The Dr Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum was built in 1926 in honor of Dr. Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925), who is recognized as the Father of Modern China.  He led the rebellion against the corrupt Qing government resulting in the 1911 revolution which put and end the feudal system. In turn, the Republic of China was founded. The mausoleum is situated at the foot of the south face of Purple Mountain (Zijin Shan, 紫金山), and it has become a must-see tourist destination for all visitors to Nanjing.

The construction of the mausoleum is symmetrical, and it serves as a fine example of classical and modern beauty. Entering the mausoleum in sequence is the torii, the corridor, the gateway, the monument, the memorial hall, and finally the tomb. A long stone stairway of 392 steps leads up to the tomb which lies at the rear of the memorial chamber. Outside the memorial chamber there is a tablet featuring the inscription of the “Three Principles of the People”: nationalism, democracy and people’s livelihood, which were formulated by Dr. Sun.  Inside the hall stand black granite poles and a statue of Dr. Sun sculpted from white marble. Within the tomb a prostrate marble statue of Sun seals his coffin, which was buried five meters underground.
 

Music Stage (Yinyue Tai, 音乐台)
10 yuan entrance fee

Directly to the east of Zhongshan Mausoleum is the music stage.  It isn’t much to see unless you are interested in the music.  The music can even be heard echoing in the forest quite a distance from the stage.  To find the stage, take a right near the ticket booths in the area leading up to Zhongshan Mausoleum. 

Sun Yat-sen and Museum (孙中山书院和纪念馆) 10 yuan entrance fee

Paintings of Dr. Sun and a library can be found in the Sun Yat-Sen Museum. Only those with a deep interest in Dr. Sun should be sure to stop by the museum, otherwise continue on to the Linggu Temple area.