Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

Address Zhongshan Scenic Area, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu
Hours 08:30–17:00 (Indoor halls are closed on Mondays)
Phone +86 25 8443 1174
Announcement: Historical Monument
Entrance ¥0
Hours 08:30–17:00 (Indoo...
Best Season March–May and September–November
Time needed 2–3 hours
Last visit: May 22, 2026
Author: Yan Zhou
Reviewer: Zhihao Wang

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Travel Guide

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Overview

The majestic resting place of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of modern China, featuring grand stone staircases, blue-glazed roofs, and deep historical significance.

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Opening Hours & Tickets

  • 08:30–17:00 (Indoor halls are closed on Mondays)
  • Best season: March–May and September–November
  • Ticket note: Free admission, but advanced reservation via official WeChat account is strictly...

Essential Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Visitor Information

  • Enquiries: +86 25 8443 1174
  • Restrooms
  • Visitor centers
  • Shuttle buses (sightseeing carts)
  • Wheelchair access (partial)

How to Get to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum

Metro Line 2 to Xiamafang Station, then transfer to a scenic area shuttle bus or walk the shaded paths.

Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Travel Safety & Advice

Dial 120 for medical emergencies. Medical posts are available at the main visitor center.

Practical Info

  • Zhongshan Scenic Area, Xuanwu District, Nanjing, Jiangsu
  • 08:30–17:00 (Indoor halls are closed on Mondays)
  • +86 25 8443 1174
Yan Zhou
Yan Zhou
Certified National Tour Guide
Yan Zhou, a Suzhou-based Certified National Tour Guide, specializes in East China itineraries covering the Suzhou classical garden deep dive, ancient water town luxury experience, and Suzhou silk heritage workshop.

We keep this guide current.

Ratings

☆☆☆☆☆ (0 reviews)

On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

  • Free admission, but advanced reservation via official WeChat account is strictly...

Online booking may be required

Tips

Maintain respectful behavior and dress appropriately. Photography inside the sacristy is strictly forbidden.

Reality Check

  • 392 steps to climb to the top
  • Extremely crowded on national holidays
  • Pre-booking online is mandatory
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Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum Travel FAQ

What's the most efficient way to buy tickets for Nanjing attractions to avoid lines?
Use the official WeChat mini-programs for each site. For example, search "Nanjing City Wall Ticket" in WeChat, and you'll find a booking portal. Book a day in advance, and you'll get a QR code to scan at the entrance. I've seen tourists wait 30 minutes in line while my groups walk straight in. If you're not tech-savvy, some hotels can help, but it's simpler to do it yourself.
Is it safe to walk around Nanjing at night?
Generally, yes—Nanjing is very safe. But stick to well-lit areas like the Qinhuai River walk near Confucius Temple. I've wandered back to my hotel past midnight without issues. Just keep an eye on your belongings in crowded spots, as pickpocketing can happen, though it's rare.
How much cash should I carry, and do places accept credit cards?
Carry around 200-300 RMB in small bills for street food, buses, and small shops. Most restaurants and hotels accept credit cards (Visa/MasterCard), but mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat Pay) is king. Set up an international card on Alipay before your trip—it's a lifesaver. I've had clients struggle with cash-only stalls, so having both options is smart.
What's one underrated thing to do in Nanjing that most tourists miss?
The Purple Mountain Observatory. It's on Purple Mountain, near the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, but few go. Address: Zhongshan Mountain Scenic Area. Tickets are 15 RMB, open 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. You get panoramic views and a peek into astronomical history. It's quiet, and the walk through pine forests is refreshing. I took a family from Australia there, and they said it was their highlight—no crowds, just peace.
Is Nanjing safe for solo female travelers?
In my years here, I've found Nanjing to be very safe, even at night in well-lit areas like Xinjiekou or around Confucius Temple. As in any big city, keep your wits about you in crowded places for pickpockets. The metro is clean, efficient, and feels secure. For solo travelers, staying in hotels near metro lines 1, 2, or 3 gives you the most flexibility and safety.
Can I visit all top 5 attractions in two days?
You can, but it will be a marathon, not a vacation. The itinerary above covers them in a more humane two-day format. If you try to rush all five in one day, you'll only see them from the outside and be exhausted. I'd prioritize based on your interests: for history, do the Mausoleum, Presidential Office, and City Wall. For culture and vibe, do Confucius Temple, Xuanwu Lake, and the City Wall.
What's the biggest mistake tourists make in Nanjing?
Not checking opening days. Major sites like Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and the Presidential Office are closed on Mondays. I've seen so many disappointed faces at the gates. Always plan your week so you don't schedule these for a Monday. Also, assuming you can buy tickets at the door for everything. For the popular free sites (Mausoleum, Nanjing Museum), online reservation is mandatory.
Do I need to speak Chinese to get around?
Not at all for these top sites. Metro signs and announcements are in English. Ticket counters at major attractions have basic English. For restaurants, use apps like Google Translate's camera function to scan menus, or look for places with picture menus. Learning a few phrases like "nihao" (hello) and "xiexie" (thank you) is always appreciated, but you'll manage fine without.
What's the best way to pay for things?
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay/Alipay) are king. For travelers, your best bet is to carry a reasonable amount of cash (RMB) for small vendors, street food, and markets. International credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted at most mid-range to high-end hotels and some larger restaurants, but don't rely on them for tickets, taxis, or small shops. Withdraw RMB from ATMs at the airport or major banks.
Is two days enough for a classic Nanjing itinerary?
You can hit the absolute highlights in two very packed days: Day 1 as written (Purple Mountain and Fuzimiao), and a condensed Day 2 (Presidential Palace in the morning, Nanjing Museum in the afternoon, skip Laomendong for a quicker dinner near Xinjiekou). You’ll be exhausted, and you’ll miss the leisurely pace that makes Nanjing enjoyable. If you only have 48 hours, I’d suggest skipping the City Wall/Option B on Day 3 and moving Xuanwu Lake to the morning of Day 2 before the Presidential Palace.
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