Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery

Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery

Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit and a Patriotic Education Base.

Destination Introduction

The "Babaoshan" area is actually a cluster of earthen mounds in Lugu Village on the western outskirts of Beijing. Its western part has long been used as a burial ground, and there is also an Old Mountain Columbarium. In 1950, Comrade Ren Bishi passed away due to illness and was buried on the eastern slope — known as the First Revolutionary Tomb of Babaoshan. Later, Zhang Lan, one of the first vice chairmen of the newly founded People's Republic, passed away and was buried to the right of the tomb. On June 18, 1955, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of martyr Qu Qiubai’s sacrifice, the Party had Qu’s remains moved from Changting, Fujian, and placed to the left of the tomb. This formed the First Tomb Area. Subsequently, the Second and Third Tomb Areas were added. The tomb covers are made of cement, while the tombstones are carved from white marble. There are a total of 535 tombs, all belonging to individuals who contributed to the revolutionary cause. These include martyrs who shed blood and sacrificed their lives, as well as notable figures from the fields of science, education, and culture. The graves of Agnes Smedley and Anna Louise Strong, faithful friends of the Chinese people, are also located here. This site was once called the "Martyrs' Cemetery" but was later renamed the "Revolutionary Cemetery," which is even more fitting.

The Revolutionary Cemetery has long been revered by people both in China and abroad, attracting many visitors and exerting wide and profound influence. However, during the ten years of turmoil, under the fanatical destruction driven by extreme leftist ideologies, 48 tombs were severely damaged. This does not include those tombstones that were toppled, or those engraved or defaced with words such as "spy," "traitor," or "down with." If natural damage is included, about one-third of the tombs needed restoration. Now, in just one year, workers have overcome various difficulties and completely renovated the cemetery area.

Location: Situated at the southern foot of Babaoshan in Haidian District

Revolutionary Columbarium Originally an ancient temple built in the mid-Ming Dynasty, named "Huguo Temple." In the early 1960s, Chairman Mao suggested that all Communists be cremated after death — what later became known as "taking up no land in death." As a result, no new graves appeared in the cemetery area, and the main hall of Huguo Temple was converted into the first room of the columbarium, with urns displayed in chronological order of arrival. When the main hall was filled, the front hall was turned into a secondary room. To date, there are 11 columbarium rooms.

Stepping through the main entrance of the first room of the columbarium, you won’t find dazzling or extravagant decorations, but rather a solemn, respectful, and quiet atmosphere. The first thing that catches your eye is the urn (No. 101) right in the center, on a golden-painted wooden box carved with the image of a soldier — that of Marshal Zhu De. Adjacent to Zhu’s urn (No. 102) is a half-length photo of a smiling soldier without a cap — that of Marshal Peng Dehuai. The urns of Marshals Chen Yi and Luo Ronghuan are also enshrined here. The urn of Marshal He Long, the former commander-in-chief of the Nanchang Uprising on August 1st, happens to be placed at position No. 81.

The columbarium also houses the urns of many statesmen who contributed to the nation’s ideological, economic, and cultural development; many generals who fought in countless battles and achieved remarkable feats; and many renowned scientists, educators, and artists celebrated both in China and abroad... Also enshrined here are the urns of Li Zongren, who returned to the motherland for the sake of unity after struggles, and General Fu Zuoyi, who made great contributions to the peaceful liberation of Beiping.

Take the subway to Babaoshan.

Attraction Location

No. 9 Shijingshan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing

Further Reading:

· Beijing Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Unit (Third Batch)