Former Site of the "Ten-Person Reading Club" Activity

Former Site of the "Ten-Person Reading Club" Activity

The former site of the "Ten-Person Reading Club" activity is a classic red tourism attraction.

The former site of the "Ten-Person Reading Club" activity is located at the foot of Bishan Mountain, about 200 meters outside the east gate of Qingliu County town, within the Tang Dynasty-era Jinlian Temple situated beside Provincial Highway 204.

In March 1949, Wang Zhenbang, a CPC member from Qingliu, along with others, was sent by the underground CPC organization to secretly return from Fuzhou to Qingliu to carry out underground work. In April, using various personal connections — including classmates, fellow townsmen, and clan relations — he connected with over ten progressive youths, including Chen Jianhui, Zou Shengji, Chen Jianbang, Zeng Jiaju, Zhang Yutang, Wang Chuansan, Luo Huigao, Zeng Chengxun, and Deng Fuzhao. They held a secret meeting at Jinlian Temple to discuss the establishment of an underground CPC organization called the "Ten-Person Reading Club." Their mission was “to read together, pursue progress, connect with youth, organize guerrilla forces, and promote the early liberation of Qingliu.” They actively mobilized people across urban and rural areas, launched the “Three Resistances” struggle against rent, taxes, and conscription, and used club members as the core to strengthen the Party’s organization and develop underground armed forces under its leadership. At the same time, they worked to persuade high-ranking officials in the Kuomintang-controlled Qingliu County government to switch sides, directly contributing to the defection of Huang Naisheng, the head of the Qingliu County Consultative Council, among others, and playing a significant role in the peaceful liberation of Qingliu.

Jinlian Temple is one of the Eight Ancient Scenic Spots of Qingliu. Legend has it that it was first built during the Wude era (620 AD) of the Tang Dynasty under the supervision of the eminent monk Dingguang, making it the oldest ancient temple in Qingliu. The temple was renovated in the sixth year of the Shaoxing era of the Song Dynasty (1136 AD), and underwent further repairs in the fourth year of the Zhizheng era of the Yuan Dynasty (1344 AD). A Buddhist hall was established in the 24th year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1391 AD). It was later destroyed by fire several times and rebuilt. The current structure was reconstructed after 1980. After multiple renovations and expansions, it now covers an area of over 10,000 square meters, with a construction area of more than 8,000 square meters.

Source: Sanming Municipal Party History Research Office