Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum - Image 1
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Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Nanjing

4.6
·362 reviews·Nan Jing Shi, China

A monumental tribute to the 'Father of the Nation,' this grand mausoleum offers stunning architecture and panoramic city views atop a challenging clim...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early Morning

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
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Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum - Image 1

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Nanjing

Best Time

Early Morning

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A monumental tribute to the 'Father of the Nation,' this grand mausoleum offers stunning architecture and panoramic city views atop a challenging climb.

4.6
(362 reviews)

"An awe-inspiring historical site with magnificent architecture and stunning views from the top."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be climbing many stairs! Prioritize comfort for the ascent.

⏰ Go Early to Avoid Crowds

Beat the midday rush and enjoy a more peaceful experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Grand Staircase

Grand Staircase

Entrance to the Mausoleum

Ascend the iconic, wide staircase leading to the main mausoleum structure. A true test of endurance with rewarding views.

Mausoleum Architecture

Mausoleum Architecture

Main Hall

Admire the impressive blend of traditional Chinese and Western architectural styles, a tribute to Dr. Sun Yat-sen's vision.

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Top of the Mausoleum

Enjoy breathtaking views of Nanjing city spread out below. A perfect spot for reflection and photos (from the outside).

Wutongshu Avenue

Wutongshu Avenue

Road leading to the Mausoleum

Stroll down this beautiful avenue lined with ancient buttonwood trees, especially stunning in autumn.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds and the midday sun. The climb can be tiring, so wear comfortable shoes. Booking tickets online in advance via WeChat is recommended, especially on weekdays, to save time.

Respectful Visit

Remember this is a solemn historical site. Photography is not allowed inside the main mausoleum. Be prepared for a significant climb up many stairs to reach the main tomb.

Best Times

When
Early Morning
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour light, fewer tour groups
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn
Why
Beautiful foliage on Wutongshu Ave
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

~~ Niushou Mountain (牛首山) - Nanjing's Buddhist Sanctuary~~ A notable Buddha relic monument on a mountain is the Grand Buddha Palace at Niushou Mountain in China, which enshrines the Buddha's parietal bone relic within a futuristic, multi-level complex built into the mountainside. Other examples include Borobudur in Indonesia, a massive Buddhist temple, and the large stone sculpture of the Leshan ...
@sararaks88
5.1K likes • 217.6K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be climbing many stairs! Prioritize comfort for the ascent. Reddit

⏰ Go Early to Avoid Crowds

Beat the midday rush and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Reddit

Beautiful Green Road ❤️❤️ Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum Historical landmark in Nanjing, China . . . #sunyatsenuniversity #sunyatsen #mausoleum #greenroad #beautiful #reelsoftheday #reelsinstagram #foreignexchange #jiangsu #nanjing #china #explorexhina #amazinduniya
amazin_duniya
26 likes • 491 views
Discovering the majestic Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing! 🏛️ Perched on Purple Mountain, this architectural marvel is more than just a tomb - it's a bridge between East and West, tradition and modernity. Built to honor Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the father of China's democratic revolution, every corner tells a story of national pride and progress. From its grand stairway to its unique blend of Chinese an...
sinotravel2024
3 likes • 336 views

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Use the WeChat mini-program to book in advance and skip lines. Reddit

🚫 No Photos Inside

Respect the rules; photography is prohibited within the main mausoleum. Reddit

Nanjing, Wutongshu Avenue. The roads leading to Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum are all buttonwood trees over 100 years old.
mychinatrip
808 likes • 16.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be climbing many stairs! Prioritize comfort for the ascent. Reddit

⏰ Go Early to Avoid Crowds

Beat the midday rush and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Reddit

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Use the WeChat mini-program to book in advance and skip lines. Reddit

🚫 No Photos Inside

Respect the rules; photography is prohibited within the main mausoleum. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Vending machines and shops are available, but bring water for the climb. Reddit

🌳 Explore Zhongshan Mountain

The mausoleum is part of a larger national park with other attractions. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.6
(362 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum for its historical significance, impressive architecture, and stunning panoramic views of Nanjing. The peaceful atmosphere and the beauty of the surrounding park, especially the Wutongshu Avenue, are frequently highlighted. However, many note the strenuous climb up the numerous stairs and the potential for large crowds, even on weekdays.

"Great place to visit in nanjing. Tickets for foreignerd can be purchased at the tourist information center near KFC. Food stores are available before the entrance of mausoleum. The walk upward is tiring, the stairs does not look steep due to multiple landings but I got tired walking upward. Beautiful view of the city from the top.
The mausoleum is beautifully designed but picture taking is not allowed inside."

John Lorenz Panotes

"It was a great experience and place to visit during my visit to Nanjing, Dr. Sun Yat Sen is the Father on Nation for Chinese people. Very clean place, well organised, no entry fee for locals and foreign tourists, a must visit place in China."

Firoz Salam

"I visited the Nanjing Zhongshan Mausoleum and was truly impressed by its historical significance and stunning beauty. The mausoleum, dedicated to Dr. Sun Yat-sen, is located in a peaceful area surrounded by lush greenery and offers a beautiful view of the Nanjing City. The architecture is magnificent, with grand stairways leading up to the main hall, and the entire site is well preserved The journey up to the mausoleum is a bit of a hike, but the panoramic views and serene atmosphere make it worthwhile. A peaceful, scenic experience in Nanjing."

Zhang Qingye

What People Like

Historical significance
Impressive architecture
Panoramic city views

What People Dislike

Strenuous stair climb
Large crowds
No interior photography

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum by taking a taxi or using public transport. Several bus lines stop near the entrance, and it's also accessible via the Nanjing Metro system (Line 2 to Muxuyuan Station, then a short bus or taxi ride). Reddit

Yes, there are parking facilities available near the entrance of the Zhongshan Mountain National Park, where the mausoleum is located. However, it can get busy, so public transport is often recommended. Reddit

It's quite a distance to walk from the city center. Taking public transportation like the metro or a bus is the most efficient way to get there. Reddit

Within the park, there are often shuttle buses available to take you between different attractions, including the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and other sites like the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. Instagram+1

Yes, ride-sharing services like Didi are readily available in Nanjing and can take you directly to the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum itself is generally free for both locals and foreign tourists. However, you might need to book a timed entry slot online in advance, especially during peak seasons. Reddit

Tickets can often be booked online through the official WeChat mini-program. You can scan a QR code at the main park entrance. Foreigners can also purchase tickets at the tourist information center near KFC. Reddit

The mausoleum and surrounding park typically open early in the morning and close in the late afternoon. It's best to check the official website or WeChat for the most up-to-date hours, as they can vary seasonally. Reddit

While the mausoleum is free, some other attractions within Zhongshan Mountain National Park, like the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum or Linggu Temple, may have separate entrance fees. Instagram

While it's free, booking in advance online is highly recommended, especially on weekdays, to secure your entry slot and avoid disappointment. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Allow at least 2-3 hours to visit the mausoleum and climb the stairs. If you plan to explore more of Zhongshan Mountain National Park, allocate a full day. Reddit

The climb involves many stairs, which can be tiring. While the stairs have multiple landings, it's a significant ascent. Comfortable shoes are a must. Reddit

No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the main mausoleum building. You can take photos of the exterior and the surrounding park. Reddit

It is the final resting place of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, a pivotal figure in Chinese history, revered as the 'Father of the Nation' for his role in overthrowing the Qing Dynasty and founding the Republic of China. Instagram+1

While official guided tours might not always be readily available, you can often find information boards and signage explaining the history and architecture. Consider hiring a local guide for a more in-depth experience. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are food stores and cafes available before the entrance of the mausoleum, offering snacks and drinks. You can also find more dining options at the base of Zhongshan Mountain. Reddit

Bringing your own water and snacks is generally allowed, which can be helpful for the climb. There are also vending machines at the base. Reddit

Expect typical tourist fare, including snacks, beverages, and some local eateries offering quick meals. For a wider variety, you'd need to venture further into Nanjing. Reddit

There are some cafes and small eateries within the park, particularly near major attractions. However, for a full dining experience, it's better to explore options outside the park. Reddit

Prices can be slightly higher due to the tourist location, but generally, you can find reasonably priced snacks and drinks. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The grand staircase, the exterior of the mausoleum, and the panoramic city views from the top are excellent photo opportunities. The Wutongshu Avenue is also very picturesque. Instagram+1

No, photography is strictly forbidden inside the main mausoleum building. This is to maintain the solemnity of the site. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, making for better photographic conditions. The golden hour before sunset is particularly beautiful. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in and around historical sites and national parks. It's best to assume drones are not permitted to avoid issues. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the grandeur of the architecture and the expansive views. A standard zoom lens will also be versatile. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum with children can be an educational and active experience. The long staircase provides a good opportunity for kids to burn energy, but be prepared for the climb. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and consider bringing a stroller for younger children if they can manage the initial paths, though the stairs themselves are not stroller-friendly. Reddit

Focus on the historical significance in simple terms, explaining Dr. Sun Yat-sen's role as a leader. The expansive grounds offer space to run around (away from the main monument), and the views from the top can be exciting for kids. The surrounding park also offers a chance to enjoy nature. Instagram

🚶 Budget Travelers

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum is an excellent choice for budget travelers as the entry to the mausoleum itself is free. The main costs will be transportation to the site and any food or drinks you purchase. Reddit

Opt for public transport (metro and bus) to save on travel expenses. Pack your own snacks and water to avoid higher prices at tourist shops. If you plan to visit other attractions within Zhongshan Mountain National Park, research which ones have entry fees to budget accordingly. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum offers a wealth of opportunities. The grand scale of the architecture, the iconic staircase, and the sweeping city views from the summit are prime subjects. The Wutongshu Avenue provides a beautiful, tree-lined foreground, especially striking in autumn. Instagram+1

Aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best light. While interior shots are forbidden, the exterior details and the surrounding natural beauty of Zhongshan Mountain are incredibly photogenic. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the site. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of Dr. Sun Yat-sen

Dr. Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925) is a towering figure in modern Chinese history, widely revered as the 'Father of the Nation.' His revolutionary leadership was instrumental in overthrowing the Qing Dynasty, ending imperial rule, and establishing the Republic of China. The mausoleum, designed in a style that blends Chinese and Western influences, stands as a testament to his enduring legacy and his vision for a modern, democratic China. Instagram+1

Visitors often feel a profound sense of history and respect when standing at the mausoleum. The sheer scale of the monument and the dedication to his life's work are palpable. It's a place that encourages reflection on China's transformative journey. Reddit

Architectural Marvel and Natural Beauty

The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum is a masterpiece of early 20th-century Chinese architecture, characterized by its grand scale and symbolic design. The iconic blue-tiled roof and white marble structure are set against the backdrop of the lush, verdant Zhongshan Mountain (Purple Mountain). The journey to the main tomb involves ascending a long, impressive staircase, offering a sense of pilgrimage. Instagram+1

The surrounding Zhongshan Mountain National Park is a significant natural attraction, boasting diverse flora and fauna. The famous Wutongshu Avenue, lined with ancient buttonwood trees, is particularly stunning, especially during autumn when the leaves turn golden. This blend of historical monument and natural landscape makes the site a unique and visually captivating destination. Instagram+2

Navigating the Site and Visitor Experience

The visitor experience at Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum is largely defined by the climb. While the stairs are numerous, they are designed with multiple landings, making the ascent manageable for most. Comfortable footwear is essential, and visitors are advised to stay hydrated. Reddit

It's important to note that photography is not permitted inside the main mausoleum hall, preserving the solemnity of the space. However, the exterior architecture and the panoramic views of Nanjing from the top provide ample photographic opportunities. The site can get very crowded, especially during holidays and weekends, so arriving early or booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended to enhance your visit. Reddit

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