Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Scenic Area
The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Scenic Area, a UNESCO-recognized cultural landscape, honors Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the "Father of Modern China." Built between 1926 and 1929, this 80,000-square-meter site blends solemn architecture with lush natural beauty, serving as a memorial, historical museum, and public park. It symbolizes China’s transition from imperial rule to republicanism and attracts millions annually with its cultural depth and scenic charm.
Historical Overview
The mausoleum’s construction began in 1926, funded by global donations and led by architects Lu Yanzhi and Tan Yenkai. Designed to reflect Dr. Sun’s progressive ideals, the project merged Chinese and Western architectural styles. Completed in 1929, the mausoleum became the centerpiece of a larger scenic area dedicated to preserving China’s revolutionary heritage. Key milestones include the 1929 reinterment of Dr. Sun’s remains, the 1961 designation as a national key cultural relic, and its 2016 inclusion in the "World Heritage Tentative List."
Structural Layout
The site follows a north-south axis with three zones:
Memorial Zone: Features the 700-meter marble staircase leading to the 48-meter-high mausoleum, crowned by a blue-glazed tile roof.
Recreation Zone: Includes Mingxiaoling (a Ming Dynasty tomb complex), Linggu Temple, and the Music Terrace, a 1930s amphitheater for public gatherings.
Nature Reserve: Spanning 3,000 hectares, with forests, lakes, and trails like the Purple Mountain Observatory Trail, offering panoramic views.
Major Attractions
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum: A fusion of Chinese and Byzantine architecture, with a 30-ton granite sarcophagus and a 15-meter-high statue of Dr. Sun.
Mingxiaoling Tomb Complex: A 14th-century Ming Dynasty imperial tomb with a stone pathway, "Sacred Way" sculptures, and a marble "Soul Tower."
Linggu Temple: Founded in the 6th century, this Buddhist temple houses the Beamless Hall, a 700-year-old wooden marvel.
Music Terrace: A 1933 open-air theater with seating for 3,000, used for ceremonies and cultural events.
Purple Mountain Observatory: China’s first modern astronomical center, established in 1934, with antique telescopes and meteorological displays.
Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall: A 1932 exhibition space chronicling Dr. Sun’s life and the 1911 Revolution.
Plum Blossom Hill: A 130-hectare garden with 40,000 plum trees, celebrated annually during the Plum Blossom Festival.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (2–3 Hours):
Mausoleum Entrance → Memorial Hall → Music Terrace → Linggu Temple → Plum Blossom Hill.
Highlights: Core memorials and cultural landmarks.
Extended Route (4–5 Hours):
Mausoleum → Mingxiaoling → Linggu Temple → Purple Mountain Observatory → Plum Blossom Hill.
Highlights: Ming Dynasty heritage and scenic trails.
Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
Mausoleum → Mingxiaoling → Linggu Temple → Music Terrace → Observatory → Plum Blossom Hill → Xiaoling Tomb Museum.
Highlights: In-depth exploration of history, nature, and astronomy.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the official WeChat mini-program or website (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets available at the entrance, but queues are common.
Prices:
Mausoleum: ¥70 (peak season), ¥50 (off-season).
Mingxiaoling: ¥35.
Linggu Temple: ¥30.
Combined tickets (3 sites): ¥100.
Free: Children under 1.4m, disabled visitors, and seniors over 70.
Transportation
Subway: Line 2 to Xiaolingwei Station (Exit 3), then a 15-minute walk.
Bus: Routes 20, 203, or 315 to the Mausoleum stop.
Taxi: Direct to the Mausoleum entrance.
Departure: Exit via the south gate to connect with Nanjing’s downtown attractions.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–2 PM; visit early (8:30 AM opening) or late (after 4 PM).
Crowds: Weekends and holidays are busiest; weekdays are quieter.
Weather: Spring (March–April) and autumn (October–November) are ideal for hiking and blossom viewing.
Essentials:
Wear comfortable shoes (trails involve steps and slopes).
Bring water and snacks; food vendors are limited.
Photography allowed (no tripods in memorials).
