Former Site of the Writing Place of "A Single Spark Can Start a Prairie Fire" (Xiecheng Shop)

Former Site of the Writing Place of "A Single Spark Can Start a Prairie Fire" (Xiecheng Shop)

The Former Site of the Writing Place of "A Single Spark Can Start a Prairie Fire" (Xiecheng Shop) is a classic red tourism destination.

Xiecheng Shop is located in Laifang Village, Gutian Town, Shanghang County, Fujian Province. It is a two-story brick-and-wood structure built in 1922.

On January 5, 1930, Comrade Mao Zedong wrote a nearly ten-thousand-word reply letter to Lin Biao here, addressing Lin's pessimistic view of "how long can the red flag last." In the letter, Mao provided a comprehensive analysis and strong criticism of Lin’s pessimistic thinking, clearly stating that "the development of political power advances in waves." He also emphasized the importance of persisting in rural revolutionary struggles, asserting that only by maintaining such struggles "can the revolution advance." Mao firmly believed that the victory of China’s revolution was inevitable, and that the current "single spark" would soon set the prairie ablaze. These arguments further developed Mao’s concept of "armed agrarian revolutionary base areas." "A Single Spark Can Start a Prairie Fire" marks the formation of Mao Zedong’s theory of encircling the cities from the countryside and seizing political power through armed struggle.

Initially, this letter was distributed under the title "Assessing the Current Situation and Issues Concerning the Red Army’s Actions" for cadres and soldiers of the Fourth Red Army to read and study. When the first edition of "Selected Works of Mao Zedong" was published after the liberation, the letter was retitled "A Single Spark Can Start a Prairie Fire."

Mao Zedong (December 26, 1893 – September 9, 1976), courtesy name Runzhi (originally Yongzhi, later changed to Runzhi), pen name Ziren. A native of Xiangtan, Hunan. He was the leader of the Chinese people, a Marxist, a great proletarian revolutionary, strategist, and theorist, as well as the principal founder and leader of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese People's Liberation Army, and the People's Republic of China. He was also a poet and calligrapher. From 1949 to 1976, Mao served as the paramount leader of the People's Republic of China. His contributions to the development of Marxism-Leninism, military theory, and... More details about Mao Zedong++

Lin Biao (December 5, 1907 – September 13, 1971), Marshal of the People's Republic of China (1955). A military strategist. Originally named Lin Zuodai, courtesy name Yangchun, alias Yurong; also used the names Yurong, Yurong, Youyong, and Li Jin.

Joined the Communist Party of China in 1925; during the Jinggangshan period, he successively served as company commander, regimental commander, army commander, and corps commander; during the War of Resistance Against Japan, he was commander of the 115th Division of the Eighth Route Army; during the Liberation War, he served as commander of the Northeast Field Army, directing major campaigns such as the Liaoshen and Pingjin Campaigns; after the liberation, he held positions including Vice Chairman of the National Defense Commission... More details about Lin Biao++

Laifang Village: Located next to the site of the famous "Gutian Conference," Laifang Village is home to the former writing site of Mao Zedong’s renowned work "A Single Spark Can Start a Prairie Fire"—Xiecheng Shop in Gutian. The village is close to the town center, with convenient transportation just a five-minute drive from the highway. It currently has 10 villager groups, 421 households, and 1,342 residents. The village Party branch consists of 3 party groups with 54 Party members, including 11 female members. There are 6 village cadres, along with one assigned first Party branch secretary and one college-graduate village official from higher authorities. The village has 1,223 mu of arable land and 11,570 mu of forested area. More details about Laifang Village++