Former Site of the Second National Congress of the Chinese Soviet Republic

Former Site of the Second National Congress of the Chinese Soviet Republic

The Former Site of the Second National Congress of the Chinese Soviet Republic is a cultural tourism attraction.

In April 1933, after the Provisional Central Government relocated from Ye Ping to Sha Zhou Ba, in preparation for the “Second National Congress of the Chinese Soviet Republic,” it was decided to build a large, beautifully designed temporary government auditorium with symbols of the Soviet Republic in the woods of Lao Cha Ting Village, Sha Zhou Ba.

The auditorium was supervised by the Preparatory Committee for the “Second National Congress,” with Qian Zhuangfei designing the blueprints, and Yuan Fuqin, Director of the General Affairs Office, overseeing implementation. Over 200 technicians and construction workers were selected from Jiangxi and Fujian to carry out the actual building work. Construction began on August 1st. Mao Zedong, Chairman of the Central Government, often visited the site to encourage the workers. The laborers said, “This is the place our elected representatives have chosen—rest assured, Chairman, we will complete the auditorium on time and to the highest quality.” True to their word, the magnificent structure was completed in just four months. Its overall shape is also quite unique—when viewed from above, it resembles the octagonal cap worn by Red Army soldiers. The entire building used 48 wooden pillars, all original large trunks. To prevent detection by enemy aircraft, the tree tops’ branches were left intact, a very creative touch. The auditorium could accommodate over 2,000 people on both its upper and lower levels and had three notable features: first, there were many doors for easy evacuation, with a total of 17 doors around the perimeter; second, the sightlines were excellent—no matter where you sat in the hall, you could see the stage; third, the acoustics were outstanding—you could clearly hear speeches from the stage without a microphone, though you’re welcome to try it out. Additionally, 10 meters north of the auditorium, a doughnut-shaped bomb shelter was built that could hold over a thousand people. Above the main entrance of the auditorium is engraved the 17-character inscription “Auditorium of the Provisional Central Government of the Chinese Soviet Republic,” written in regular script by Huang Yaguang, along with a globe design he created.

From January 22 to February 1, 1934, the Second National Congress of the Chinese Soviet Republic was held in the auditorium. There were 693 official delegates, 83 alternate delegates, and about 1,500 observers in attendance. Each delegate received two mimeographed booklets: Mao Zedong’s “Investigation of Chang Gang Township” and “Investigation of Cai Xi Township.” At the meeting, Mao Zedong delivered the opening address and reported on the work of the Central Government over the previous two years. The Congress discussed and passed resolutions on the “Constitutional Outline,” “Soviet Construction,” “Red Army Construction,” “Economic Construction,” as well as decisions regarding the national emblem, national flag, and military flag. It elected 175 members to the Central Executive Committee, including Mao Zedong, Xiang Ying, and Zhang Wentian, along with 36 alternate members. On February 1st, the “Second National Congress” successfully concluded.

On February 3rd, the First Meeting of the Second Central Executive Committee was held in the auditorium. Mao Zedong was elected Chairman of the Central Executive Committee, and Zhang Wentian was elected Chairman of the People's Committee. The composition of the People's Committee was expanded from the original nine departments and one bureau to include additional ministries for national economy and food supply.

In addition, the auditorium hosted many other important meetings, such as the First National Political Work Conference of the Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army and the Congress of Red Army Families.

After the main forces of the Red Army embarked on the Long March, the 10th and 36th Divisions of the Kuomintang’s Eastern Route Army, which were “encircling and suppressing” the Central Soviet Area, occupied Ruijin and demolished the auditorium. The auditorium was rebuilt in 1956, and its interior now displays restored historical scenes from the “Second National Congress.” It is now a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.