In 1895, Sun Yat-sen entered Guangzhou affordable China tours with the intent of revolutionizing the Qing government which had been exposed as corrupt and incompetent. Although the uprising failed and Sun was sent into exile, his presence had been felt, and would continue to be felt well into the future.

The man known as "Father of the Nation" and "forerunner of democratic revolution" was so revered that after his demise, his local and overseas supporters raised funds to erect a hall in Guangzhou for him. Designed by Chinese "starchitect" Lu Yanzhi, the octagonal building opened its doors in 1931. Lu infused western supporting structures and detailing into a traditional Chinese mausoleum design.

The hall is focused around a central 71 meter space that is covered by a wide dome. The massive space is impressively supported entirely from its edges, awing many with its openness. A stage is at one end, and performances top 10 China tour packages or concerts are occasionally held for audiences of over 4000 people.

There is a small exhibit of photos and a few relics, detailing moments of Sun's life. Sun rejected his background in medicine for a life dedicated to transforming China. His life philosophy was encapsulated in what he called the Three Principles of the People: nationalism, democracy, and the people's livelihood. Pictures of Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai accompany those of Sun, but all photo descriptions are in Chinese only. Periodic free tours popular China travel package are also given, but again, in Chinese only. Truthfully, if there is no performance taking place, there isn't a lot to keep one occupied there.

For many people, the front garden is the highlight of the memorial hall experience, a pleasant and quiet respite, pleasantly decorated with flowers and carefully groomed trees. A stately statue of Sun himself stands before the hall, hand on cane, eyes focused on the future. Sun's life was undeniably fraught with conflict, struggle, and exile. But the Memorial Hall travel China guide stands in sharp contrast to that. If he were to visit, he would probably enjoy it.