The Sun Yat-Sen Memorial in Canton (Guangzhou) is an octagonal building erected between 1929 and 1931 on the southern slope of Yuexiu Park, in Yuexiu district. Financed by the people of Canton and Chinese diaspora abroad, it pays homage to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, the precursor of the Chinese democratic revolution and first president of the Republic of Chine. Its silhouette of blue tiles dominates a large flowering garden in the heart of the city.

Why visit the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial

The memorial combines three points of interest for visitors passing through Canton (Guangzhou) :

• A singular architecture, blending traditional Chinese codes (tiered roofing, exposed wooden framework, glazed tiles) with modern construction techniques of the 1930s.
• A major historical landmark for understanding the end of the Empire and the birth of the Chinese Republic.
• A peaceful garden in the heart of the city, a natural extension of a visit to Yuexiu Park.

Allow 1 to 1.5 hours to tour the building, garden, and interior gallery.

History of the memorial

The memorial was built between 1929 and 1931, on the site of the former presidential palace where Sun Yat-Sen held office. The project was financed by subscriptions from the people of Canton and the Chinese diaspora, a sign of popular attachment to the founder of the Kuomintang and father of the 1911 revolution.

The plans were entrusted to architect Yanzhi Lu, also designer of the Sun Yat-Sen mausoleum in Nanking. He designed an octagonal building topped with a pyramidal roof of blue tiles, with no visible interior pillars: an engineering feat that completely opens up the central hall.

In 1956, a bronze statue of Sun Yat-Sen was installed on the forecourt, facing the memorial hall. The site underwent a comprehensive restoration in 1998, which preserved the original décor while reinforcing the structure.

What to see on site

The main commemorative hall

The heart of the monument is a vast conference hall capable of accommodating several thousand people. The interior framework, supported by a concealed steel structure, allows for a remarkable clear span for the era. The painted ceiling coffers and decorated columns are well worth seeing.

The bronze statue and forecourt

In front of the building, the 1956 statue of Sun Yat-Sen marks the main axis. The forecourt offers the best perspective on the octagonal façade, particularly in the late afternoon when the light reveals the blue of the tiles.

The photographic gallery

Inside, a gallery displays photographs, letters and documents tracing Sun Yat-Sen's life, his years in exile and his role in the Xinhai revolution. Labels are in Chinese and English.

The garden and white jade trees

Around the building, a well-maintained garden is home to century-old white jade trees, seasonal flower beds and shaded paths. It's one of the few peaceful green spaces in downtown Canton.

Practical information

• Opening hours: open daily during daytime. Check before your visit, as hours vary by season.
• Admission fees: moderate admission for the interior hall, access to forecourt and garden generally free. Free for young children.
• Duration of visit: 1 to 1.5 hours depending on your interest in the gallery.
• Good to know: arrive in the morning to enjoy the garden before the heat and access the hall in peaceful conditions.

How to get there

By metro

The easiest way: metro line 2, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall station, exit D. The memorial is visible as soon as you exit.

On foot from Yuexiu Park

From the south exit of Yuexiu Park, pass the Zhongshan Monument, descend the steps and follow the street: you'll arrive at the left side of the memorial. This is the ideal route to combine both sites.

By bus

Many lines serve the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall stop. Check the route on a local app at the time of your visit.

Nearby

The memorial is located in an area dense with sites of interest :

• Yuexiu Park and its Zhongshan Monument, accessible on foot.
• The Zhenhai Tower and Canton Municipal Museum, within the park grounds.
• The historic center and Beijing Lu pedestrian street, a few metro stations away.

To extend a tour in Chine, you can combine Canton with other must-see stops such as the Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai, the West Lake in Hangzhou or the Great Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an.

Frequently asked questions

Include the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial in your trip

The Sun Yat-Sen Memorial is a worthwhile stop during a day in Canton (Guangzhou), to combine with Yuexiu Park and the historic center. To build a custom itinerary integrating Canton and the country's major sites, consult our travels in Chine.