Stepping onto the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Sacred Way, history is within reach.

The Stone Elephant Road, located within the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum Scenic Area on Purple Mountain in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, is the first section of the Sacred Way. It is called "Stone Elephant Road" because of the giant stone elephants standing on both sides of the path and is known as the "most beautiful 600 meters." Along the way, six types of stone beasts are arranged in sequence: lions, xiezhi (mythical beasts), camels, elephants, qilin, and horses, each in pairs with a "two kneeling, two standing" posture. These stone beasts are carved from whole blocks of stone using the round carving technique, with smooth and rounded lines. They symbolize the majesty, sanctity, and splendor of the imperial tomb, as well as serving protective, exorcising, and ceremonial symbolic functions. The Stone Elephant Road is famous for its late autumn scenery. On both sides of the Sacred Way, color-changing trees such as Chinese tallow, sweetgum, ginkgo, and beech are planted, creating a landscape that is scenic all year round, especially magnificent in autumn. In late autumn, the leaves display a brilliant mix of red, orange, yellow, and green, forming a "flowing ribbon" together with the ancient stone beasts and bluestone path. It is one of the most famous highlights of the "Jinling Black Diamond Release