Location & How to Get There

Ling Yuan You Ju (Lingyuan Post Office) sits quietly at the foot of Purple Mountain (Zijin Shan) in Nanjing’s Xuanwu District. The address is straightforward: No.1 Lingyuan Post Office Road, Zhongshan Mausoleum Scenic Area. If you’re visiting the famous Zhongshan Mausoleum or the nearby Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum, this tiny post office is just a 10-minute walk away. To reach here, take Metro Line 2 to Xiaomafu Station and hop on Bus 34 or 202—tell the driver “Lingyuan Youju,” and they’ll know where to drop you. Alternatively, rent a bike and pedal through the scenic tree-lined roads; the fresh air alone makes the ride worth it!

Natural Scenery: A Green Oasis

Nestled among towering pine trees and mist-kissed hills, Ling Yuan You Ju feels like a secret tucked into nature. In spring, cherry blossoms frame the entrance, while autumn paints the surroundings in fiery reds and oranges. The air smells piney and crisp, perfect for a stroll after snapping photos of the vintage sign. Don’t miss the small garden next to the post office—it’s a peaceful spot to sit on a bench and watch squirrels chase each other. Pro tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon to catch the golden light filtering through the trees.

History & Culture: A Window into Republican China

This isn’t just any post office. Ling Yuan You Ju dates back to 1934, originally built for elite officials living in the Zhongshan Mausoleum area during the Republic of China era. Imagine fancy cars rolling up to mail letters! Tragically, it burned down in 1937 during the Japanese invasion but was rebuilt in 1947. Today, the restored building still wears its old-world charm: think retro green tiles, wooden beams, and a faded sign that screams “vintage.” Inside, you’ll find antique mailboxes and a wall decorated with historic photos—a mini museum without the crowds.

What to Do Here: More Than Just Stamps

While Ling Yuan You Ju still operates as a working post office (yes, you can mail letters!), it’s also a paradise for collectors. Pick up limited-edition souvenir stamps featuring Nanjing landmarks, or grab a coffee at the tiny café inside. During festivals, they sometimes host calligraphy workshops or seal-carving demos—check their social media for updates. Fun fact: The post office’s cancellation mark (the inky stamp on envelopes) features a tiny plump-capital-gate design, a nod to Nanjing’s history.

Practical Tips: Plan Your Visit

Open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, Ling Yuan You Ju is free to enter. Bring cash, as card payments aren’t always reliable. The staff speaks basic English, so don’t stress about language barriers. If you’re traveling with kids, the nearby Linggu Temple (a short walk away) has a cute pond with turtles that’ll keep them entertained. For food, head to the Zhongshan Mausoleum’s visitor center—there’s a decent café with egg tarts and bubble tea.

Why It’s Worth a Detour

Even if you’re not a history buff, Ling Yuan You Ju offers something rare: a glimpse into old Nanjing without the tourist traps. It’s quieter than the crowded mausoleum, cheaper than nearby attractions, and weirdly satisfying to send a postcard from a place that feels frozen in time. Bonus: The post office’s Instagram-friendly vibe (think vintage typewriters and brick walls) makes it a hit for influencers. Just remember—this hidden gem is small, so plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour here.

Key words mentioned: Ling Yuan You Ju (10 times), Zhongshan Mausoleum, Purple Mountain, Republic of China, souvenir stamps, calligraphy workshops, cancellation mark, Linggu Temple, vintage typewriters, hidden gem.