Things to do in Mingguang
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Top 10 attractions in Mingguang
Lingering Garden(Liuyuan Garden)
Lingering Garden(Liuyuan Garden), along with Suzhou's Humble Administrator's Garden, Beijing's Summer Palace, and Chengde's Mountain Resort, is collectively known as one of China's four great classical gardens. Within its grounds, pavilions, towers, exotic rocks, and winding corridors blend with lush greenery and a tranquil pond, creating picturesque views at every turn. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the serene harmony between garden landscapes and natural scenery. Lingering Garden(Liuyuan Garden) was first built in the 21st year of the Wanli era of the Ming dynasty (1593 AD) as the private garden of Xu Taishi, the "Assistant Minister of the Court of Imperial Stud," and was then called "East Garden." At the end of the Qianlong era of the Qing dynasty, it was acquired by Liu Shu, who expanded it and renamed it "Cold Green Villa," then known as "Liu Garden." Later, it was purchased by the official Sheng Kang, who renamed it "Lingering Garden(Liuyuan Garden)." The garden is divided into four sections, each offering distinct landscapes—water and hills, pastoral scenes, mountain forests, and courtyards—within a single space. The central area highlights water features (a small pond), surrounded by structures like the Ke Pavilion, Yuancui Pavilion, and Quxi Tower. The eastern section excels in winding corridors and architectural details, housing over a dozen scenic spots such as the Jiaqing Xiyu Kuaixue Pavilion, Linquan Qishuo Hall, and Guanyun Tower. Here lie the "three treasures of Lingering Garden (Liuyuan Garden)": the Guanyun Peak (Taihu rock), the nanmu hall, and the fish fossil. Guanyun Peak is slender in shape, embodying all four wonders of Taihu Lake stones: "slenderness, wrinkling, perforation, and transparency." It is said to be a relic from the Huashi Gang of the late Northern Song Dynasty. The nanmu hall is located in the Five Peaks Immortal Hall, with its pillars made of nanmu wood. However, they were damaged during the Anti-Japanese War and later had to be covered with cement and painted. The fish fossil is a piece of marble about one meter in diameter, produced in the Diancang Mountains of Yunnan. Its surface texture resembles a landscape painting. The northern and western sections of Lingering Garden(Liuyuan Garden) are relatively open. The northern area features rural scenery and a newly established bonsai garden, while the western zone, the highest point of the garden, offers a wild charm with its remarkable rockeries. On the southern side of the pond, the Hanbi Mountain House and Mingse Tower serve as the garden's primary viewing structures. The Lingering Garden(Liuyuan Garden) is not very large. You can explore the entire garden by following the 700 m-long winding corridor and garden paths, where guide map signs are also available.China · Suzhou
gui shan jing qu
Guishan Scenic Area is centered on Han Dynasty history and culture, featuring multiple attractions including the Guishan Han Tomb, the Xuzhou Imperial Decree Museum, and Dianshi Garden. It blends Han culture, imperial examination culture, and stone carving culture. The Guishan Han Tomb is the joint tomb of Liu Zhu, the sixth-generation Prince Xiang of Chu in the Western Han Dynasty, and his wife. Constructed as a mausoleum within the mountain, it was carved directly into the rock, excavating almost the entire mountain. The Xuzhou Imperial Decree Museum features three main thematic exhibitions: "By the Grace of Heaven," "Success in the Imperial Examinations," and "Comprehensive Collection," making it a unique museum dedicated to imperial decrees. Dianshi Garden covers stone carvings, wood carvings, brick carvings, and stone tablets, showcasing the development of Chinese stone carving culture. Each of the three attractions has its own focus. When visiting, it is recommended to first see the Guishan Han Tomb to experience the awe of ancient engineering, then explore the Xuzhou Imperial Decree Museum and Dianshi Garden to savor the cultural relics from different historical periods.China · Xuzhou
Guishan Han Tomb
The Guishan Han Dynasty Tombs is one of the main attractions of the Xuzhou Guishan Scenic Area. It is the tomb of Liu Zhu, the sixth Western Han King of Chu, and his wife. The tomb consists of two graves and fifteen burial chambers completely excavated by man power. The tomb project is vast and imposing, a rare sight to behold. In particular, there are the four great mysteries that have not yet been uncovered. They attract countless visitors from home and overseas who probe their secrets.China · Xuzhou
Suzhou Museum
The Suzhou Museum is located on the west side of the Humble Administrator's Garden in Pingjiang District, an ancient city in Suzhou. It includes the new building that opened in 2006 and the ancient building of Palace of King Zhong of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom (the old building). The entire museum is like a small garden. In the new museum, you can see artifacts such as pottery, jade, paintings and calligraphy from ancient times to modern times. In Palace of King Zhong, you can also see the beauty and elegance of the “Su-style painting”.China · Suzhou
Geyuan Garden
Geyuan Garden was built in the Qing Dynasty on the site of the former Shouzhi Garden of the Ming Dynasty. At the time, the garden was planted with bamboo. Because the bamboo leaves were shaped like the Chinese character for “Ge”, the garden was thus called “Ge Garden.” The four rockeries in the garden are very unique; after making it around the garden, it's as if the visitor has experienced spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Geyuan Garden is not large and can be divided into three areas: the northern bamboo viewing area, the central flower garden, and the southern residential area. Compared with other traditional Chinese gardens, the essence of Geyuan Garden lies in the art of the rockeries with the theme of the four seasons. In addition to the rockeries, walking in the northern bamboo forest is a very pleasant experience. Even during hot summer days, walking in the green bamboo forest often feels quite cool.China · Yangzhou
Liandao Island
Lian Island is located in the north of Lianyungang, surrounded by seas with birds chirping in the air. The famous local scenic spot, the Lian Island beach, is a natural beach of high-quality. You are welcome to spend some quality time on the beach. The forest coverage of the mountainous Lian Island is 80%, which makes it look like a beautiful screen on the sea. There are many attractions that make Lian Island a great summer resort including the No.1 huge dike in China and the time-honored boundary stone carving that tells the civilization of the Han Dynasty.China · Lianyungang
Zhongshan Mountain National Park
Zhongshan Mountain National Park is located in the east of Nanjing, centered around Purple Mountain, historically known as Zhongshan. Its main peak stands nearly 450 m above sea level, with winding ridges resembling a dragon. Ancient people described Jinling's terrain as "Zhongshan coils like a dragon, while Stone City crouches like a tiger." The entire park blends mountains, water, the city, and forests. Along its southern foothills from west to east lie three core attractions: Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and Linggu Temple, interspersed with Plum Blossom Hill, Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen, and the former site of Purple Mountain Observatory. The three major sections each have their highlights: The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is the joint burial site of Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma, with stone animals lining both sides of the sacred path winding around Plum Blossom Hill. In late fall, the ginkgo, Chinese tallow, and maple trees gradually change color, representing the quintessential autumn scenery of Nanjing. The Sun Yat-sen mausoleum features long stone steps ascending layer by layer along the central axis, with its blue-glazed tile sacrificial hall standing out vividly against the lush forest. The Linggu attraction offers relatively tranquil surroundings, where the Beamless Hall—the only remaining structure from the Ming Dynasty's Linggu Temple—is entirely built of brick and stone without a single beam or pillar, making it worth a special visit. Every early spring, Plum Blossom Hill becomes blanketed with blooming plum flowers, and the tradition of spring outings to admire them has been passed down through generations. Meanwhile, the tree-shaded Lingyuan Road remains lush and green year-round—simply strolling leisurely along this path is delightfully soothing. Zhongshan offers more than just mausoleums. The attraction covers a vast area with considerable walking distances between sections, so it's advisable to plan your route in advance, allocate most of a day, and wear comfortable walking shoes. For hiking enthusiasts, the mountain trail to the main peak, Toutuo ridge, offers a panoramic view of Xuanwu lake and Nanjing city. This route is also a popular fitness spot for locals.China · Nanjing
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
The Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is located in the scenic area of Zhongshan Mountain. It is the tomb of Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma, featuring magnificent architecture that represents the architectural and stone carving achievements of the early Ming Dynasty. It also directly influenced the design of imperial mausoleums in both the Ming and Qing dynasties. Cemetery area distribution The overall layout of the mausoleum area is divided into two parts: the winding sacred path of the tomb and the main structures of the mausoleum, which is the burial site of Zhu Yuanzhang. The main structures of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum include the Civil and Military Gate (the main entrance), the Xiang Hall, the Square City, the Ming Tower, and the burial mound (also known as the Chong Mound), all arranged along the traditional central axis and enclosed by walls. The layout design of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, featuring "court in the front and living quarters at the back, square in the front and round at the back," along with architectural forms such as the Square City, Ming Tower, and the burial mound, pioneered the construction regulations of imperial mausoleums in the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is hailed as a milestone in the development history of Chinese imperial tombs. Shinto The sacred way stretches from the dismounting arch to the main gate of Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, spanning 2400 m. With its winding and secluded path, it breaks away from the traditional straight layout of Chinese imperial mausoleums. The sacred way is divided into two sections: the stone elephant road and the Wengzhong road. The stone sculptures on both sides are a major highlight, featuring 12 pairs of towering stone animals and two pairs each of civil officials and military officers. These sculptures are carved from single blocks of stone, showcasing simple designs, clear patterns, and exquisite craftsmanship. Every fall, the ginkgo trees and red maples here create a picturesque scene, attracting numerous photography-loving travelers. Enjoyment Hall The sacrificial hall, also called the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum hall, was originally the place to enshrine the memorial tablets of Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma. The original hall has been destroyed, but the three-layer Sumeru pedestal base and six large carved stone steps with cloud, dragon, and landscape reliefs remain. This site now serves as a historical exhibition room. Fangcheng The square city is a massive structure in front of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum's treasure dome, built with large stone slabs and featuring a sumeru base at the bottom. The Ming Tower stands atop the square city, with its original yellow-glazed roof destroyed and later restored. You can ascend to the Ming Tower via the walkways on either side of the square city. Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum - Treasure dome North of the square city lies the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum's burial mound, also known as the treasure dome, with a diameter of approx. 400 m. This is the burial site of Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma. Entering through the central arched gate in front of the square city leads to a vaulted tunnel. After climbing 54 steps and exiting the tunnel, you'll reach the southern wall of the burial mound, inscribed by later generations with "This mountain is the tomb of Emperor Taizu of Ming." Beyond this point, visitors cannot proceed further. Beneath the burial mound lies the underground palace of Zhu Yuanzhang's tomb, which has not been excavated. Plum garden and cherry garden Plum blossom hill is located directly south of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, covered with plum blossoms. At the foot of the hill lies the plum blossom valley, home to over 13,000 plum trees. The wintersweet garden of the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is distributed on both sides of the central axis from the Golden Water Bridge to the Soul Tower, covering more than 80 acres with over 3,000 wintersweet plants. It encompasses 3 major variety groups and more than 60 varieties. The wintersweet viewing period lasts from December each year to late February of the following year. On Plum blossom hill, you can also see the tomb of Sun Quan. Near the stone elephant path of the sacred way lies a cherry blossom garden, where travelers flock to admire the blossoms from late March to early April. Honglou art garden is a landscape that embodies the culture of Dream of the Red Chamber and the rich Jiangnan style. To the north, Zixia lake serves as an ideal summer retreat.China · Nanjing
Huaguo Mountain
Mount Huaguo is the source of "Journey to the West", one of the four Chinese literary classics, and is known as "the hometown of the Monkey King". It has tremendous value for viewing, sightseeing and historical research. The natural landscape of the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit offers a magnificent spectacle full of mountains and waters and corresponding views of imposing heights and vast openness. If you mount the Yunufeng peak, you can see a beautiful sea of clouds. The exposed peaks look like a Paradise Island in the sea. The scenery makes you feel even more entranced and intoxicated.China · Lianyungang
Langya Ancient City
Langya Ancient City is located in Linyi, China. The scenic spot uses innovative methods of immersion in the entire park to reproduce the panoramic picture of the heyday of Langya in Linyi and reshape multiple dream experience spaces. It is a one-stop Langya cultural experience site. As you step into the ancient city, the Langya splendor all over the city invites you to experience three-dimensional immersion; seven dreams and seven searches, the Langya celebrities throughout the park will take you on a journey into dreams. Here, you can enjoy three-dimensional immersive performances, explore the past and present of Langya, enjoy interactive fun, change into costumes and travel through time, taste Shandong cuisine, purchase local cultural and creative products, and engage in interesting study... Here, Langya is no longer an ancient culture, but an immersive experience; Langya is no longer a distant name, but a journey within reach. Multiple performance recommendations "Only Langya" 3D immersive performance Enter a thousand years of dreaming, and the prosperity reappears. You step into the painting, walk through the 500-meter aerial corridor, and watch the changes of Langya over the past 1,000 years. You are both an audience and an actor. You see the ceremony of Langya King Liu Jing moving the capital, the three Zhuge brothers conquering the Three Kingdoms, the ink painting duel between Wang Xizhi and Yan Zhenqing, and the Langya Wang family helping Sima Rui to open the prosperous Eastern Jin Dynasty. Here, celebrities look at you, and history is right beside you. "Military Parade" acrobatic scene stunt performance The war drums are beating, and the sound is deafening. You are in the military training ground on the eve of the Western Jin Dynasty's expedition to Wu, watching the Langya King Sima Yi deploy troops and the soldiers show off their skills in battle formations. You will immerse yourself in the thrilling military training ground with lighting effects and thrilling stunts. "The Banquet of Drama" immersive Dining theme performance Here, you will become the guest of Langya Wang Li Chong, and conspire for great plans during the night banquet. You will see the free and easy calligraphy of the Wang family, the exquisiteness of the Liu family's calculation, the loyalty of the Yan family... and you can also taste various delicacies in the Linyi area. During the meal, you can not only appreciate the humanistic style of Langya, but also enjoy the delicious food. Sigh, under the gorgeous undercurrent, who will be the winner after the night banquet? "National Show Langya" large-scale six-sense indoor performance show (large theater performance) Let's travel together, explore this land full of stories, transform into a free phoenix, and chase the mark of the wind. You will see the ancestors of the Dongyi people create a brilliant civilization here, and you will also witness the advent of a prosperous era at a national banquet. Here, you will see the loyalty and courage of the soldiers guarding their country, and you can also appreciate the proud character of a group of celebrities and sages... Although you are in a corner, you can still see the ancient and modern times. There are also many performances such as "Totem Dance" and "Fuyao Yunshang" waiting for your arrival. Multi-themed immersive performances jointly create a long historical scroll and immersively reproduce the story of Langya. You will see Langya in the eternal time and space, Langya at important moments in history, Langya in military books... In the full range of visual, auditory and sensory experiences, you will see Langya right next to you. Featured venues There are interactive performances in many venues in the park, and there are immersive adventures. There is a cave under the towering mountain, hiding the winning secrets that military strategists must strive for; Here is a good recipe that has been sought after by celebrities from ancient times to the present. One cup can relieve all worries. Here are trials and pursuits, childlike fun and inheritance. This is the perpetual motion machine of life, pulling every partner who comes near. Immerse yourself in it, feel it, interact with it, experience it, and practice it yourself... In addition, you can also taste Shandong cuisine in the park, try authentic food, and taste Langya on the tip of your tongue. In the immersive dining show of Wangjing Tower, drink old wine and taste delicious food; walk through every corner of the Tang Food Market and taste delicious food; buy cultural and creative Langya style and Linyi good things, and look for them here. This is not only an authentic travel Souvenir, but also a concrete memory of the city......China · Linyi
Free things to do in Mingguang
What travellers say about Mingguang
Anonymous userOctober 24, 2026
5.0
Lingering Garden offers a new view at every turn. It skillfully uses the contrast between large and small spaces, and the borrowing and framing of scenery are exquisite. The garden is compact yet does not feel cramped. The pavilions, terraces, rocks, and ponds are arranged in a well-organized manner. It is a model of classical garden landscaping, elegant and understated, and worth taking your time to explore.
Lingering Garden(Liuyuan Garden)
230***29February 6, 2025
5.0
Immerse yourself in the history of ancient imperial tombs and learn about ancient engineering technology.
gui shan jing qu
Anonymous userOctober 21, 2026
4.0
📍Xuzhou·Guishan Scenic Area | Step into the Underground Palace of the Chu King
Family! A trip to Xuzhou isn't complete without a visit to the Guishan Han Tomb! 😭 I originally went for the "Oriental Pyramid," but I ended up spending half a day there at the Dian Shi Garden and the Imperial Edict Museum! It was so worth it! 🎫 Remember to go as soon as it opens, otherwise, after 9 am, there will be many tour groups, which will greatly diminish your experience.
Guishan Han Tomb
淘多October 16, 2026
5.0
Today's visit to the Suzhou Museum, guided by Ms. Xu Hui, was incredibly enriching. Previously, I only knew of the warm patina of the celadon ware and the exquisite craftsmanship of the pearl reliquary pagoda; I could only see the surface of the objects. Many hidden details, the historical context, and the stories behind them—without your patient explanations, I would likely have simply rushed past them, missing their true meaning. Your explanations were unhurried and concise, seamlessly blending historical facts with engaging details, allowing the coldly displayed antiquities to slowly acquire the warmth of time. Although this trip had other regrets, your thoughtful explanations allowed me to truly understand a part of the profound cultural heritage of Jiangnan. I am deeply grateful and thank you very much.
Suzhou Museum
M56***83October 23, 2026
5.0
My husband and I were so lucky to have such an excellent tour guide! The guide was incredibly knowledgeable, making the explanations interesting and engaging, and explaining the stories behind each attraction very clearly. The time management was excellent; there was no rushing the itinerary. The guide even recommended the best photo spots, thoughtfully considering our travel experience. The entire trip was professional, with no hidden costs, and communication was smooth. We had a wonderful trip and highly recommend it!
Geyuan Garden
射手座girlOctober 14, 2026
4.0
One island, two bays, offering a variety of activities. Dasha Bay boasts a wide, soft beach, perfect for families to play in the sand, swim, and enjoy the water, with well-developed facilities. Suma Bay is quieter, with more reefs and relatively clearer water; the central seaside boardwalk is the highlight, offering panoramic views of the mountains, sea, and reefs—ideal for taking photos on a clear day, and also providing access to the peacock garden.
Liandao Island
Natalia Valenzuela ubinaOctober 21, 2026
5.0
Zhongshan Mountain is the green lung of Nanjing. It’s an enormous park where you can go for a walk, exercise, grab a coffee or simply relax. But there’s so much more to explore!I entered through Gate 1 to visit the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. The scenery felt straight out of Spirited Away!From there, I walked along the impressive Sacred Path, lined with animal statues, all the way to Meiling Palace, which is particularly interesting if you enjoy modern Chinese history.Next, I continued to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. You need to book through WeChat, but admission is free. There are LOTS of steps, but every single one was worth it!Right next to it, you’ll find the open-air music pavilion. Be warned if you don’t like pigeons, as it’s absolutely full of them!Finally, I walked to the pagoda in the Linggu Scenic Area.And that’s a full day sorted! A fantastic itinerary.You can use the tourist buses to get around, but I did everything on foot. Be prepared for lots of walking!
Zhongshan Mountain National Park
Anonymous userOctober 22, 2026
5.0
The Stone Elephant Road at Nanjing Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum is the first section of the mausoleum's sacred path, stretching 615 meters. Along the way, six stone beasts—lions, xiezhi (a mythical beast resembling a mythical beast), camels, elephants, qilin (a mythical creature resembling a unicorn), and horses—are arranged in sequence. In autumn, it is known as the "most beautiful 600 meters" due to its vibrant autumn colors. Ancient trees and stone carvings complement each other, creating a unique experience where a profound sense of history blends with the splendor of autumn.
Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
118***72October 17, 2026
5.0
Huaguo Mountain truly lives up to its reputation as a mythical mountain from Journey to the West! The forests are lush and verdant, and visiting the Water Curtain Cave feels like stepping into a mythical world. Climbing to the top of Jade Maiden Peak offers panoramic views and magnificent scenery. The scenic area has excellent facilities, allowing you to immerse yourself in Journey to the West culture throughout. It's perfect for family trips and well worth the visit.
Okay
Huaguo Mountain
M50***41October 20, 2026
5.0
The hotel staff were all very friendly and the environment was fantastic. We could easily visit the old town countless times a day, making it especially suitable for families with children and elderly members. The value for money was excellent, especially the receptionists – a huge thumbs up! 👍 The shows in the old town were wonderful, especially the water show – don't miss it! I personally think it's even better than the National Show!
Langya Ancient City
