Shuyang County Martyrs' Cemetery

Shuyang County Martyrs' Cemetery

Shuyang County Martyrs' Cemetery is a classic red tourism destination and a patriotic education base.

Shuyang Martyrs' Cemetery is a memorial site located on Suzhou East Road in Shuyang County, Suqian City, Jiangsu Province. Situated along the ancient Qianshu River and in the southeastern suburbs of Shuyang City, it was built in 1958 by the Shuyang County People's Government to commemorate the heroic deeds of revolutionary martyrs and inspire future generations to uphold their revolutionary spirit. The cemetery stretches 250 meters from north to south and 120 meters from east to west, covering an area of 40 acres. Initially, there were only three martyr graves. After three expansions in 1963, 1975, and 1985, it now includes various commemorative structures such as a memorial tower, monument, pavilion, and the Revolutionary Martyrs History Exhibition Hall.

Nestled along the ancient Qianshu River and in the southeastern suburbs of Shuyang City, this serene site is adorned with lush pines, cypresses, blooming flowers, and greenery — the Shuyang Martyrs' Cemetery.

Approaching this solemn and sacred place, visitors are greeted by a grand white arched gate facing south, commanding deep respect. The golden characters “Shuyang Martyrs' Cemetery” atop the gate shine brilliantly under the sunlight. On both sides of the gate are black marble plaques engraved with couplets in the calligraphy of Jiang Hua, quoting Chairman Mao’s poetic lines: “Because of sacrifice, the spirit soars; we dare to change the sun and moon for a new sky.” These powerful words stir the heart and ignite reverence and remembrance for the revolutionary martyrs.

To honor the great contributions of the martyrs and pass on their indomitable revolutionary spirit, in 1958, the Shuyang County People's Government designated this site for the establishment of the cemetery. It spans 250 meters from north to south and 120 meters from east to west, covering an area of 40 acres. Originally, there were only three martyr graves. After three expansions in 1963, 1975, and 1985, it now houses a range of commemorative structures including a memorial tower, monument, pavilion, and the Revolutionary Martyrs History Exhibition Hall.

Monument to the People's Heroes

Upon entering the cemetery gate, visitors are welcomed by a tranquil expanse of verdant pines, lush grass, and the refreshing fragrance of evergreens. Directly connected to the gate lies a memorial square with a straight cement path leading to the solemn and majestic square-shaped Monument to the People's Heroes. Standing 18 meters tall and built in 1975, the monument sits atop a two-tiered square base. Its top follows the traditional Chinese pagoda design with sloping ridges, offering a classic and elegant appearance. The lower section of the shaft, about two meters high, is constructed from rectangular granite blocks. Each side is inlaid with eight decorative sunflower carvings, symbolizing the martyrs’ unwavering loyalty to the Party. The front of the monument bears the golden relief inscription “The People's Heroes Live Forever.” The left side reads in relief: “Eternal glory to the people's heroes who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of mankind.” The right side similarly honors: “Eternal glory to the people's heroes who died for the socialist revolution and construction,” with 27 golden characters. The back features the inscription “Monument to the People's Heroes” and related text. The area around the monument is shaded by pines, cypresses, plum, and winter jasmine blossoms, representing everlasting vitality and eternal commemoration.

Tomb of Martyr Wu Lingsheng

Aligned along the same central axis as the Monument to the People's Heroes and approximately 30 meters to the north lies the tomb of Martyr Wu Lingsheng. The circular grave mound is fronted by a 4-meter-high marble stele, erected in June 1963 by the CPC Shuyang County Committee and the Shuyang County People's Committee. The front bears the regular script inscription “Tomb of Martyr Wu Lingsheng,” while the back details his life story. Wu Lingsheng was born in 1899 in Yanji Township, Shuyang County. While studying in Beijing in 1919, he participated in the May Fourth Movement. In February 1923, he joined the Socialist Youth League of China and soon became a member of the Communist Party. That same year, he was sent by the Party, represented by Li Dazhao, to study at the Communist University of the Toilers of the East in Moscow. He returned to China in 1925 and was assigned by the Party Central Committee to carry out work in the Northeast. He held positions including Secretary of the Harbin Special Branch, Secretary of the North Manchuria District Committee, Special Commissioner for the Three Northeastern Provinces, and Organization Minister of the Manchuria Provincial Committee. In the winter of 1929, following Party instructions, he transferred to Shandong to serve as Secretary of the Shandong Provincial Committee. In February 1930, he was arrested by the Kuomintang reactionaries in Jinan due to betrayal. Despite torture, he remained steadfast and was executed along with 21 comrades on April 5, 1931, at the age of 32.

In May 1962, with approval from the Jiangsu Provincial Committee, the CPC Shuyang County Committee and Shuyang County People's Committee relocated Martyr Wu Lingsheng’s remains to Shuyang Martyrs' Cemetery. To honor his legacy and promote cultural and ethical progress, in April 1994, the CPC Shuyang County Committee and County Government erected two statues of Martyr Wu Lingsheng in the North Park and the National Defense Garden of the Youth Square in downtown Shuyang, ensuring his memory endures for generations.

Martyrs' Memorial Pavilion

Not far north of the Monument to the People's Heroes and symmetrically positioned 30 meters from the central axis on both the east and west sides, stand two octagonal memorial pavilions. The western pavilion houses four martyr monuments. These were relocated in 1985 with approval from the county government from North Park. They include: “Monument to Martyr Tang Shuhong, Captain of the Third Regiment, Longhai South Advance Detachment, Eighth Route Army,” “Martyrdom Monument to Song Yaonan and Sun Dongchu, Captains of the Seventh Regiment, Huaihai Military Sub-district,” and “Martyrdom Monument to Chief District Officer Ren Mingjiu.” Each monument tells a heroic epic, chronicling the extraordinary deeds of revolutionary martyrs. Martyr Tang Shuhong was widely known across Shuyang, Donghai, Guanyun, and Guannan. Born in 1915 in Tanggou Town, Shuyang County (now part of Guannan County), he pursued revolutionary ideals during his school years. In the early days of the War of Resistance Against Japan, under the CPC’s leadership, he organized self-defense teams and the Chinese National Liberation Vanguard, and in April 1939 formed the Third Regiment of the Eighth Route Army’s Longhai South Advance Detachment, serving as its captain. He led vigorous resistance efforts. The ambush at Wulihuai against Japanese forces achieved an early victory, greatly inspiring anti-Japanese morale. Tragically, Tang Shuhong was killed by Kuomintang diehards before this young force could fully mature. Though he lived only to 24, he shines like a bright star forever in the hearts of the people.

Within the western pavilion, two monuments inscribed with “Glory Illuminates Jinping” and “Authority Shakes Tonghai” express the deep admiration and love local people had for the heroic captains Song Yaonan and Sun Dongchu. In July 1943, Song Yaonan, captain of the Seventh Regiment, Third Detachment, Huaihai Military Sub-district, was fatally wounded while directing frontline operations during the siege of Sangxu enemy stronghold and died at just 30. In his honor, the Huaihai Administrative Office renamed Liyi District to Yaonan District. Sun Dongchu, who succeeded him as regimental commander, also died heroically in battle during the attack on Caizhuang in August of the same year. The loss of two regimental commanders in one month highlights the cruelty of war and the hard-won nature of revolutionary victory.

The eastern pavilion also houses four martyr monuments, commemorating fallen heroes from the Liberation War period, including those of the “116 Martyrs” and the “Seven Heroes of the Chaimi River.” The “116 Martyrs Monument” commemorates a fierce three-day battle in October 1946 near Qianji Township by the Liuhe River, where 116 soldiers of the New Fourth Army’s 16th Regiment sacrificed their lives fighting Kuomintang forces to defend the liberated zone. In September 1954, a monument was erected on the battlefield. It was rebuilt in 1978 and again in 1985 in the newly constructed eastern pavilion. The “Seven Heroes Monument” recalls an incident on June 16, 1947, when over 400 enemy troops and reactionary militias besieged the local government office in Zhongwan Township. Led by instructor Zhang Jiexing, 17 comrades fought back bravely, repelling nine enemy charges and killing over 20 attackers. Seven of them, including Zhang Jiexing, died in battle. Their bravery led to a regional campaign in their honor, and Zhang was posthumously recognized as a model Party member. In March 1983, the Shuyang County Government erected a monument in their memory.

About 20 meters north of the eastern pavilion lies the martyrs’ burial area. The tombs face south and are arranged in two rows, interring the remains of 16 revolutionary martyrs including veterans of the Red Army and Eighth Route Army from various eras. Approximately 40 meters north of the burial area is a five-room brick-and-tile structure with corridors that serves as a columbarium, housing the ashes of 17 martyrs. Towering, verdant cedar trees stand guard like loyal sentinels and offer a dignified canopy over the resting place of heroes.

North of the western pavilion lies a three-acre flower nursery and bonsai garden cultivating a variety of plants. The cemetery currently hosts over 100 species of flora, enhancing its beauty and generating supplementary income.

Revolutionary Martyrs History Exhibition Hall

Beyond the flower garden, at the rear of the cemetery, stands the newly built Revolutionary Martyrs History Exhibition Hall, designed in classical ethnic style with upturned eaves, brackets, and purple-glazed tiles, presenting a majestic sight. As a revolutionary base area, Shuyang lost a total of 4,350 martyrs across various periods. The hall displays the life stories of 25 martyrs and 43 portraits, along with revolutionary relics such as the inscription by Chu Tunan, former Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, honoring Martyr Wu Lingsheng: “Devoted wholeheartedly to the people, infinitely loyal to the revolution.” Among the portraits, one female revolutionary stands out.

She is Wang Hua, former Deputy Director of the Women’s Federation in Zhouji District, Shuyang County. Born in 1929 into a poor farming family, she joined the revolution at 15 and held leadership roles at village, township, and district levels, organizing women to make military shoes, grind flour, deliver intelligence, and transport the wounded. She joined the Communist Party in August 1946. In late April 1947, while working in a village, she was surrounded by Kuomintang militias due to betrayal. To protect the villagers, she stepped forward. Captured and tortured in Qianji stronghold, she remained resolute. Neither money nor threats swayed her. She was eventually executed at just 18. Soon after her death, thousands attended her memorial service, where she was posthumously honored as a “Liu Hulan-style Hero.”

Also featured in the exhibition hall is Liu Jinzuo, a volunteer soldier from Liu Village, Sangxu Township. Born into a farming family in 1944, he enlisted and was awarded the title “First-Class Hero.” During the Korean War, as a company commander, he fearlessly led his men against enemy attacks. In January 1951, during the Battle of Longwan Peak, U.S. forces advanced with tanks and infantry. After losing four demolition volunteers, Liu courageously crawled toward the tanks with explosives, destroying three before sacrificing himself. His comrades destroyed the remaining tanks and won the battle. He was posthumously honored as a “First-Class Combat Hero.”