Site of the Jia Shifangzi Ambush Battle

The Site of the Jia Shifangzi Ambush Battle

The Site of the Jia Shifangzi Ambush Battle is a classic red tourism destination.

The Site of the Jia Shifangzi Ambush Battle is located to the north of Wenzi Gou Ridge (also known as Xiao Ye Ridge), 36 kilometers northwest of Ji’an City. This area is a relatively flat section on the northern slope of the Laoling Mountain Range, flanked by high mountains. The Wenzi Gou River flows from south to north, joining the Da Weisha River via the Qinghe River. The Jia Shifangzi battle site includes an approximately 1.5-kilometer-long anti-Japanese guerrilla camp in the Jia Shifangzi Valley (locally called "Shuibiezi Valley") and the former site of the headquarters on the southeastern hillside. Currently, the Ji-Xi Highway runs through this area, with no obvious remnants remaining.

In 1938, in an attempt to eliminate the First Route Army of the Anti-Japanese United Army led by Yang Jingyu, the Japanese puppet authorities transferred the Suo Brigade—known as the “Flower of Manchukuo’s Bandit Suppression”—from Rehao to Ji’an (now Ji’an City) to “encircle and suppress” Yang’s forces. This brigade was a mixed infantry and cavalry unit, comprising the 41st Mongolian Cavalry Regiment and the 32nd Infantry Regiment. Upon arriving in Ji’an, due to the area’s rugged terrain, steep slopes, and dense forests, the cavalry was also converted to infantry. This stubborn enemy, arrogant due to their superior weaponry, rigorous training, and extensive combat experience, held the Anti-Japanese United Army in utter contempt. They traveled from Tonghua to Ji’an, set up camp in Rehao Street, gathered intelligence on the United Army, and prepared for an encirclement operation.

At that time, it was shortly after the conclusion of the Laoling Conference, where Yang Jingyu and Wei Zhengmin’s First and Second Route Army forces had joined up. The troops, having undergone rest and reorganization, saw a significant boost in combat effectiveness. In early June, upon learning that the enemy was planning an encirclement, Yang, Wei, and other leaders carefully deliberated and decided to eliminate this threat. First, Political Commissar Wei Zhengmin led a detachment to attack the puppet police substation in Wenzigou (now Wenzi Gou Village), drawing the enemy’s attention toward the Wenzi area. General Yang Jingyu personally led the main force to ambush the enemy in the valley mouth area southwest of Wenzigou, at Jia Shifangzi, setting up an encirclement in the shape of a pocket.

Upon learning of the attack on Wenzigou, the Suo Brigade dispatched over 300 soldiers from the First Battalion of the 32nd Regiment to the rescue. As the battalion entered the ambush zone set by the Anti-Japanese United Army, the soldiers opened fierce fire on the enemy, pinning them down on the highway. The terrain near the road was low and open, offering no cover, causing the Japanese and puppet troops to descend into chaos, with over half killed or wounded. A portion of the enemy attempted to use roadside trenches for cover and put up stubborn resistance, but they were quickly defeated. The Jia Shifangzi battle completely annihilated the First Battalion of the 32nd Regiment of the Suo Brigade, capturing over 200 enemy soldiers, seizing eight machine guns, more than 130 rifles, and two binoculars. This battle dealt a heavy blow to the arrogance of the Suo Brigade.

This is an important historical site related to Party history.

Source: Party School of Ji’an Municipal Committee