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Best trails in Zhongshan Mountain National Park

Best trails in Zhongshan Mountain National Park

4.3(177 reviews)

·

China
: 
#6 of 9 national parks

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Zhongshan Mountain National Park features a variety of popular attractions. Visitors come from far and wide to check out the "Purple Mountain," whose peaks are encompassed in golden and purple clouds during dawn and dusk. This mountain is also a historic site and has many names.

This park also contains the Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum, the burial site of the "Father of the Republic of China" and Linggu Temple, which is the largest hall and pagoda in China. Linggu Temple is also known to be the first Buddhist temple under Heaven. These two sites are absolutely breathtaking, make sure to take some photos as you explore!

Other attractions include: Meiling Palace, Toutuo Ridge Scenic Area, the Music Stage and more! Learn about the six dynasties as you trek around the park!

Top trails

  1. #1 - Purple Mountain Loop

    4.5(43)
    ·Moderate
    ·4.5 mi
    ·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    This trail is a mix of well-maintained paved paths, marble roads, and gentle dirt tracks through the forest. The most strenuous part is the walk up to the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, which requires ascending 392 steep stone steps along a massive central axis that rises up the hillside. The park is home to a diverse forest of native trees, and the area is famous for its beautiful autumn foliage. The final stretch of the trail leads to Toutuo Ridge, where the Purple Mountain Observatory offers a...

  2. #2 - Purple Mountain

    4.2(21)
    ·Moderate
    ·1.9 mi
    ·Est. 1–1.5 hr

  3. #3 - Xuanwu Lake Loop

    4.9(29)
    ·Moderate
    ·4.2 mi
    ·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    Xuanwu Lake (玄武湖) This is nice and pleasant walk around the landscaped islands located in the heart of Nanjing. This lake is good for families, leisure, and relaxation. Xuanwu lake is surrounded by a variety of attractions such as: restaurants, department stores, and more specifically: Jiefangmen (解放门) and Lianhua Square (莲花广场).

  4. #4 - Purple Mountain to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

    4.4(19)
    ·Hard
    ·3.9 mi
    ·Est. 2.5–3 hr

  5. #5 - Xuanwumen via Xuanwu Lake

    4.6(13)
    ·Easy
    ·1.1 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr

  6. #6 - Linggu Temple-Purple Mountain

    4.6(16)
    ·Moderate
    ·5.1 mi
    ·Est. 3–3.5 hr

  7. #7 - Purple Mountain and Linggu Temple

    4.6(8)
    ·Moderate
    ·7.2 mi
    ·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    Trail takes you past Purple Mountain (紫金山) and Linggu Temple (灵谷寺). This trail provides scenic, panoramic views and there are great areas to just stop and relax. You can also check out the trail primarily for Linggu Temple here on AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/china/jiangsu/lingu-temple?u=i

  8. #8 - Purple Mountain Observatory Trail

    4.3(7)
    ·Moderate
    ·0.7 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr

  9. #9 - Tombs and Temples of Purple Mountain

    4.8(4)
    ·Moderate
    ·6.4 mi
    ·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Check out the tombs and temples of Purple Mountain (紫山坟墓和庙宇). Nanjing, the 'Southern Capital' of China, features some of China's most important tombs from its ancient, medieval and modern history. This fairly gentle walk is located in this World Heritage Site and the surrounding forest park.

  10. #10 - Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

    4.7(5)
    ·Easy
    ·1.8 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Zhongshan Mountain National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Zhongshan Mountain National Park is Purple Mountain Loop, which has a 4.5 star rating from 43 reviews. This trail is 4.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,279 ft.

What is the longest trail in Zhongshan Mountain National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Zhongshan Mountain National Park is Purple Mountain and Linggu Temple. This trail is estimated to be 7.2 mi long.

How many trails are in Zhongshan Mountain National Park?

There are 15 trails in Zhongshan Mountain National Park.These trails have an average 4.3-star ratingfrom 177 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Zhongshan Mountain National Park?

Purple Mountain and Linggu Temple has the most elevation gain with 1,374 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Linggu Temple-Purple Mountain, which has 1,345 ft of elevation gain.

Are there running trails available in Zhongshan Mountain National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 running trail in Zhongshan Mountain National Park which is Purple Mountain Loop with an average 4.5 star rating from 43 community reviews.

Are there any trails with lakes in Zhongshan Mountain National Park?

Yes, there are 4 trails with lakes in Zhongshan Mountain National Park, including Xuanwu Lake Loop, Xuanwumen via Xuanwu Lake, Purple Mountain and Linggu Temple, and Nanjing Ming Dynasty City Wall History Museum.

Are there any trails with historical ruins in Zhongshan Mountain National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with historical ruins in Zhongshan Mountain National Park: Tombs and Temples of Purple Mountain.

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Zhongshan Mountain National Park?

Yes, there are 4 trails with scenic viewpoints in Zhongshan Mountain National Park, including Purple Mountain Loop, Purple Mountain to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Linggu Temple-Purple Mountain, and Purple Mountain and Linggu Temple.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Zhongshan Mountain National Park?

Yes, there are 7 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Zhongshan Mountain National Park, including Purple Mountain Loop, Purple Mountain, Xuanwu Lake Loop, Purple Mountain to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and Linggu Temple-Purple Mountain.

Are there any trails with historical monuments in Zhongshan Mountain National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with historical monuments in Zhongshan Mountain National Park, including Tombs and Temples of Purple Mountain and Linggu Temple.