Yangshan Ancient Town International Military Tourism Resort

Yangshan Ancient Town International Military Tourism Resort

Yangshan Ancient Town International Military Tourism Resort is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Situated in the revolutionary old base area of southwestern Shandong, Yangshan Ancient Town International Military Tourism Resort is located in Yangshan Town at the northwest of Jinxiang County, known as the "hometown of garlic," "hometown of integrity," and "hometown of longevity." The resort was originally the Yangshan Martyrs' Cemetery, established on the battlefield of the Southwestern Shandong Campaign — the Yangshanji settlement. In 1947, under the leadership of Liu Bocheng and Deng Xiaoping, the Shanxi-Hebei-Shandong-Henan Field Army breached the Yellow River defenses and advanced into southwestern Shandong, launching the famous Southwestern Shandong Campaign. Among its battles, the Battle of Yangshan was the most pivotal and fiercest engagement. The victory in this campaign paved the way for the People's Liberation Army to push into central China, leap into the Dabie Mountains, and take the war into Kuomintang-controlled territories. It marked the beginning of the PLA’s strategic shift from defense to offense, signifying a great turning point in the Chinese People’s War of Liberation and creating favorable conditions for the eventual nationwide victory. In 1952, to commemorate the revolutionary martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the Southwestern Shandong Campaign, the Jinxiang County Party Committee and County Government constructed the Yangshan Martyrs' Cemetery here. In 1997, with approval from higher authorities, the cemetery was renamed the Southwestern Shandong Campaign Memorial Hall. Building on this foundation, in 2009, the Jinxiang County Party Committee and County Government, in accordance with the “Eleventh Five-Year” tourism development plan of Jining City and the overall tourism development plan of Jinxiang County, fully integrated and utilized Yangshan’s abundant natural resources, profound historical culture, and significant revolutionary history to create the Yangshan Ancient Town International Military Tourism Resort.

The newly planned Yangshan Ancient Town International Military Tourism Resort is designed with landscapes of mountains, waters, and an ancient town as its foundation, themed around military tourism and cultural experiences of the ancient town, supplemented by activities such as rural sightseeing, cultural exhibitions, and sports challenges. It serves as a military tourism resort that caters to both mass tourism and the leisure needs of mid-to-high-end visitors. The total planned area spans 15 square kilometers, with an estimated investment of 2.24 billion yuan, developed in three phases. The main construction includes six functional zones: the Theme Cultural Memorial Area, Ancient Town Cultural Experience Area, Battle Simulation Area, Adventure Sports Area, Geological Park Area, and Agricultural Eco-Leisure Area. There are five primary tour routes: war and military history, theme culture, ancient town folklore, sports adventure, and rural leisure. Ultimately, it aims to become an international military-themed tourism resort, a national red tourism destination, a hub for ancient town culture and unique geological landscapes in the Su-Lu-Yu-Wan region, a destination for experiencing the regional charm and local culture of southwestern Shandong, and a high-end residential leisure area for Jining, Jinxiang, and surrounding regions.

(1) Theme Cultural Memorial Area: Located in the central part of the resort, covering approximately 0.62 square kilometers, it was developed on the original site of the Yangshan Martyrs' Cemetery. Leveraging the area’s rich red tourism resources, it highlights military culture, Buddhist culture, and Han culture through key projects such as the Southwestern Shandong Campaign Memorial Hall, Jinxiang Military Culture Museum, Wang Jie Memorial Hall, Weapons Park, and the reconstructed Chongde Temple. It promotes red tourism and serves as a patriotic education base for youth.

1. Southwestern Shandong Campaign Memorial Hall: Covering 123 mu (approximately 8.2 hectares), with a total floor area of over 6,000 square meters, it consists of two parts: the Southwestern Shandong Campaign Exhibition Hall and the Panoramic Painting Hall. Utilizing modern technologies such as sound, light, and electricity, it presents the entire course of the Southwestern Shandong Campaign, from the daring crossing of the Yellow River by the Liu-Deng Army to the victorious conclusion marked by the Battle of Yangshan. The memorial hall displays numerous precious historical photos, telegrams, letters, and other revolutionary relics, including handwritten telegrams from Chairman Mao Zedong to Liu and Deng, a group photo after crossing the Yellow River, photos from the journey into the Dabie Mountains, and inscriptions from over 50 veteran generals and leaders who participated in the campaign, such as Liu and Deng. Historical materials also include books, military histories, photo albums, audio, and video recordings related to the battle.

2. Jinxiang Military Culture Museum: Spanning 100 mu, with a total floor area of 4,500 square meters, it showcases major events and achievements in military history involving Jinxiang and Yangshan, helping visitors understand the military and economic significance of the area throughout history.

3. Wang Jie Memorial Hall: Covering 66 mu, with a main building area of 3,000 square meters, it was built to commemorate Wang Jie, a heroic soldier and beloved son of Jinxiang. The memorial hall is grand in scale, with a total height of 16.8 meters and a length of 84 meters. The main structure is supported by 48 pillars, symbolizing Wang Jie’s heroic moment as he threw himself onto a live grenade. The exhibits are rich, detailed, and include many previously unpublished materials from the 45 years since his sacrifice. The hall features rare historical documents, realistic and moving displays, and advanced high-tech presentation methods, reaching top-tier standards among domestic museums.

4. Weapons Park: Covering over 30 mu, it currently displays weapons such as the Dongfeng-2 missile, T-34 tank, An-26 transport plane, H-5 bomber, and J-6 fighter jet, with applications for additional equipment underway.

(2) Ancient Town Cultural Experience Area: Located in the southwest of the planned area, encompassing the main body of Yangshan Ancient Town, it covers 1.58 square kilometers. Integrating cultural experience with high-end residences, it features two main zones: a tourism and commercial district and a high-end residential area. Leveraging the abundant ruins and heritage resources of the ancient town, it showcases a long historical lineage, explores local customs, restores historic shops and workshops, and offers visitors a new experience of exploring history, understanding traditions, and immersing in the past.

(3) Battle Simulation Area: Located in the northwest of the resort, covering 3.09 square kilometers, it includes the Thirty-Six Stratagems Theme Park, Chinese Warfare Park, and World Warfare Park, highlighting the profound wisdom of the ancient military treatise Thirty-Six Stratagems by the Southern and Northern Dynasties general Tan Daoji from Jinxiang. International and Chinese historical battles are presented using various methods. Different CS (counter-strike) battle simulations are offered based on terrain, including jungle, mountain, urban alley, tunnel, and water combat. Additional activities include model airplane parks, orienteering treasure hunts, and water-based jungle adventures. Through interactive participation, visitors can experience the strategy of warfare and gain military knowledge.

(4) Adventure Sports Area: Located in the eastern part of the resort, spanning 2.01 square kilometers, it consists of a military training center and a quality development base. It utilizes existing resources to establish a militia training base and conduct military training programs. Additionally, responding to the growing demand for self-driving tours, fitness, and outdoor activities, it develops programs such as orienteering, auto camps, outdoor adventure bases, and go-kart experiences.

(5) Geological Park Area: Located in the western part of the resort, covering 0.76 square kilometers, the park features picturesque lakes and mountains, and rugged rocks. Attractions include Cao Gong Pavilion, landscape bridges, tourist docks, lakeside roads, pedestrian walkways around the lake, and China’s longest millstone path. The mountain lake covers over 400 mu, dotted with small islands that complement the surrounding rocky shores, forming a unique and beautiful landscape of water, stone, and forest. The park is surrounded by a rare collection of Han Dynasty tombs, which hold high historical and archaeological value.

(6) Agricultural Eco-Leisure Area: Located in the northeast of the resort, spanning 1.52 square kilometers, it capitalizes on local resources to promote farming culture, showcase agricultural technology, offer rural living experiences, savor local cuisine, and enjoy pastoral scenery. Facilities include fruit and vegetable picking gardens, farmhouse inns, water markets, and leisure docks, providing visitors with a unique countryside experience.

As one of the “five major sectors” in Jinxiang County’s economic and social development layout and a key project at both municipal and county levels, the resort established its management committee in June 2009, officially launching development. Currently, the main projects of the first phase are nearing completion and will soon open to the public. The second phase has commenced, with some projects already underway. To date, the resort has received a cumulative investment of 200 million yuan, with over 100,000 square meters of green space developed and 15 kilometers of new roads constructed. The Wang Jie Memorial Hall has been fully completed and is ready for opening. Renovation and exhibition setup for the Southwestern Shandong Campaign Memorial Hall and Jinxiang Military Culture Museum are in full swing, with completion expected in April. The ancient town section has completed 16,000 square meters of main construction and is set to open in October. The main hall of Chongde Temple has been finished. The Thirty-Six Stratagems Theme Park and quality development base will soon begin construction.

With accelerated development, the resort has grown in scale, visibility, and influence, playing an increasingly prominent role in patriotic and revolutionary education. It has become an important window for spiritual civilization in southwestern Shandong and a well-known red tourism destination. Each year, it attracts over 400,000 visitors. During this year’s Qingming Festival, visitor numbers hit a record high, with 350,000 people visiting and over 200,000 on Qingming Day alone, playing a significant role in educating the public, especially youth, about revolution and ideology. In 2009, it was named a “National Patriotic Education Base” and a “National Defense Education Demonstration Base.” In 2010, it was selected as part of the second batch of “National Red Tourism Classic Scenic Areas” by the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Finance, and National Tourism Administration, and passed the national AAA-level scenic area evaluation. In early 2011, it was included in the “Shandong Province Top 100 Service Industry Key Projects” and as a key provincial and municipal project for that year. Recently, it was honored as one of the “Top Ten Tourist Attractions in Jining City” by the Jining Municipal Party Committee and Government.

Address: Near the Yangshan Town Government, Jinxiang County, Jining City

Business Hours: 9:00—16:30

Visiting Time: Approximately 3 hours

Resort Website: www.yangshanchina.com

Ticket Price: 40 RMB per person

Featured Attractions: Monument to the People’s Heroes, Southwestern Shandong Campaign Memorial Hall, Weapons Plaza, Wang Jie Memorial Hall, Military Culture Exhibition Hall, Geological Park

Guide Fees: Full tour guide: 100 RMB per session; Southwestern Shandong Campaign Memorial Park: 30 RMB per session; Southwestern Shandong Campaign Memorial Hall: 30 RMB per session; Wang Jie Memorial Hall: 20 RMB per session; Military Culture Museum: 20 RMB per session; Geological Park: 30 RMB per session

Visitor Service Center: The resort’s tourism service center is a comprehensive hub equipped with complete facilities and thoughtful services. It includes computer touchscreens, film and video introduction systems, resting areas for visitors, and offers consultation, guided tours, complaint services, as well as maps, guide devices, and promotional materials. It also clearly displays service fees and free offerings.

Yangshan Town: Located in the heart of southwestern Shandong, in the northwest of Jinxiang County — the “hometown of garlic” — at the junction of Jining and Heze cities, and bordering Jinxiang, Jiaxiang, and Juye counties, the town covers 76.8 square kilometers (116°01'4" E, 35°01'0" N). It enjoys convenient transportation and dense river networks, with the Nanxie Line running east-west and Yangma Road passing through. It lies 9.1 km east of National Highway 105, borders Wanfu River to the south, and is 15 km from Jining Airport. The town governs 62 administrative villages, 98 natural villages, 68,000 mu of arable land, and has a population of 52,000, predominantly Han Chinese... More details on Yangshan Town++