Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Nanjing
A monumental tribute to the 'Father of the Nation,' this grand mausoleum offers stunning architecture and panoramic city views atop a challenging clim...
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Nanjing
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
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.
"An awe-inspiring historical site with magnificent architecture and stunning views from the top."
👟 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
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
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
Road leading to the Mausoleum
Stroll down this beautiful avenue lined with ancient buttonwood trees, especially stunning in autumn.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Respectful Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 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.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Use the WeChat mini-program to book in advance and skip lines.
🚫 No Photos Inside
Respect the rules; photography is prohibited within the main mausoleum.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 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.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Use the WeChat mini-program to book in advance and skip lines.
🚫 No Photos Inside
Respect the rules; photography is prohibited within the main mausoleum.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Vending machines and shops are available, but bring water for the climb.
🌳 Explore Zhongshan Mountain
The mausoleum is part of a larger national park with other attractions.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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).
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.
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.
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.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Didi are readily available in Nanjing and can take you directly to the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
While it's free, booking in advance online is highly recommended, especially on weekdays, to secure your entry slot and avoid disappointment.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the main mausoleum building. You can take photos of the exterior and the surrounding park.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Bringing your own water and snacks is generally allowed, which can be helpful for the climb. There are also vending machines at the base.
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.
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.
Prices can be slightly higher due to the tourist location, but generally, you can find reasonably priced snacks and drinks.
📸 📸 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.
No, photography is strictly forbidden inside the main mausoleum building. This is to maintain the solemnity of the site.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, making for better photographic conditions. The golden hour before sunset is particularly beautiful.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚶 Budget Travelers
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.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Dr. Sun Yat-sen
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.
Architectural Marvel and Natural Beauty
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.
Navigating the Site and Visitor Experience
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.
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