Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
A magnificent monument honoring Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of modern China, set on Purple Mountain.
About Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (Zhongshan Ling) is the burial site of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the revolutionary leader who overthrew the Qing Dynasty and founded the Republic of China. Located on the second peak of Purple Mountain, the mausoleum is a masterpiece of Chinese architecture combined with Western influences.
Construction began in 1926 and was completed in 1929. The designer, Lu Yanzhi, won an international competition with his design that symbolizes the shape of a giant bell lying on its back - representing the 'wake-up call' Sun gave to the Chinese people.
To reach the sacrificial hall, visitors must climb 392 steps (representing China's 392 million population at the time) divided into 10 platforms. The blue-tiled main hall houses a white marble statue of Sun Yat-sen and contains his epitaph written in gold.
The mausoleum is set within a beautiful park with pine and cypress trees, offering stunning views over Nanjing. The architecture follows a symmetrical layout along a central axis, with a memorial archway, tablet pavilion, and sacrificial hall.
The Honest Truth
The 392 steps look intimidating but they are actually not that bad — I have seen elderly people make it to the top. The real issue is that the inside of the hall is quite plain. You climb all those stairs expecting something spectacular and find a statue and some inscriptions. The views from the top are nice but not mind-blowing. Still, it is free and the architecture is beautiful.
The Downsides (Nobody Talks About)
- The interior of the sacrificial hall is underwhelming after the epic climb
- Closed on Mondays with no good alternative nearby on that day
- The reservation system is confusing for foreigners — ask your hotel to help book
- The area around the base is full of tourist-trap restaurants
- Can get very windy at the top — bring a jacket even on warm days
Yes, and the price (free) is right. Treat it as a nice hike with a historical monument at the end, not as a world-class museum experience. The best part is actually the forest walk up, not the hall itself.
Highlights
- The 392 marble steps leading to the sacrificial hall
- The blue-tiled sacrificial hall with Sun Yat-sen's marble statue
- The memorial archway with Sun's handwritten motto 'Tian Xia Wei Gong' (The World Belongs to All)
- Panoramic views of Nanjing from the upper platforms
- The beautiful surrounding forest park
Practical Information
Best Time
Spring and autumn for comfortable climbing weather. Avoid midday heat in summer.
Location
Second peak of Purple Mountain, Xuanwu District
How to Get There
Metro Line 2 to Xiamafang Station, then take the sightseeing bus or walk 20 minutes up the mountain. Bus 34 also stops nearby.
Recommended Duration
2-3 hours
Visitor Tips
- The 392 steps are manageable but take breaks if needed
- Visit on a clear day for the best views over the city
- Free admission but requires reservation during peak times
- Closed on Mondays for maintenance
- Combine with nearby Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum for a full day