Visit the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Pavilion to explore the historical significance of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of modern China. You can walk through the peaceful grounds, admire the grand architecture, and enjoy the surrounding scenic views. The mausoleum is a great place for history enthusiasts and those looking to pay respects to an important figure in Chinese history.

The stele pavilion of the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum is located on the second platform behind the Tianxiaweigong Mausoleum Gate. It is built with granite, with a double-eaved hip roof covered with blue glazed tiles. It is an imitation of the traditional ancient Chinese wooden structure. It is 17 meters high and 12.2 meters wide, with a plane that is approximately square.
The stele pavilion is inscribed with 24 large, gilded characters in Yan style, inscribed by Kuomintang veteran Tan Yankai : " The Kuomintang buried Prime Minister Sun Yat-sen here on June 1, the 18th year of the Republic of China . " The stele's top is engraved with the Kuomintang emblem, while the cap features cloud patterns and the base depicts ocean waves, symbolizing Dr. Sun Yat-sen's achievements, which are higher than the sky and deeper than the sea.
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The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Pavilion is dedicated to Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the first provisional president of the Republic of China and a key figure in the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty. The mausoleum is located at the foot of the Purple Mountain in Nanjing, and it is a symbol of his profound impact on modern Chinese history and political reforms.
The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Pavilion is located at the foot of Purple Mountain in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. You can reach the site by taxi, bus, or metro. The nearest metro station is the "Mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen" station on Line 2, which is a short walk from the pavilion.
The pavilion is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the spring or autumn when the weather is mild and the surrounding nature is in full bloom. For fewer crowds, visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially on weekdays.
The entrance fee to the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Pavilion is approximately 50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance or online via official platforms. It's recommended to check in advance if you prefer online booking.
Booking tickets in advance is optional but highly recommended during peak tourist seasons and weekends. You can book tickets online up to a few days in advance to avoid long queues.
It takes about 1 to 2 hours to explore the mausoleum pavilion, depending on whether you take the time to hike around the surrounding area. If you plan to visit other nearby attractions, you may want to allocate a few more hours.
The main highlight is the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum itself, where you can pay respects and admire the impressive architecture. Also, visit the scenic garden, the statue of Sun Yat-sen, and the surrounding views of Purple Mountain and the city of Nanjing.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, but audio guides in both Chinese and English are also offered at the entrance. It's helpful to pick up an audio guide if you're not familiar with the history of the site.
Great photography spots include the panoramic view from the top of the mausoleum, which overlooks Nanjing and the surrounding hills. The majestic steps leading up to the pavilion also provide a great angle for photos.
Start by walking up the long stairway leading to the mausoleum, visit the main building and the tomb of Sun Yat-sen, then explore the surrounding gardens and memorials. A leisurely walk through the park surrounding the mausoleum offers peaceful views and an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Night visits are not typically available. However, special events and commemorative activities may be organized during national holidays or anniversaries. It's best to check in advance for such occasions.
The mausoleum can get crowded, especially during weekends, public holidays, and peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn). To avoid the crowds, it's best to visit on weekdays, early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
The mausoleum has basic facilities like toilets, rest areas, and water stations. There are also small shops selling souvenirs and snacks. For a more substantial meal, you may need to visit nearby restaurants in the city.
The site is accessible to elderly visitors, but there are many steps leading to the main pavilion, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues. Some areas may not be fully wheelchair accessible due to the natural terrain. However, there are paved paths and rest areas around the site.
Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted at the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Pavilion. Some smaller vendors may accept cash, but it's recommended to use mobile payments for convenience.
Inside the mausoleum complex, there are no full-scale restaurants, but you will find snack stands and small cafes. For more dining options, head to the city center, where you'll find a variety of restaurants offering both local and international cuisine.
Vegetarian options are available at some of the restaurants in the city center. Vegan and halal options may be more limited but are available in Nanjing's larger restaurants, especially those catering to international visitors.
There are several hotels close to the mausoleum, such as the Nanjing Yangtze River Hotel and the InterContinental Nanjing. These are easily accessible by taxi or public transportation from the mausoleum.
Nearby attractions include the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, and the Nanjing Museum. These can easily be combined in a day trip for those interested in exploring more historical sites in Nanjing.
There are souvenir shops at the mausoleum complex selling items like postcards, statues, and traditional Chinese crafts. Popular souvenirs include Sun Yat-sen memorabilia and Nanjing-specific items such as local handicrafts and snacks.
After visiting, taxis or public transportation (buses and metro) are available to continue your trip. The Nanjing metro system is a convenient way to explore the city, and taxis can take you to other nearby attractions or the city center.