Hengshan Martyrs' Cemetery

Hengshan Martyrs' Cemetery

Hengshan Martyrs' Cemetery is a Suzhou Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The martyrs' cemetery is located on the western foothills of Hengshan Mountain (formerly known as Huangshan) in Hengtang Township on the outskirts of the city, about 6 kilometers from Panmen. It was designated as a Suzhou Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 1963.

The cemetery faces west and is built along the mountain. Construction began in 1954, and it was completed in April 1956, after which the graves of martyrs from outside Xiangmen and Tiger Hill were relocated here. After multiple expansions and renovations, it now covers an area of 93,300 square meters, with green space covering approximately 80,000 square meters. The architectural style of the cemetery reflects local Suzhou characteristics. Along the central axis are steps, a walkway, a mourning platform, and a memorial monument, all constructed from Jinshan granite. A pair of stone lions crouches at the front edge of the mourning platform, and the railing pillars are also carved with small stone lions. The platform can accommodate a thousand people, and at the rear stands the 4-meter-high memorial monument inscribed with the words of Comrade Chen Yi: "To sacrifice for the cause of the people is the greatest glory." On both sides of the platform are neatly arranged martyr tombs in three plazas and five sections, totaling 246 graves, including 8 double graves, interring a total of 254 revolutionary martyrs who sacrificed or passed away during various periods since the founding of the Communist Party of China. At the higher elevation behind the martyr tombs are two hexagonal wooden pavilions, symmetrically placed on the left and right, with soaring upturned eaves that resemble a pair of lofty watchtowers from afar, giving the site a distinctive character.

The cemetery buildings also include a Revolutionary Martyrs' Deeds Exhibition Room, an urn memorial building, offices for the cemetery management office, and protective walls. In recent years, a sculpture of a group of revolutionary martyrs has been added. The Revolutionary Martyrs' Deeds Exhibition Room displays typical stories of heroes and some of their personal effects. The urn memorial building is used to store urns of martyrs who have sacrificed in recent years and veteran cadres who have passed away.

The cemetery is surrounded by lush pines and cypresses, creating a solemn and respectful atmosphere. Backed by steep cliffs, there is a pond several acres wide at the foot of the cliffs called Jingang Pool, whose clear reflections enhance the serene environment, evoking a sense of enduring martyr spirit amidst lofty mountains and deep waters. During the Qingming Festival each year, tens of thousands of visitors come to pay their respects.