Site of the Rear Base of the New Fourth Army in the Fujian-Zhejiang Border Region

Site of the Rear Base of the New Fourth Army in the Fujian-Zhejiang Border Region

The Site of the Rear Base of the New Fourth Army in the Fujian-Zhejiang Border Region is a cultural tourism attraction and a classic red tourism destination.

In March 1938, the Rear Base of the New Fourth Army in the Fujian-Zhejiang Border Region was established at Sanqiaotang on Shuitou Street in Beigang, Pingyang, with Huang Gengfu as its director. Operating under a public and legal identity, the rear base carried out extensive work. First, it actively promoted anti-Japanese salvation efforts. Led mainly by students from the Pingyang Shanmen Salvation Cadre School, a mobile propaganda team of over ten members from the New Fourth Army was organized. Through activities such as theatrical performances, speeches, and discussions, they ventured into urban and rural areas across southern Zhejiang to spread awareness, thereby enhancing the influence of the Communist Party and the New Fourth Army. Second, it negotiated with local Kuomintang authorities, resulting in the release of “political prisoners” from prisons in Rui’an, Pingyang, and Tai’xian counties. Third, it mobilized and sent a group of progressive young intellectuals to study at the Yan’an Anti-Japanese Military and Political University, the Northern Shaanxi Public School, and the training unit of the New Fourth Army in southern Anhui. Fourth, it undertook the task of external communication and liaison for the Party organization.

On October 10, 1938, the Wenzhou-Taiwan Command Headquarters of the Kuomintang shut down the New Fourth Army Communication Office in Wenzhou. Out of consideration for the overall anti-Japanese effort and safety, the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese Communist Party voluntarily closed the Rear Base of the New Fourth Army in the Fujian-Zhejiang Border Region.

The Site of the Rear Base of the New Fourth Army in the Fujian-Zhejiang Border Region is located on the campus of Pingyang No. 2 Middle School in Shuitou Town, Pingyang County. Originally the Sanqiaotang on Shuitou Street in Beigang, the site consisted of five wooden bungalows. It was later demolished due to the construction needs of Pingyang No. 2 Middle School, and only a memorial plaque remains at the original location.

The Site of the Rear Base of the New Fourth Army in the Fujian-Zhejiang Border Region is a cultural heritage site under the protection of Pingyang County. It is part of the National Red Tourism Classic Sites — the former sites of the Southern Zhejiang (Pingyang) Revolutionary Base — and is also a national patriotic education base.

Source: Party History Research Office of the Wenzhou Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China