Martyr Cao Shengfu’s Tomb

Martyr Cao Shengfu’s Tomb

Martyr Cao Shengfu’s Tomb is a classic red tourism attraction.

Martyr Cao Shengfu’s Tomb is located on Zhai Hill in Shangcao Village (the township center), Caofang Township, Ninghua County.

After the victory of the Second Counter-Encirclement Campaign in the Central Soviet Area, Ninghua began to carry out Party and government construction work. In July 1931, under the guidance of the Red 12th Army, the first three district-level Soviet governments were established in Caofang, Hekou, and Huaiyang (now Huaitu Township, Ninghua County).

Cao Shengfu joined the revolution in 1930 and served as the Chairman of the Caofang District Soviet Government from May to October 1934. During his tenure, he extensively mobilized the masses, actively promoted the Red Army recruitment and frontline support movement, organized young and middle-aged men to enlist and fight, and strongly supported the front lines — achieving particularly notable success in the recruitment and support efforts. In October 1934, due to betrayal by an informant, he was arrested by the enemy in Laohukeng, Shangcao, Caofang, and taken to Li Tianhe Pai for interrogation. Facing the enemy’s attempts at inducement and brutal torture, he remained steadfast and unyielding, resolutely safeguarding the Party’s secrets. He was eventually stabbed to death with a spear by the enemy. The cruel enemies beheaded him and threw his body into the river. He died a heroic death at the age of 33.

After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Cao Shengfu was posthumously recognized as a revolutionary martyr by the Ministry of Civil Affairs of China. His name is recorded in the “Organizational History Materials of Ninghua County, Fujian Province” and the “Martyrs’ Roll of Honor at the Ninghua Revolutionary Memorial Hall.” In June 1953, Cao Shengfu’s descendants built his tomb on the northeast mountainside of Shangcao Zhai, covering an area of 10 square meters, facing southwest to northeast. The tomb was renovated in July 2009, now featuring a stone-concrete structure with cement plastered interior walls, and remains well-preserved overall. A 1.5-meter-high marble stele was erected on the left side of the tomb site, inscribed with the life story of Martyr Cao Shengfu.

Source: Party History Research Office of the Sanming Municipal Committee

Cao Shengfu joined the revolution in 1930 and served as the Chairman of the Caofang District Soviet Government from May to October 1934. During his tenure, he extensively mobilized the masses, actively promoted the Red Army recruitment and frontline support movement, organized young and middle-aged men to enlist and fight, and strongly supported the front lines — achieving particularly notable success in the recruitment and support efforts. In October 1934, due to betrayal by an informant, he was arrested by the enemy in Laohukeng, Shangcao, Caofang, and taken to Li Tianhe Pai for interrogation. Facing the enemy’s attempts at inducement and brutal torture, he remained steadfast and unyielding, resolutely safeguarding the Party’s secrets. He was eventually stabbed to death with a spear... More details about Martyr Cao Shengfu ++