An admission letter serves not only as a ticket to higher education but also this summer becomes a key to unlocking a millennium of cultural heritage. The Nanjing Zhongshan Scenic Area announced that from August 1 to September 30, 2026, it will offer free entry to all scenic spots for the nation's 2026 university freshmen.

The five major attractions include the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Linggu Scenic Area, Music Terrace, Meiling Palace, and the Purple Mountain Observatory Museum. Eligible participants include full-time undergraduate, vocational college (including higher vocational), and graduate students entering university in 2026. They can explore these sites with valid proof, experiencing the concept of "traveling thousands of miles while reading thousands of books."

During the event, the scenic area has launched a dedicated "2026 University Freshmen Free Ticket" portal with real-name booking. New students can make reservations through the official WeChat mini-program of Zhongshan Scenic Area or via platforms like Meituan, Ctrip, and Douyin to obtain entry QR codes. Entry verification requires the QR code, ID card, and valid academic proof such as an admission letter or student ID card. The scenic area reminds participants that the offer is for personal use only, with non-transferable documents; each person can book each attraction once per day; and visits to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum are free but require separate reservations.

For young people about to embark on their higher education journey, these five free attractions encompass the most representative cultural landmarks of Zhongshan. At the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, stone beasts resting in the forest along the Sacred Way narrate the grandeur of Ming and Qing imperial tombs. Linggu Scenic Area features exquisite temple architecture and mountain breezes, offering a blend of architectural aesthetics and natural spirituality. At the Music Terrace, white doves circle in scenes with cinematic quality. Meiling Palace is surrounded by a "necklace" formed by French plane trees, showcasing timeless elegance. The Purple Mountain Observatory Museum houses the cradle of modern Chinese astronomy, where ancient instruments and starry skies allow visitors to touch the vast history of "questioning the heavens." Zhongshan has become a "classroom without walls," encouraging freshmen to step into this flowing cultural and historical classroom before entering university.