Xuyao Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery

Xuyao Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery

Xuyao Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery is a classic red tourism destination.

In June 1928, Yang Yanbin and Xu Yanxing, villagers from Xuyao, organized armed peasant forces numbering over a hundred to participate in the joint uprising of peasants across Yongjia, Rui’an, and Pingyang counties. In July, the Zhongshan District Committee of the Chinese Communist Party was established. Under the leadership of the district committee, the peasant movement in Xuyao grew even more vigorously. On November 13, 1929, the Zhongshan District Committee and the Xinei District Committee jointly organized an armed uprising involving over 4,000 peasants from 84 villages. They engaged in fierce battles against the provincial security forces and local reactionary militias, and demolished the Kunyang Police Substation. The following May, after the 13th Army of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army was established in Xinanxi, Yongjia, most able-bodied young men from Xuyao joined the Red Army. They fearlessly endured hardships and sacrifices, and with an indomitable revolutionary spirit, fought to the death against the arrogant and brutal Kuomintang reactionaries. Many Red Army soldiers died heroically. The remains of some of these martyrs are now interred at the Xuyao Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery.

Xuyao Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery is located in Xuyao Village, Xuyao Township, Yongjia County. It was initially built in April 1958 and underwent renovations in 1988 and 1992. Covering an area of 200 square meters, the cemetery faces south and is backed by green mountains covered in lush forests. It is situated with a road and farmland at the front. The entire cemetery has a semi-circular layout, with a central tombstone that stands 7 meters tall and bears the inscription “Eternal Glory to Revolutionary Martyrs.” In front of the tomb is a burial platform measuring 14.4 meters long and 9 meters wide. Before the platform is the cemetery gate, which is inscribed with the characters “Martyrs’ Cemetery.” Outside the gate are four steps leading up to the road.

Source: History Research Office of the CPC Wenzhou Municipal Committee