Nanjing Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum holds the tomb of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, a great Chinese revolutionary leader. It covers 130 square kilometers, with six main parts around its central complex: the mausoleum itself, plus the tombs of Liao Zhongkai and He Xiangning, Deng Yanda, Tan Yankai, the Memorial Cemetery for National Revolutionary Army Martyrs, and the original site of the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum's Revolutionary History Library. Influenced by modern Western design concepts, it is among China's first ritual architectural complexes and stands as a notable example of early 20th-century public architecture.

Highlights of Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

Unique Mausoleum Architecture

Bo'ai Memorial Archway

Built along mountain slopes, the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum has its entire complex rising step by step along a central axis: from the "Bo'ai" (Universal Love) Memorial Archway, Sacred Way, Mausoleum Gate and Stele Pavilion to the Sacrificial Hall and Burial Chamber. This layout shows the symmetrical beauty and solemn grandeur of traditional Chinese architecture. Made fully of white granite and reinforced concrete, with blue-glazed tiles on top, its granite surfaces and sapphire-blue liuli roofing give a dignified yet elegant look, winning it the name "the foremost mausoleum in modern Chinese architectural history." Shaped like a "Liberty Bell," the mausoleum stands for an eternal call to stay alert and the lasting revolutionary spirit. Walking along the central axis, visitors feel both the architectural grandeur and the deep meanings in its design.

392 Steps

392 Steps

The 392 steps at Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum tell a special story. Looking up from the bottom, the stairs appear continuous without breaks - showing revolution's challenges. Seen from above, the platforms look smooth and unbroken, like the promise of peace after hard times. Ancient pines and cypresses line the path, watching over generations of visitors. The climb isn't easy, but rest spots offer changing views of Nanjing. Reaching the top brings a breathtaking city view, like the saying "from great heights, small things appear." Here, Sun Yat-sen's famous words "The world shared by all" still feel alive in the air.

Sacrificial Hall and Burial Chamber

Sacrificial Hall

The Sacrificial Hall, the mausoleum’s core, is a solemn palace-style building. In its center is a white marble statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen; its base has six carved panels showing key moments from his revolutionary work. The hall’s sapphire-blue glazed tiles shine in sunlight, and its walls carry Dr. Sun’s writings and quotes. Under the hall is the Burial Chamber, open only on special memorial days, where Dr. Sun’s remains lie in quiet respect. Here, visitors reflect on his lasting legacy and deep influence on China’s revolutionary history.

Music Terrace

Music Terrace

The Music Terrace, southeast of the Memorial Square, is a landmark at Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. It’s a semicircular place with a central stage; behind it is a tall acoustic wall that spreads sound well. The stage front has three wavy steps, and the natural slope makes a bowl-shaped lawn in front. People often feed white doves here, with nice interactions great for photos in this fairy-tale spot. Surrounded by greenery, it lets you enjoy music and peaceful rest in lovely scenery.

Educational Value

The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum honors Dr. Sun Yat-sen, a great forerunner of China's democratic revolution. His revolutionary ideals—"expelling foreign domination, restoring Chinese sovereignty, establishing a republic, equalizing land rights"—and beliefs like "The World Belongs to All" and the "Three Principles of the People" are key spiritual legacies in modern Chinese history. Here, visitors learn deeply how the 1911 Revolution ended feudal monarchy to build a republic, and better grasp values such as patriotism, progress, democracy, and science.

Activities to do at Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

Recreational Sports Activities: The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum has the Purple Mountain Circular Greenway and seven hiking trails, where visitors can hike and enjoy nature. It also has new facilities like forest adventure parks, camping sites and RV parks, plus sports such as cage football, live-action CS, stand-up paddleboarding and cycling—great for outdoor lovers. Besides, the area holds running, hiking and cycling events; visitors can check official notices to register.