Xiaoyatou Martyrs' Cemetery

Xiaoyatou Martyrs' Cemetery

Xiaoyatou Martyrs' Cemetery is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Xiaoyatou Martyrs' Cemetery is located within the ancient town of Dong’ahuzhen in Xinyi City. It borders Provincial Highway 323 to the north, overlooks vineyards and strawberry fields to the south, leans against Lintou River to the west, and connects to the "Scholar’s Grove" and the "Han Tombs Museum" to the east, covering an area of 56,000 square meters. The main structures of the cemetery consist of three parts: the Martyrs' Tomb Area; the Memorial Monument Area; and the Memorial Hall Area. The Martyrs' Tomb Area has eight sections, with over 500 tombstones erected and more than 2,000 revolutionary martyrs buried here since the War of Resistance Against Japan. One tomb is shaded by one green pine, accompanying the martyrs in eternal rest, while the eight sections form an octagonal formation, safeguarding the happiness of the people. The Memorial Tower Area features a sculpture of an anti-Japanese hero, a martyrs’ stele, a memorial corridor, and the Memorial Tower. The ten golden characters on the Memorial Tower — “Xiaoyatou Revolutionary Martyrs’ Memorial Tower” — were personally inscribed by General Zhang Zhen, former Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission and founding marshal. The tower stands 19.37 meters tall, symbolizing the fact that the resistance in the Xiaoyatou area began in 1937. The tower is composed of 12 massive granite blocks, representing its completion in 2012. The base of the tower features three white marble anti-Japanese sculptures and an inscription wall, with the text written by the People's Government of Xinyi City. The Memorial Hall Area includes a Reflection Pavilion, Hero Stone, Peace Stone, Memorial Hall, Donation Stele, and Service Center. The Memorial Hall documents the stories of Xinyi-born martyrs and heroes who fought in Xinyi during the War of Resistance Against Japan, the Liberation War, and the Korean War, presented with a rich combination of texts, images, and videos. The cemetery highlights the theme of the War of Resistance, aiming to promote patriotism, nurture heroic sentiment, and serve as a red revolutionary base and an important patriotic education site in northern Jiangsu.

The construction of the cemetery honors heroes, aligns with nature, emphasizes human culture, reflects historical depth, and showcases the spirit of the times. Twenty acres of land with hundreds of century-old cypress trees connect the tomb area with scenic spots. Every pavilion, stele, stone, and character bears the mark of the revolution; every plant, flower, and fruit is enveloped in poetic charm. In the front, there is calligraphy by Chairman Mao; at the back, an inscription by Premier Zhou, each stroke strong and bold, reflecting the great love of the leaders. On the left stands the Hero Stone, on the right the Peace Stone, the two stones standing opposite each other, symbolizing the desire for peace. To the east is the Reflection Pavilion, to the west the Mourning Corridor, both built to honor the martyrs and commemorate the pioneers. To the south is the "Spirit Immortal" stele, to the north the anti-Japanese group sculpture, all intended to educate children and inspire future generations. The materials used are noble, the character refined: the bluestone from Mengshan Mountain is sourced from the headwaters of the Shu River; the minerals from Ahhu reflect the wealth of Xinyi. Over 400 century-old cypress trees form a forest, attracting birdsong from all directions, while dozens of nearly century-old mulberry, willow, elm, and locust trees are scattered throughout. With every step, a tree becomes a scene, leaving visitors in awe. Furthermore, crystal-clear water from Lintou River encircles the cemetery, where the river teems with plump fish and delicious shrimp, with lotus leaves swaying and cormorants still. Along the banks, spring brings weeping willows dancing in the breeze, summer offers dense green shade, autumn fills the air with the fragrance of fruit, and winter sees proud plum blossoms in bloom — stirring endless reverie. It’s not a garden, yet surpasses one. Being here allows one to pay tribute to the revered and cultivate the spirit, as well as to enjoy the green scenery and refine one’s sentiment.

Ahhu is a red revolutionary old base in northern Jiangsu. The people of Xinyi, including those from Ahhu, made tremendous sacrifices for national independence and the liberation of the people, earning widespread respect. They set up a “Stinky Dog Formation” to the east and a “Turkey Formation” to the west, eliminating nearly a hundred Japanese puppet troops — a testament to their intelligence and bravery. Today, in building this cemetery, the people of Ahhu have once again shown their magnanimity, donating over 600,000 yuan and 20 acres of land. Their sentiment is commendable, their resolve admirable. Upon entering the cemetery, a sense of heroism will surely arise; upon leaving and looking back, you will recognize this as a park of heroes, a park of culture, a park of ecology, and a park of spirit.