Nanjing Botanical Garden, Memorial Sun Yat-Sen
In its own language: 南京中山植物园
A historic botanical garden beside Purple Mountain in Nanjing, China
Nanjing Botanical Garden, Memorial Sun Yat-Sen, is a large public garden in Nanjing, China, established in 1929 to honor Dr. Sun Yat-Sen. It features thousands of plant species, research centers, and scenic landscapes, and serves as both a research hub and a popular spot for visitors.
- First national botanical garden in China, founded in 1929
- Home to around 3,000 plant species from 188 families
- Located near Purple Mountain and the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum
- Holds a herbarium with 700,000 botanical specimens
- Linked with botanical gardens worldwide for research and exchange
What is Nanjing Botanical Garden, Memorial Sun Yat-Sen?
This garden covers nearly 186 hectares in the eastern part of Nanjing, set between Purple Mountain and Qian Lake. Visitors find a mix of lawns, wooded hills, lakes, and themed plant collections. The grounds are home to about 3,000 plant species from nearly 200 families, with dedicated areas for ornamental and medicinal plants. The garden is also a center for botanical research and education, and is open to the public year-round.
The history of Nanjing Botanical Garden, Memorial Sun Yat-Sen
Founded in 1929, this was the first national botanical garden in China. It was named in memory of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, a key figure in China's modern history. The garden's name was updated in 1954 to reflect its connection with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Its location near the Ming Dynasty city wall and the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum ties it closely to the region's heritage.
What there is to see
The garden is divided into ten main sections, each with a different focus, such as ornamental or medicinal plants. It also houses a large herbarium with hundreds of thousands of preserved specimens. The grounds are maintained for both scientific study and public enjoyment, with research departments and conservation labs supporting its work.
When to go
People visit the garden for recreation, education, and to see rare and diverse plants. It is a hub for scientific exchange, with partnerships and seed exchanges involving more than sixty countries. The garden is accessible by city buses and metro lines, making it easy for both locals and tourists to reach.
Parts and collections
Within the garden, there are ten specialized areas, each focusing on a different group of plants or research topic. These include sections for ornamental plants, medicinal plants, and ex-situ conservation. The garden also maintains relationships with botanical gardens in the United States, Canada, and Japan.
Why Nanjing Botanical Garden, Memorial Sun Yat-Sen matters
The garden is dedicated to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, reflecting its role in commemorating his contributions to Chinese society. It is recognized internationally through memberships in conservation organizations and by its collaborations with other botanical gardens. Its location and history make it a notable site for both science and culture in China.
Questions people ask about Nanjing Botanical Garden, Memorial Sun Yat-Sen
Where is the Nanjing Botanical Garden, Memorial Sun Yat-Sen located?
It is in the eastern suburbs of Nanjing, China, near Purple Mountain and Qian Lake, close to the historic city wall and the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum.
When was the garden established and why?
The garden was founded in 1929 as the first national botanical garden in China, created to honor Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, an important figure in Chinese history.
What can visitors see at the garden?
Visitors can explore themed plant collections, scenic landscapes, and research centers. The garden features about 3,000 plant species, lawns, lakes, and wooded areas.
Is the garden involved in scientific research?
Yes, the garden serves as a research center with departments focused on ornamental and medicinal plants, plant conservation, and a large herbarium for botanical specimens.
How can people reach the garden?
The garden is accessible by city bus lines 20 and 315, and is near metro stations Muxuyuan (Line 2) and Jimingsi (Line 3) in Nanjing.
Good reading and sources
- Nanjing Botanical Garden, Memorial Sun Yat-Sen on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Nanjing Botanical Garden, Memorial Sun Yat-Sen", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Opening times, prices and bloom dates change: check with the place before you travel. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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