Sun Yatsen's Mausoleum - Nanjing

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Statue of Dr. Sun Yatsen

Regarded as the father of modern China, Sun Yatsen holds a special place in the hearts of Chinese the world over.  When he died in March of 1925 he was buried in a beautifully elaborate mausoleum in Nanjing.  He was a key figure in the 1911 Revolution that marked the end of dynastic rule and the beginning of the Republic of China. He is revered both in mainland China and in Taiwan.

The mausoleum’s design was the result of a contest held shortly after his death in which Chinese designers around the world submitted plans as a part of a competition held by the government.

It is a beautiful design that is reminiscent of the old imperial style tombs and seems to mark the end of traditional China, ushering in a new era for the country.  The tomb is located in the Purple Mountain park in Central Nanjing and can be easily accessed from anywhere in the city center.

Lion Statue in front of Sun's famous saying, "天下为公“

If you take a cab or bus you will arrive at the parking lot near the south gate and can either hike your way up to the main entrance or pay for a ride on one of the trolleys that will take you up a scenic route to the gate which will set you back 5 RMB per person.

Once you enter the main gates you will work your way through a small shopping district that has various trinkets and souvenirs as well as a few eateries and snack carts.  Pushing your way through the small commercial area you will come to the beginning of the long hike up to the tomb.  I really loved the beautiful natural scenery that surrounded the different structures and buildings that make up the mausoleum. It is easy to see how highly the Chinese regard Sun Yatsen from the great care for the facilities and the reverence people show towards him.

The main hall at the mausoleum

As you make your way up the steps you can see tons of beautifully ornate flower pots and lion statues. One of the gates has Dr. Sun's famous saying "天下为公“ which means "Everything under Heaven belongs to Everyone." At the top of the compound is a structure that houses a giant statue of Dr. Sun. You can purchase flowers to be placed in front of his tomb and make your way through the building to pay your respects. It was interesting to watch people as they made their way through the room. It is almost as if they were praying to him and due to the seemingly sacred nature of the venue, pictures inside while inside the hall are prohibited. 

A lion statue on the stairway to Dr. Sun's tomb

The hike all the way up to the top is rewarded with a breathtaking view of the mausoleum area, the park, and a beautiful view of Nanjing’s skyline (providing you attend on a clear, smog-free day).  I must have spent a good 45 minutes just sitting on one of the many benches on the upper platform just looking out over the park and the city.  I really enjoyed this place!

Make sure you plan an entire day here as after you finish visiting Dr. Sun’s mausoleum you can visit one of the many other historical sites and attractions in the Purple Mountain Park.  At the base of the compound (near the entrance gates) you can take a trolley to the Ming Xiaoling mausoleum (the only Ming emperor to be buried outside of Beijing) and then hit up the Nanjing Botanical Garden or Xuanwu Lake.

How to get there:

Cab – Once in a cab ask to go to中山陵 (Zhong shanling).

Bus – either take Bus no. 9 or Nanjing’s Tourist Bus No. 1 and get off at the Mausoleum stop.

Entrance Fee:

Entrance to the mausoleum is free

Hours of Operation:

Daily from 8:30 – 5:00 (except for November 12, Dr. Sun’s birthday, which is 10:00 – 5:00).

Please note that the Sacrificial Hall and the Burial room are closed on Mondays for maintenance.