General Hong Xuezhi Memorial Monument

General Hong Xuezhi Memorial Monument

The General Hong Xuezhi Memorial Monument is a classic site on the red tourism route.

To commemorate the life and achievements of General Hong Xuezhi and to promote patriotic education, the General Hong Xuezhi Memorial Monument was jointly built by the Lu'an Municipal Government, Jinzhai County Government, General Hong’s family, and friends at the Jinzhai County Martyrs' Cemetery within the red tourism base. The monument is located to the left of the Red Army Memorial Hall to honor the great accomplishments of General Hong’s life and serves as an educational base that inspires future generations to strive forward.

Following the principle of adapting to local conditions and after several on-site inspections, and considering the central axis of the existing Martyrs’ Memorial Monument and Memorial Hall as the main line, the axis of the General Hong Monument was set 10 degrees east of the original axis to avoid conflict with the existing structures. This positioning gives the General Hong Monument its own central theme. Incorporating principles of feng shui, the monument backs onto the main mountain range and faces the southeast—positioned on the most optimal terrain to bless future generations. The original landform has been organically integrated with the design, featuring winding paths and walled enclosures. The height difference from the road surface to the first-level plaza is 54 centimeters, symbolizing the 54 years of war after which General Hong served as Vice Minister of the General Logistics Department. From the first level, six steps lead up to the central main plaza, spanning 93 centimeters, representing the 93 years of General Hong’s life journey. The monument plaza consists of one, two, and three platforms, with three, six, and nine steps respectively—ascending in auspicious numbers. Combined with the original ground height of the monument at 194 centimeters, plus a 28-centimeter base and a 168-centimeter body, totaling 196 centimeters, the overall height reaches 390 centimeters, which according to the Lu Ban ruler is an auspicious number (symbolizing success, prosperity, and wealth). The central pathway is paved with locally sourced Wannan Hong granite with a brushed finish, representing a red carpet specially laid out for esteemed and respected leaders, inviting visitors to walk along the warm red carpet toward the main entrance of the monument. The top-level bench-style railing reflects a human-centered design, providing a place for visitors to rest while paying their respects or visiting graves.

The monument base is made of Shanxi Black stone, representing the motherland nurturing a generation of heroic sons and daughters. The lower-level ground surrounding area is finished with a matte texture (matte 374cm * 309cm), with a net size of 368cm * 303cm * 19cm thick. The second-level ground is set back to form a plaza, with the flat surface and surrounding edges all finished with a glossy texture, measuring 368cm * 213cm * 13cm thick. The thickness of the first-level ground is 19cm, and the starting edge around the top is indented by 2cm * 2cm, symbolizing the birth date of the protagonist on February 2, 1913.

The monument base is made of evergreen stone, representing the green mountains and clear waters of the Dabie Mountains that nurtured a founding hero, upheld the hopes of New China, raised a generation of pioneers in military logistics, and supported the nation’s development. The stone is carved with pine trees and pine needles to reflect General Hong’s noble character. The base is 280cm long, symbolizing General Hong joining the army in 1928. The width of 78cm represents the extraordinary leader’s 78-year-long revolutionary and military career through the nation’s most challenging times. From the founding of New China to the reform and opening-up era, the prosperity we see today would not have been possible without General Hong’s lifelong selfless dedication.

The main monument is made of India Red stone, symbolizing General Hong’s life as a red revolutionary and military leader, shining alongside the nation. His great achievements are embodied in the main monument, forever worthy of admiration, and his revolutionary spirit will shine eternally. The length of the main monument is 2006mm, representing the historical commemorative milestone of General Hong’s military career and lifelong contributions to the nation. The bottom thickness of the main monument is 54cm, and the upper part is 26cm thick, symbolizing the 26 years of revolutionary warfare from the democratic revolution until General Hong returned from the Korean War in 1954. Above the main monument is a carved five-pointed star, representing General Hong’s eternal patriotic and people-loving "heart (star)." Below the star are carved two epaulettes, signifying that General Hong was the only one among the older generation of revolutionaries to be awarded the rank of General twice. The middle section of the monument bears the protagonist’s name, with his birth and death dates inscribed below, and the name of General Hong’s wife “Zhang Wen” and her birth date can also be added below. The overall design conveys a peaceful, serene, and benevolent atmosphere.

On the central plaza’s memorial cover lies a crystal white wreath, representing the everlasting remembrance of General Hong by the Party and the people. Only a wreath can express the descendants’ mourning, and it provides a place to lay flowers when visiting the grave. Behind the monument, the upright Party flag accompanied General Hong through his extraordinary years, chronicling his revolutionary journey. His heroic deeds will forever be recorded in history, and General Hong’s spirit remains a model for future generations. Six medals and twelve pillars stand solemnly on both sides of the central plaza. The bases of the pillars are connected by a single piece of Shanxi Black slab, stabilizing the structure while allowing space for inscriptions so future generations can learn about the origins of the medals.