Pingxiang County Anti-Japanese Martyrs Monument

Pingxiang County Anti-Japanese Martyrs Monument

The Pingxiang County Anti-Japanese Martyrs Monument is a cultural tourism attraction.

Pingxiang County in Hebei Province has a rich revolutionary history. In 1937, Japanese invaders implemented the inhumane "Three Alls Policy" in China, and people across the nation rose up bravely. Hongkang Village also formed the 9th Anti-Japanese Brigade. The village was the birthplace of the "Salt Workers' Movement" in southern Hebei. On April 8, 1938, the "First Anti-Japanese Battle in Southern Hebei" broke out here, eliminating over 40 Japanese and puppet troops, while five of our anti-Japanese soldiers died in battle. On the 10th day of the 10th lunar month in 1940, the county's 9th Anti-Japanese Brigade was ambushed by Japanese and puppet forces here, resulting in more than 150 casualties—the most devastating battle in Pingxiang County’s anti-Japanese history. On June 19, 1943, over 150 anti-Japanese soldiers from the 25th Regiment of the 129th Division of the Liu-Deng Army were ambushed by more than 300 Japanese and puppet troops in Xiatian Village. Our soldiers fought valiantly, killing and wounding over 20 enemies, but 18 of our soldiers sacrificed their lives and were buried north of Xiatian Village. After liberation, four martyrs were reburied in their hometowns, leaving 14 martyrs still resting here.

To remember history and honor the martyrs, the Pingxiang County Political Consultative Conference actively expanded its role by establishing the "Pingxiang County Anti-Japanese Historical Materials Collection Group." Over two years, they gathered a wealth of valuable historical materials. In April 2008, at the original battle site—Dongfenghongkang Village, Xunzhao Township, Pingxiang County—the "70th Anniversary of the First Battle in Southern Hebei and Pingxiang County Anti-Japanese Martyrs Monument" was erected, forever enshrining the heroic deeds of the revolutionary martyrs to serve as a warning for future generations.

On both sides of the monument are inscriptions: "The Anti-Japanese Martyrs Shall Live Forever," written by Guo Liwen, former member of the Central Committee, head of the All-China Women's Federation, and Party Group Secretary, and "The Nation’s Indomitable Spirit Shall Endure Forever," written by Sun Guangrui, former Chief Procurator of the Provincial Procuratorate. The inscriptions shine brilliantly under the sunlight.

Address: Dongfenghongkang Village, Xunzhao Township, Pingxiang County