Former Residence of Chen Yi in Pengkeng

Former Residence of Chen Yi in Pengkeng

The former residence of Chen Yi in Pengkeng is a cultural relic protection unit of Jiangxi Province.

The former residence of Chen Yi is located in Pengkeng, Lanxi Village, Chijiang Town, Dayu County, and was the home of Zhou Lan, a courier for the guerrilla forces. The entire building is made of earth and wood, with blue-tiled roofing, and is divided into upper and lower halls with a central courtyard. It covers an area of 200 square meters and is a typical example of traditional Hakka architecture in southern Jiangxi.

Pengkeng is located on the northern side of the oil mountains at the junction of Dayu, Xinfeng, and Nanxiong County in Guangdong. It is backed by high mountains, connects southward to Danan in Nanxiong, exits northward to Chijiang, and neighbors Shangping and Xiaping in Xinfeng to the east. The terrain is rugged, with continuous mountain ranges and dense forests.

In the spring of 1936, Chen Yi arrived in Pengkeng, Chijiang. Initially, he lived in makeshift shelters in areas such as Dayekeng and Shazikeng in Pengkeng, often moving around—spending one night here, another there. Later, when his leg injury flared up again, he set up a simple thatched hut under a large pine tree on the hill behind the home of Zhou Lan, a courier for the guerrilla forces. To facilitate the treatment of Chen Yi’s leg injury, at the request of Zhou Lan and his wife, Chen Yi moved into their home.

From then on, the guerrilla forces often held meetings there to discuss strategies for their struggle.

In October 1934, the main force of the Red Army broke through and began the Long March from the Central Soviet Area. The remaining Red Army troops and local armed forces in the Soviet Area, under the leadership of Xiang Ying and Chen Yi, bravely fought against enemies several times their number to defend the red Soviet regime.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Jiangxi Province