Former Site of the Tianshixin Military Reorganization Meeting during the Nanchang Uprising

Former Site of the Tianshixin Military Reorganization Meeting during the Nanchang Uprising

The former site of the Tianshixin military reorganization meeting during the Nanchang Uprising is located in Tianshixi Village, Tianshizhen Town, Anyuan County, dating back to 1927. In March 2018, it was designated as part of the sixth batch of provincial-level cultural heritage protection units in Jiangxi Province.

On the afternoon of October 21, 1927, the remaining forces of the Nanchang Uprising led by Zhu De, marching from Sanheba, Guangdong, toward the Hunan-Jiangxi border, stopped at Tianshixin in Anyuan County. By this time, the troop strength had dwindled from tens of thousands to just over a thousand. The soldiers were demoralized, confused, and disorganized, facing the risk of disbandment.

On October 22, Zhu De, the leader of the troops, met with Chen Yi, Wang Erlie, and others and decided to hold a general assembly to reorganize the army. In the evening, Zhu De held a military meeting on the riverbank at the northern end of Tianshixin. The meeting lasted over an hour, during which he gave a profound analysis of the political situation at the time, painted a bright picture of the inevitable progress of the revolution, and inspired deep conviction and emotion. His words illuminated the darkness for his comrades and strengthened their confidence in victory. Subsequently, the troops were reorganized into a single column of over 800 men, with Zhu De as commander, Chen Yi as political instructor, and Wang Erlie as chief of staff. Later, this force overcame numerous hardships and arrived at Jinggangshan to join forces with Mao Zedong, forming the foundation of the People’s Liberation Army, which gradually grew into a powerful military force.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Jiangxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Units