Dalian Soviet Martyrs' Cemetery

Dalian Soviet Martyrs' Cemetery

Dalian Soviet Martyrs' Cemetery is a Liaoning Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Unit and a classic red tourism attraction.

Dalian Soviet Martyrs' Cemetery is located west of Sanliqiao in Shuishiying Town, Lushunkou District. The cemetery was expanded from the original Russian cemetery after the Soviet Army stationed in Lushun in 1945, covering an area of 48,000 square meters, making it the largest foreign military cemetery in China to date. In 1989, the site was designated as a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit.

The Martyrs' Cemetery is located west of Sanliqiao in Shuishiying Town, Lushunkou District. The cemetery was expanded from the original Russian cemetery after the Soviet Army stationed in Lushun in 1945. The so-called Russian cemetery was originally built by the Russians to commemorate the Russian soldiers who died in the Russo-Japanese War, which they launched during their invasion of Northeast China. The cemetery covers an area of 48,000 square meters, making it the largest foreign military cemetery in China to date. In 1989, the site was designated as a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit.

In front of the cemetery gate stands a 39.9-meter-high Soviet Memorial Tower, atop whose base is a majestic 5-meter bronze statue of a Soviet soldier holding a submachine gun. The tower was relocated here in its entirety from Dalian People's Square in 1999. The monument was built before the Soviet Army withdrew from Lushun in 1955. The inscriptions on the monument, written in both Chinese and Russian, read: “Eternal glory to the martyrs who sacrificed gloriously for the freedom and happiness of the peoples of the Soviet Union and China!” The main gate of the cemetery is constructed of polished granite, featuring a simple and solemn design. The symmetrical gate piers are adorned with intricate carvings of wreaths, five-pointed stars, weapons, and the Soviet military flag. Resembling France’s Arc de Triomphe and also like a massive monument, it symbolizes victory and peace, expressing deep mourning for the fallen.

Location: West of Sanliqiao, Shuishiying Town, Lushunkou District, Dalian City, Liaoning Province

Transportation: In Dalian, take bus routes 4, 11, etc., and get off at Heping Guangchang Station.

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Liaoning Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units