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Sun Yatsen's Mauseleum

Dr. Sun Yatsen's Mausoleum is the most famous site located on Purple Mountain. Dr. Sun is arguably China's most famous revolutionary hero. Images of the first president of China and the founder of the Kuomintang party are everywhere in Nanjing. As relations with Taiwan become more tense, the fact that both sides still worship this man is perhaps an optimistic sign that some peaceful resolution can be reached.

Chinese tourists flock to this spectacular sight in hundreds, making their way up the fabulous marble staircase to pay their respects to the founder of modern China. The tomb itself is striking. The blue and white tiles in the Mausoleum symbolize the Kuomintang flag and the walls are decorated with the full text of "The Guidelines for Establishing a Nation" written by Dr. Sun. The tomb is covered by a sleeping statue of the revolutionary hero. There is also a huge tablet here inscribed with Dr. Sun's "Three Principles of the People" : Nationalism, Democracy and People's livelihood.