Step into Yangshan Quarry and marvel at these mammoth stone relics from the Ming Dynasty! The unfinished steles, frozen in time, feature a 16-meter-tall stele top weighing over 6,000 tons—dubbed the "World's First Stele". Wander through history while surrounded by Qinglong Mountain's lush landscapes, making it a paradise for history buffs and photographers alike!

This is a perfect getaway, nestled by the lake and surrounded by stunning garden views. Enjoy the executive lounge and hot spring therapy to unwind after a busy day. With 150 spacious and stylish rooms, a pool, and a SPA center, it’s ideal for families or couples. The Chinese and Western restaurants offer a variety of delicious dishes, from buffets to private dining rooms. The 790 sqm meeting venues make it great for business trips. With thoughtful service, unique design, and breathtaking night views, it’s the top choice for your next vacation!
Everything you need to know about Yangshanbei Material
Jinling Hotel in Nanjing offers an authentic historical atmosphere just a 10-minute walk from Yangshan Stele Quarry. Its architecture blends classical Jiangsu-style design with modern comfort, and many rooms feature views of the massive Yangshan Stone Carving. The hotel provides complimentary shuttle service to nearby sites like Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and features a traditional tea house and cultural boutique. Guests can immerse themselves in Ming Dynasty heritage through curated experiences and local craftsmanship.
Yes, Yangshan Stele Quarry is well-connected via public transit. Take Metro Line 3 to "Shengtai West Road Station," then transfer to a bus or taxi—just 15 minutes away. From Nanjing South Railway Station, you can reach Jiangning District via high-speed train or intercity bus, followed by local transit. We recommend using the Nanjing Tourism Pass for free rides on scenic shuttles. Additionally, electric bike rentals are available for exploring the Yangshan River Greenway, offering a peaceful, scenic route to the quarry site and surrounding natural trails.
Visitors can join hands-on Ming Dynasty Stone Carving Workshops hosted by the site museum, where they learn ancient techniques used to shape the colossal stone blocks. Weekly Ancient Music Recitals feature guqin and bamboo flute performances of imperial court music, paired with Hanfu fashion walks. There’s also a Stone Rubbing Experience Zone, where guests can try traditional rubbing methods to preserve inscriptions from the quarry. All activities are guided by expert historians, offering deep insights into the engineering and cultural legacy of the Ming era.
During summer months (June–September), Yangshan Stele Quarry stays open until 9 PM and hosts the "Whispers of Time" Light Art Exhibition. Digital projections transform the massive stone block into animated scenes of Ming imperial processions, dragon motifs, and historical narratives, performed every 30 minutes starting at 7:30 PM. Each show lasts about 20 minutes and combines sound, motion, and interactive elements. Guided tours are available for deeper context—explaining the historical significance behind the visuals and the cutting-edge tech used in the display.
The adjacent Yangshan Ecological Park features child-friendly attractions including sand pits, family walking trails, outdoor science corners, and a mini farm. A designated Family Camping Area offers tent rentals and picnic facilities, perfect for stargazing under clear skies. Nearby, Jinling Little Courtyard Restaurant serves themed "Ming Dynasty Family Banquets" with dishes like 'Dragon Scale Tofu' and 'Stone-Carved Pastries,' plus interactive children's role-play games. All amenities are wheelchair-accessible, making it ideal for stress-free family exploration of this historic and natural landscape.
Yangshan Stele Quarry was originally intended to supply the colossal stone for Emperor Yongle's tomb monument in the Ming Dynasty—a structure planned to be over 100 meters tall and weighing more than 10,000 tons. The largest remaining stone measures 49.4 meters long, 10.7 meters wide, and 4.4 meters high, with a volume exceeding 2,000 cubic meters, earning it the title of World’s Largest Single Stone Block. The precision of its carving and the logistical planning for transportation reflect advanced Ming-era engineering. Ancient inscriptions and chisel marks still visible today provide invaluable evidence of imperial construction practices and the era’s technological prowess.
Explore more amazing destinations