Zhoushan Martyrs' Cemetery

Zhoushan Martyrs' Cemetery

Zhoushan Martyrs' Cemetery is a classic red tourism destination, as well as a patriotic education base and a national defense education base.

Zhoushan Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery is located at the foot of Longfeng Mountain in the northern part of Dinghai, Zhoushan, embraced by mountains and water, and cradled in nature. The cemetery covers an area of 3.6 hectares, with building floor space of 2,829 square meters. Its main commemorative structures—including the cemetery archway, the Martyrs' Deeds Exhibition Hall, the Hall of Loyal Souls, the Octagonal Pavilion, the Memorial Square, commemorative reliefs, the Martyrs' Tomb Area, the tomb of Lin Maocheng (a battle hero of East China), the memorial monument, the tomb of martyrs from the 1385th Unit of the Navy, another memorial monument, the tomb of General Ma Long (former commander of the East China Sea Fleet), the statue of Yang Jingjuan (an anti-Japanese heroine of the East China Sea), and the main Martyrs' Memorial Tower—are arranged in an orderly fashion along the central north-south axis. Together they form a uniquely impressive complex of commemorative architecture, making it a sacred site for revolutionary tradition education.

Zhoushan Martyrs' Cemetery was primarily built to commemorate the revolutionary martyrs who bravely sacrificed their lives during the Battle of Liberating Zhoushan. Construction began in 1959, and it was completed and opened to the public in 1964. From 2001 to 2007, it underwent gradual expansion and renovation. Upon entering the cemetery, the first sight is the grand archway with traditional Chinese garden architectural features. The horizontal plaque above the archway bears the powerful inscription “Sea and Mountains Shine Brighter,” personally handwritten by Mr. Guo Moruo. Passing through the scenic Haishan Park, you arrive at the central memorial area of the cemetery. To the east lies the Martyrs' Deeds Exhibition Hall. In the center of the hall’s main room is an oil painting depicting the sea-crossing battle, flanked by calligraphy from Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping: “To die for the people is to live on in glory,” and “Use the deeds of revolution to educate our descendants.” The exhibition hall displays the names, life stories, historical artifacts, photos, personal effects, summaries of major battles, and exhibits on famous martyrs of 1,393 revolutionaries who died in various revolutionary periods. Across a pool from the exhibition hall stands the solemn Hall of Loyal Souls, where the ashes of several martyrs who gave their lives for the revolutionary cause are laid to rest.

After crossing the Zhonglie Bridge and ascending the steps, you’ll see a spacious and neatly arranged Memorial Square that can accommodate over 5,000 people at once. The ground and wall pillars are paved with granite and equipped with cemetery sound and lighting systems. On the memorial wall of the platform at the front is engraved the inscription “Salute to the Martyrs,” evoking a profound sense of solemnity and sanctity. On both sides are granite-carved commemorative reliefs that vividly reflect the fearless spirit and great patriotism of the revolutionary martyrs who fought relentlessly and sacrificed themselves one after another.

The Martyrs' Tomb Area is divided into two locations, with a total of 143 tombs. Here lie 154 revolutionary martyrs who sacrificed their lives in different periods. At the very center of the tomb area is the tomb of Lin Maocheng, the battle hero of East China, in front of which stands a 6.8-meter-high memorial monument. On the eastern side, atop a 68-meter-high flat hill, is the tomb of the martyrs from the 1385th Unit of the Navy, with a 7.6-meter-high memorial monument at the front inscribed with the life stories of 38 martyrs. To the west is the statue of Yang Jingjuan, an anti-Japanese heroine of the East China Sea. By climbing the stone steps up the mountain to the 161-meter-high peak of Longfeng Mountain, you’ll find a 26-meter-high all-white marble Martyrs’ Memorial Tower standing proudly at the summit. On the front is engraved the calligraphy of Comrade Zhu De: “Eternal Glory to the Revolutionary Heroes Who Sacrificed Their Lives for the Liberation of the People!” The pure white and majestic tower symbolizes that the martyrs’ glorious achievements shine alongside the sun and moon, coexisting with the sea and the mountains.

The cemetery is covered with dense pine and cypress trees, lush bamboo groves, and centuries-old precious camphor trees, dragon cypresses, podocarpus, and nageia. Year-round greenery is accompanied by birdsong and floral fragrance, with babbling streams, tranquil surroundings, and fresh air. It serves not only as a base for people to pay tribute to revolutionary martyrs and receive education in national spirit, integrity, culture, and revolutionary tradition, but also offers visitors a place for sightseeing, resting, and leisure. Within this serene and beautiful environment, visitors can learn, reflect, and find enjoyment, drawing spiritual nourishment from the revolutionary legacy as they recall the past, thus paying heartfelt tribute to the heroes who rest beneath.

Zhoushan Martyrs' Cemetery is a key revolutionary memorial site in Zhoushan City. For nearly half a century since its establishment, it has remained committed to the purpose of “honoring the martyrs and educating future generations.” It actively cooperates with relevant organizations to carry out a series of diverse and innovative thematic educational activities. As a result, its social engagement and educational impact have significantly increased, having welcomed over 4 million visitors from all walks of life.

Meanwhile, the cemetery has continuously strengthened its internal management and infrastructure improvements, further enhancing its appearance and effectively fulfilling its role as an educational platform for socialist spiritual civilization. In January 1988, it was designated as a Protected Unit of Key Martyrs’ Memorial Buildings by the Zhejiang Provincial Government. In November 1994, it was named a “Patriotic Education Base” by the Zhoushan Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government. In 1995, it received the same title from the Zhejiang Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government. In April 2001, it was named a “National Defense Education Base” by the Zhejiang Provincial National Defense Education Committee.