Site of the General’s Temple Blocking Battle

Site of the General’s Temple Blocking Battle

The Site of the General’s Temple Blocking Battle is a classic red tourism attraction.

The Site of the General’s Temple Blocking Battle is located at Shikeng Yangpo Fort in Jiangshang Village, Jiangshang Natural Village, Huangfang Township, Jianning County — 40 li northeast of Jianning County seat. During the Fifth Encirclement Campaign against the Central Soviet Area, the Red Army held this position to block the Nationalist troops’ advance on Jianning County, serving as the northern second line of defense.

After the Battle of Qiujiaya, the Nationalist forces along the northeastern line of Jianning held their positions, waiting for an opportunity. The Nationalist Eastern Route Army launched a westward offensive against the Central Soviet Area. Among them, Tang Enbo’s forces advanced toward Jianning from the Sha County–Jiangle–Taining front. On March 19, Tang’s troops captured Taining County seat, and on the 24th, took Xinqiao, joining up with the Northern Route Army. On April 22, the 88th, 10th, and 4th Divisions of Tang Enbo’s force invaded the eastern side of Jianning, capturing Wan Zhouling on the 28th. By then, Guangchang County had also fallen to the enemy, completing the three-sided encirclement of Jianning from the west, north, and east. Chiang Kai-shek specifically ordered Zhou Hunyuan’s forces, positioned north of Jianning, to advance from Qiujiaya and collaborate with Tang Enbo’s troops in attacking Jianning.

On May 7, three Nationalist divisions — the 5th, 96th, and 98th — under Zhou Hunyuan launched an attack on the General’s Temple. The General’s Temple was a small market town located 40 li northeast of Jianning County seat and served as the Red Army’s second line of defense for protecting the county. Garrisoning forces included the 3rd Division of the 9th Red Army Corps, the 13th Division of the 5th Red Army Corps, and the 15th Division of the 1st Red Army Corps (the Young Communist International Division). In the morning, the enemy’s 5th Division seized Yangjiake Heights and advanced toward Xiyuan Village. The Red 3rd Division promptly moved toward Xiyuan Village to intercept the enemy. The two sides met en route, engaging in fierce fighting until noon, resulting in a stalemate. At 2 p.m., the enemy’s 96th and 98th Divisions occupied Bee Mountain and Fusha Peak north of the General’s Temple, dispatching over a dozen warplanes to heavily bomb the Red Army positions. The Red Army broke through the enemy encirclement and retreated to the Zhanma Fort position.

The Site of the General’s Temple Blocking Battle lies along a commercial and travel route leading from northern Jianning to Lichuan. The terrain here is relatively flat and open, surrounded by rolling hills.

Source: Party History Research Office of the Sanming Municipal Committee

Jiangshang Village: Jiangshang Village is located in the western part of Huangfang Township, within a hilly and mountainous area. It neighbors Anyin Village and Luling Village, is 21 km from the county seat, and 15 km from Huangfang Township.

Village and Residents: The village covers an area of 22 square kilometers, comprising 10 natural villages and 14 villager groups. It has 332 permanent households, a total population of 1,363, a labor force of 812, and 196 villagers working outside the village.

Local Produce and Economy: The village has 3,685 mu of arable land, including 3,433 mu of paddy fields. The mountainous area spans 20,000 mu, including 1,600 mu of bamboo forests and 1,100 mu of fruit orchards... More detailed information about Jiangshang Village ++