Meiling Palace
Meiling Palace, a historic villa in Nanjing, famed for its stunning golden plane trees in autumn and unique Sino-Western architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Peak golden foliage
Meiling Palace
Best Time
Peak golden foliage
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Meiling Palace, a historic villa in Nanjing, famed for its stunning golden plane trees in autumn and unique Sino-Western architecture.
"The most beautiful autumn scenery - Meiling Palace, Nanjing, China."
🎯 Visit in Autumn
Experience the 'most beautiful autumn scenery' with golden plane trees. It's a must-see!
🎟️ Admission Fee
Tickets are 30 yuan, with a student discount to 15 yuan. Worth the visit for history and photos .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Golden Plane Trees
Surrounding the palace
The iconic golden plane trees create a breathtaking 'golden necklace' effect around the palace in autumn .
Architectural Fusion
Palace interior and exterior
A unique blend of Chinese roofing with Western-style interior decor, showcasing the Republic of China's architectural aesthetics .
Soong Mei-ling's Art
Basement exhibition
View paintings by Soong Mei-ling, offering insight into her life and talents as a woman of leisure .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Golden Foliage
Arrive early to avoid crowds and capture the best light.Historical Significance & Context
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Visit in Autumn
Experience the 'most beautiful autumn scenery'
🎟️ Admission Fee
Tickets are 30 yuan, with a student discount to 15 yuan. Worth the visit for history and photos.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The palace and surrounding trees offer stunning photo ops, especially from aerial views.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Wander through the trees and shrubs surrounding the villa for a complete experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Visit in Autumn
Experience the 'most beautiful autumn scenery'
🎟️ Admission Fee
Tickets are 30 yuan, with a student discount to 15 yuan. Worth the visit for history and photos.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The palace and surrounding trees offer stunning photo ops, especially from aerial views.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Wander through the trees and shrubs surrounding the villa for a complete experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Meiling Palace is praised for its stunning autumn scenery, particularly the golden plane trees that create a picturesque 'golden necklace' effect. Visitors appreciate the unique blend of Chinese and Western architecture and the historical insights into Soong Mei-ling's life, including her paintings. While some find the historical exhibits limited, the overall beauty and photographic potential make it a worthwhile visit, especially during the fall.
"Meiling Palace - A grand villa in Nanjing, China, built by Chinese Chairman of the National Government, Chiang Kai-Shek, for his wife, Soong Meiling. It is formally known as the Residence of the Chairman of the National Government. Located at the foot of the Purple Mountain, this palace was built in the 1930s and was once considered the number one mansion in the Far East. A hidden gem of the Zhongshan Mountain Scenic Area, the Residence of the Chairman of the National Government (also known as the Meiling Palace) amazes tourists with its beauty and nature with design, history and engulfed in the forest."
StoryMiles
"美玲宫 - the past residence of Soong Meiling, wife of Chiang Kai Shek, sister-in-law of Sun Yat-Sen. A huge property complete with a power generator room (fuelled by coal) to staff quarters (in the basement) to spacious dining area used for hosting guests. In the basement now, they've displayed her paintings, a very talented lady of leisure. The entire architecture was also unique in that it was a fusion of Chinese and Western elements, such as a traditional Chinese roofing with lace floral curtains and candle holders on a long dining table. Don't know why she needs a day bed in the bathroom though.
The residence is surrounded by nature, with trees and shrubs along the path from the entrance, all around till the back of it."
Daphne Yeo
"Some history there, but nothing much to see except how Madame Chiang lived and how privileged she was. If you are in the area, not too far to visit but don't make a special trip."
David Chin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Meiling Palace is located at the foot of Purple Mountain in Nanjing. You can reach it by taxi or ride-sharing services. Public transport options might involve buses to the Zhongshan Mountain Scenic Area, followed by a short walk or shuttle. Many visitors combine a trip to Meiling Palace with other attractions in the area like the Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum.
Yes, Meiling Palace is a 'hidden gem' within the Zhongshan Mountain Scenic Area. This means you might encounter other attractions nearby, making it a good destination for a day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee for Meiling Palace is 30 yuan. Students can get a discounted ticket for 15 yuan. It's considered worth the price for the historical insights and photographic beauty.
Currently, there are no specific passes mentioned for Meiling Palace alone. However, it's part of the larger Zhongshan Mountain Scenic Area, so check if any combined tickets are available if you plan to visit multiple sites.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, historical sites like Meiling Palace are open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check the most current opening times before your visit, especially if you plan to go during public holidays.
📸 📸 Photography
The most popular photo spot is with the golden plane trees surrounding the palace, especially in autumn.
Information on drone photography regulations is not readily available. It's best to assume it might be restricted in historical and scenic areas. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing the golden hues of the trees. Visiting on a weekday morning can also help avoid crowds for unobstructed shots.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
Meiling Palace was built in the 1930s as the residence for Soong Mei-ling, the wife of Chiang Kai-shek, who was the Chairman of the National Government. It was once considered the 'number one mansion in the Far East'.
The architecture is a notable fusion of Chinese and Western elements. It features traditional Chinese roofing combined with Western-style interior furnishings, creating an elegant and unique aesthetic from the Republic of China era.
Inside, you can see furnishings that retain traces of Soong Mei-ling's life. The basement houses an exhibition of her paintings. The terrace offers views of Zhongshan Mountain.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 While the historical exhibits might not hold a child's attention for long, the natural beauty and the unique architecture can spark curiosity. Consider it as part of a larger day trip to the Zhongshan Mountain Scenic Area, which might offer more diverse activities for children.Practical Tip: Bring snacks and drinks, as amenities might be limited. The walk around the palace grounds is generally easy, making it manageable for families with strollers, though some areas might be uneven. The ticket price is also quite reasonable, making it an affordable addition to your Nanjing itinerary.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2 The unique architectural fusion of Chinese and Western elements also provides rich detail for close-up shots and wider architectural compositions.Pro Tip: Aim for the 'golden hour' – early morning or late afternoon – for the most dramatic lighting. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid crowds and secure unobstructed views. Aerial shots, if possible, can capture the 'golden necklace' effect beautifully.
+1🏛️ History Buffs
Must-See: Don't miss the exhibition of Soong Mei-ling's paintings in the basement, offering a personal glimpse into her life beyond politics.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Autumn Spectacle: Meiling Palace's Golden Hues
or resembling a 'radiant diamond'. The sight is so breathtaking that it's often compared to a 'richly colored oil painting'. For photographers and nature lovers, this is the prime time to visit, offering unparalleled visual beauty and a truly memorable experience.To make the most of this golden hour, arriving early on a weekday is highly recommended. This allows you to experience the tranquility of the palace grounds before the peak crowds arrive, ensuring better photo opportunities and a more immersive appreciation of the scenery. The gentle autumn breeze adds to the serene atmosphere, making it a perfect time for a leisurely stroll and soaking in the natural splendor.
While the autumn foliage is the main draw, remember that the palace itself holds historical significance. The combination of its natural beauty and historical context makes Meiling Palace a unique destination. Even outside of peak autumn, the palace grounds offer a pleasant escape into nature and a glimpse into a bygone era.
A Glimpse into History: The Residence of Soong Mei-ling
Inside the palace, visitors can explore rooms that still bear the imprint of Soong Mei-ling's life. A notable feature is the exhibition of her paintings in the basement, showcasing her artistic talents.
For those interested in the history of the Republic of China and the prominent figures of that period, Meiling Palace provides a tangible connection to the past. It's a place where architectural aesthetics meet historical narrative, offering a unique perspective on a significant chapter of Chinese history.
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