone comes for
1–2h
Secondary circuit (temples, lanes, boardwalks or cable car)
0.5h
Exit & local lunch — try a regional speciality in the village or city
What to know
Getting there
Most visitors base themselves in Nanjing and visit on a half-day or full-day trip. Use the Chinese name (明孝陵) in a taxi app — drivers rarely read English.
Insider tips
- Bring your own water and snacks — inside-site food is limited and marked up.
- Bring your own water and snacks — inside-site food is limited and marked up.
Where to stay
Book a hotel near the Nanjing rail station for easy onward travel; expect ¥280–750/night for a comfortable double.