Sun Yatsen Mausoleum

Dr Sun is recognised by the communists and Kuomintang alike as the father of modern China. He died in Běijīng in 1925, leaving behind an unstable Chinese republic. He had wished to be buried in Nánjīng, no doubt with greater simplicity than the Ming-style tomb his successors built for him. Despite this, less than a year after his death, construction of this mausoleum began.

The tomb itself lies at the top of an enormous stone stairway – a breathless 392 steps. At the start of the path stands a dignified stone gateway built of Fújiàn marble, with a roof of blue-glazed tiles. The blue and white of the mausoleum symbolise the white sun on the blue background of the Kuomintang flag.

The crypt is at the top of the steps at the rear of the memorial chamber. A tablet hanging across the threshold is inscribed with the 'Three Principles of the People', as formulated by Dr Sun: nationalism, democracy and people's livelihood. Inside is a statue of Dr Sun seated. The walls are carved with the complete text of the Outline of Principles for the Establishment of the Nation put forward by the Nationalist government, and Dr Sun devotees are often seen copying these principles by hand. A prostrate marble statue of Dr Sun seals his copper coffin.

There's a free shuttle bus (it looks like a red steam train) that goes to the Línggǔ Temple Scenic Area.