Former Site of the New Fourth Army Headquarters in Nanchang

Former Site of the New Fourth Army Headquarters in Nanchang

The former site of the New Fourth Army Headquarters in Nanchang is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit and a classic red tourism destination.

The former site of the New Fourth Army Headquarters in Nanchang was built in 1915 as the residence of warlord Zhang Xun during the Beiyang government era. It consists of two brick-and-wood buildings and a single-story house, representing a blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles.

On January 6, 1938, the New Fourth Army Headquarters was stationed here, where it accomplished the challenging task of forming the New Fourth Army. The army, composed of guerrilla fighters from eight provinces, emerged from the mountains and forests, embarking on the northward journey to resist the Japanese invasion. It became a backbone of resistance in Central China and made immortal contributions to the liberation of the Chinese nation.

Due to its significant historical value, the former site has been designated as a Provincial-Level Cultural Relics Protection Unit and a Provincial Patriotic Education Base. Currently, there are four exhibitions on display at the site:

The first is the Restoration Exhibition of the New Fourth Army Headquarters, showcasing the offices and living quarters of New Fourth Army leaders such as Ye Ting, Xiang Ying, Zeng Shan, Huang Dao, Zhou Zikun, Deng Zihui, Chen Pixian, and Lai Chuanzhu, along with photo exhibits of their lives.

The second is the large-scale exhibition "The Iron-Willed New Fourth Army," divided into four sections: "Mighty Forces Emerging from the Mountains"; "Heroes Gathering in Nanchang"; "Resisting the Enemy Across the Great Rivers"; and "The Everlasting Spirit of the Iron Army." It comprehensively and systematically presents the glorious combat history and heroic achievements of the New Fourth Army from its establishment in 1937 to its reorganization into the East China Field Army in 1947.

The third is the "New Fourth Army Woodcut Exhibition," displaying 60 woodcut works created during the War of Resistance and preserved to this day.

The fourth is the Architectural Art Corridor Exhibition of Zhang Xun’s Residence.

During its time in Nanchang, the Headquarters not only organized the reorganization of the Eighth Route Army and guerrilla forces from eight southern provinces into the New Fourth Army and directed various units to gather in southern Anhui, but also widely carried out activities for the Anti-Japanese National United Front and the resistance movement. It restored and developed grassroots Party organizations, sent large numbers of young people to the front lines, and transformed the once-quiet Nanchang into the "Yan'an of the South." On April 4, the Headquarters left Nanchang for the front lines. The New Fourth Army Jiangxi Office moved from Dongshuyuan Street to Zhang Xun’s Residence, continuing its work alongside the Central Southeast Bureau that remained in Nanchang until March 26, 1939, just before the fall of Nanchang.

Address: No. 7, Youzhu Garden, West Lake District, Nanchang City

Phone: 0791-6255202

Postal Code: 330003

Transportation: Take bus routes 5 or 25 to Fusu Road Intersection

Further Reading:

· National Second-Class Museum of China

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units