After the success of the Wuchang Uprising on October 10, 1911, he returned to Shanghai from Europe on December 25 and was elected as the interim president at the 16 provincial congresses on the 29th. He was sworn in in Nanjing on January 1 of the following year to form the Nanjing Provisional Government of the Republic of China. During his tenure, the first constitution of China and the Provisional Constitution of the Republic of China were promulgated. On February 13, under the pressure of imperialism and feudal forces, he resigned as the interim president and was replaced by Yuan Shikai.

On February 15, Sun Yat-sen and all state councilors paid a visit to Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

Sun Yat-sen, Huang Xing and others took a group photo at the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum