Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Memorial site in Purple Mountain, Nanjing, China.
Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum rises on the southern slope of Purple Mountain, its buildings aligned on a north–south axis from a granite paifang to the sacrificial hall. The hall, the largest structure, has a double-eaved roof of blue glazed tiles above pale stone walls, and a 4.6-meter white marble statue of Sun seated inside. A 392-step stairway links the lower gate to the hall, with platforms between flights.
Construction began in 1926 following Dr. Sun Yat-sen's leadership of the revolution against the Qing Dynasty, concluding in 1929. It honors his pivotal role in establishing the modern Chinese Republic.
The plan forms a bell, chosen to echo Sun's testament to "awaken the people"; the archway's stone plaque carries his calligraphy of "Bo'ai" (universal love), and the gate bears "Tian Xia Wei Gong". The sacrificial hall's ceiling shows the Kuomintang flag, and the seated statue of Sun is carved from Italian white marble.
The grounds are easy to walk through, with clear pathways leading to the main areas. Wear comfortable shoes since there are several staircases to climb, particularly when ascending to the upper sections.
The sacrificial hall holds a 4.6-metre seated statue of Sun Yat-sen carved from Italian white marble. Its coffered ceiling displays the Kuomintang flag, and biographical panels on Sun are available to visitors inside the hall.
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