Nestled at the southern foothills of Purple Mountain in Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Meihua Mountain (梅花山, also known as Plum Blossom Mountain) is a vital component of the Zhongshan Scenic Area and a renowned destination for scenic beauty in China. Known as the “Number One Plum Blossom Mountain in the World,” it holds a special place among the “Four Great Plum Gardens of China,” alongside Shanghai’s Dianshan Lake Meiyuan Garden, Wuxi’s Plum Garden, and Wuhan’s East Lake Plum Garden, emerging as the foremost destination among them.
The tradition of planting plum trees in Nanjing dates back to the Six Dynasties period, spanning over 1,500 years. In 1929, after Dr. Sun Yat-sen was buried in the nearby Zhongshan Mausoleum, a commemorative floral area was established, cultivating extensive plum blossoms. Over time, the plum garden’s area expanded, and the number of plum varieties continued to grow. Presently, Meihua Mountain boasts over 1,533 acres of plum trees, with about 40,000 trees representing nearly 400 varieties.
Meihua Mountain’s exceptional combination of natural beauty and cultural significance has increasingly attracted domestic and international tourists, gradually turning it into a central hub of plum culture in China. It has consistently served as the main venue for the “Nanjing International Plum Blossom Festival.”
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Meihua Mountain Scenic Area
- Vlog about Meihua Mountain
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Attractions Near Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
- Other Natural Sceneries in Nanjing
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | The ticket to Meihua Mountain Scenic Area is included in the ticket to Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, which costs 70 RMB. |
| Opening Hours | 6.30 – 18.30 (1st February – 30th November) 7.00 – 17.30 (1st December – 31st January) |
| Telphone Number | 0086-025-84433582 |
Location and Transportation
Meihua Mountain Scenic Area is located within the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum in Nanjing, one of China’s most vibrant cities. Situated in the eastern part of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing is known for its rich history, cultural significance, and beautiful natural landscapes. To get there, you can choose the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 20 or 315 and get off at Meihua Valley West Gate Stop (梅花谷西门).
Metro: The nearest metro station to Meihua Mountain Scenic Area is Muxu Garden (苜蓿园) on line 2. After getting out of the station from Exit 1, walk about 200 meters to the north to reach the entrance of the mountain.
Highlights of Meihua Mountain Scenic Area
Plum Blossom
Meihua Mountain is one of the four major plum areas in China. Among the three hundred species of plum blossoms discovered and cultivated worldwide, this site boasts more than two hundred varieties, including some of the finest ones. The plum blossoms at Meihua Mountain are categorized into different colors, including white, green, vermilion, palace pink, and yellow. During the spring when the plum blossoms are in full bloom, thousands of plum trees on Meihua Mountain burst into a riot of color, with layers of blooming petals creating a breathtaking and fragrant sea of flowers. This spectacle attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to explore and admire the plum blossoms.
Recent Expansion
Since 1992, the Zhongshan Mausoleum Management Office has expanded the Meihua Mountain area on its eastern side, creating a new plum garden. The entire garden covers an area of 72,309 square meters and is home to more than 2,500 newly planted plum trees. In addition to plum trees, the New Garden features ornamental plants like cherry blossoms, mimosa, and pond cypress, along with landscaped lawns, ensuring year-round visual interest and beauty. The garden also includes artificial water surfaces spanning 6,672 square meters, divided into several small ponds, creating a unique water feature. Next to these ponds, you’ll find two pavilions, Xiangwuya Pavilion and Lengxiang Pavilion, adorned with colorful paintings and topped with yellow glazed tile roofs.
Various Buildings
Meihua Mountain, originally named Sun Ling Gang or Wuwang Tomb, holds historical significance as the final resting place of Sun Quan, the founding emperor of the Eastern Wu state. The Sun Quan Story Garden, established in 1994, features a statue of Sun Quan and a gallery of reliefs narrating his story. At the summit of Meihua Mountain, the Bo’ai Pavilion (Universal Love Pavilion) is erected, with the three characters “博爱亭”on the front plaque being derived from Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s own handwriting. Additionally, the Guanmei Pavilion at the summit, built in 1947, is a rectangular pavilion with an inscription by Sun Ke, the son of Sun Yat-sen.
Vlog about Meihua Mountain
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Transportation Recommendations: It is recommended to use the subway for travel due to heavy traffic and high parking fees when driving.
Direction to Meihua Mountain: If heading to Meihua Mountain, exit from Exit 1 at Muxuyuan subway station. The Ming Xiaoling Scenic Area is right outside the gate, and Meihua Mountain is inside the Ming Xiaoling area. Take the sightseeing car at the entrance for a one-way trip at 10 yuan per ride or unlimited rides for 50 yuan.
Best Viewing Period for Meihua Mountain: The optimal viewing period is from mid-February to early March. For the best photography results, visit around 9 AM or 3-4 PM when the lighting is soft.
Food Options in the Area: Inside the scenic area, there are some snack stalls selling items like grilled sausages and pancakes. There are also vending machines. Alternatively, you can bring your own snacks. Next to the Honglou Art and Culture Garden, there is a large grassy area perfect for picnics.
Other Plum Blossom Viewing Spots in Nanjing:
- Meigang at Yuhuatai Scenic Area: Free, accessible by walking 500 meters from Yuhuamen subway station on Line 3. The combination of ancient-style corridors and plum blossoms is picturesque.
- Jilin Park: Free, under the South Arts Campus Gate of Line 4. Various plum blossom varieties are available, offering views of Nanjing’s cityscape.
- Liangzhou at Xuanwu Lake: Free, a 10-minute walk from Xuanwumen subway station on Line 1.
