Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum（中山陵）Travel Guide
Nov 12, 2024
by orient china travel
Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum Travel Guide
1. Introduction
Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum is located at the southern foot of Zhongshan Mountain in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. It is the mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the great pioneer of the Chinese democratic revolution. The mausoleum started construction in 1926 and was completed in 1933. With a total area of about 31 square kilometers, it is a large commemorative architectural complex facing the plains in the front and backed by green mountains36. It is not only a place to commemorate Dr. Sun Yat-sen but also an important symbol of China's modern history. In 1961, it was listed as one of the first batch of key cultural relics protection units in China, and in 2016, it was selected into the "First Batch of Chinese Twentieth Century Architectural Heritage" list3.
Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum is located at the southern foot of Zhongshan Mountain in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. It is the mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the great pioneer of the Chinese democratic revolution. The mausoleum started construction in 1926 and was completed in 1933. With a total area of about 31 square kilometers, it is a large commemorative architectural complex facing the plains in the front and backed by green mountains36. It is not only a place to commemorate Dr. Sun Yat-sen but also an important symbol of China's modern history. In 1961, it was listed as one of the first batch of key cultural relics protection units in China, and in 2016, it was selected into the "First Batch of Chinese Twentieth Century Architectural Heritage" list3.
2. How to Get There
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- By Public Transport:
- Subway: You can take Metro Line 2 and get off at either the 苜蓿园 Station or the 下马坊 Station, and then transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus24.
- Bus: Take buses such as Route 9, Tourist Route 1, Tourist Route 2, or Tourist Route 3 and get off at the Zhongshan Mausoleum Parking Lot Station4.
- By Car: You can drive along Zhongshan East Road or Lingyuan Road. There are parking lots available near the mausoleum4.
3. Tickets and Opening Hours
- Tickets: The mausoleum is free to visit, but you need to make a reservation in advance2.
- Opening Hours: It is open from 8:30 to 17:00 all year round. The mausoleum is closed on Mondays for maintenance (except for legal holidays and the commemorative days of Dr. Sun Yat-sen's birth and death)2. The tomb chamber is open from Tuesday to Friday (except for legal holidays), and is also open on the commemorative days of Dr. Sun Yat-sen's birth and death2.
4. Main Areas and Attractions
- Paifang (Archway): The entrance of the mausoleum is a three-room and three-floor stone archway. Under the eaves of the Ming Dynasty style, there is a plaque with Dr. Sun Yat-sen's motto "Fraternity"1.
- Mausoleum Gate: It is 15 meters high, 24 meters wide, and 8 meters deep, with an extraordinary momentum. Passing through the mausoleum gate, you will enter the main area of the mausoleum1.
- Stele Pavilion: There is an 8-meter-high stone tablet engraved with gold regular script: "The Chinese Kuomintang buried Mr. Sun here, June 1, 18, the Republic of China."1.
- Sacrificial Hall: It is an important building in the mausoleum, where people pay their respects to Dr. Sun Yat-sen. The hall is solemn and magnificent, showing people's respect for the great pioneer.
- Tomb Chamber: This is the final resting place of Dr. Sun Yat-sen. The design of the tomb chamber is simple and elegant, reflecting Dr. Sun Yat-sen's noble spirit.
5. Travel Tips
- Respect and Etiquette: When visiting the mausoleum, please maintain a solemn and respectful attitude, do not make loud noises or engage in any behavior that is not in line with etiquette.
- Climbing the Steps: There are 392 steps from the entrance to the tomb chamber. Climbing the steps can be a bit tiring, so it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes36.
- Guided Tours: You can choose to hire a professional guide or use an audio guide to better understand the history and significance of the mausoleum.
- Weather: Nanjing has a subtropical monsoon climate, so it is advisable to check the weather forecast before your visit and bring appropriate clothing and rain gear if necessary.