Zhejiang Revolutionary Martyrs Memorial Hall

Zhejiang Revolutionary Martyrs Memorial Hall

The Zhejiang Revolutionary Martyrs Memorial Hall is a classic red tourism destination and a patriotic education base.

The Zhejiang Revolutionary Martyrs Memorial Hall is located on Yunju Mountain by the West Lake in Hangzhou, bordering the majestic Wu Hill to the north, neighboring the Wansong Academy to the south, facing the mighty Qiantang River to the east, and overlooking the scenic lake and mountain vistas to the west. To commemorate the martyrs and inspire future generations, the Zhejiang Provincial Committee and Government of the Communist Party of China decided to build this memorial hall in 1985. In December 1987, the foundation stone of the Zhejiang Revolutionary Martyrs Monument was laid, and it was completed in March 1990. In September 1991, the main building of the Zhejiang Revolutionary Martyrs Memorial Hall was built and opened to the public. In October 2003, the official website of the memorial hall was launched. To better promote the deeds of the martyrs and carry forward their spirit, the main building of the Zhejiang Revolutionary Martyrs Memorial Hall underwent expansion and renovation. The project was completed in September 2011, with the basic exhibition opening for trial during the National Day holiday, and the official opening to the public in April 2012.

The memorial complex covers a vast area of over 70,000 square meters. At the entrance to the main ascending pathway, a pair of tall, square granite carved lion-shaped pillars stand guard, along with a white marble-covered wreath altar and a grand “Eternal Heroism” themed sculpture. The main pathway winds uphill through the mountain terrain to reach the summit of Yunju Mountain. The Revolutionary Martyrs Monument, the Monument of Names, and a large-scale group sculpture of martyrs echoing them from afar, together with the main building of the memorial hall, form the main commemorative area. The 27-meter-high monument is clad in white marble, featuring clean lines and a solemn, upright structure shaped like a “sailing ship,” symbolizing the revolutionary struggle in Zhejiang as vessels navigating the Qiantang tides — forging ahead bravely under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. A large bronze relief wall surrounding the east, west, and north sides of the monument stretches 82 meters long and 4.5 meters high, meandering like the Qiantang tidal bore and depicting the heroic history of the martyrs’ struggles over the past century. The Monument of Names bears the names of more than 20,000 revolutionary martyrs from Zhejiang. In front of the monument and the hall, there are two plazas each capable of accommodating over 3,000 people for commemorative activities. During the Qingming Festival, the monument is adorned with countless wreaths, and the plazas are filled with visitors. The main building of the memorial hall sits majestically southeast of the monument and boasts an impressive architectural presence. With a floor area of 5,290 square meters, it houses a lobby, main exhibition hall, closing hall, temporary exhibition spaces, Red Film and Video Gallery, lecture hall, martyrs' archives room, service center, and more. Scattered throughout the memorial site are over 60 stone tablets inscribed with poems and writings by martyrs, reflecting their spirit, ideals, and calligraphy artistry. Their heroic legacy blends harmoniously with the lake and mountain scenery. The site follows a Jiangnan-style garden layout, making it not only a patriotic education base but also a beautifully scenic leisure destination. The pathway is lined with solemn pine and cypress trees, fragrant camphor trees that spread their shade across the hills, and tasteful garden features tucked between the greenery. In spring, azaleas bloom brilliantly, and magnolia flowers shine like snow; in autumn and winter, the air is fragrant with osmanthus, and the leaves glow red with frost. The site also features landmark pavilions such as the Monument Pavilion for Martyrs of the Kuomintang's Zhejiang Army Prison and the Jiyi Pavilion.

Over the past 20 years, the Zhejiang Revolutionary Martyrs Memorial Hall has received 5.18 million visitors from all walks of life, achieving significant social impact. It has been recognized as a Patriotic Education Base by the Ministry of Civil Affairs of China, the Zhejiang Provincial Government, and the Hangzhou Municipal Government. It is also designated as a Zhejiang Provincial Party Member Education and Training Base and a Zhejiang Provincial Party History Education Base. In June 1992, it was listed by the State Council as a National Key Martyrs Memorial Building Protection Unit.