Xisi Martyrs' Cemetery

Xisi Martyrs' Cemetery

Xisi Martyrs' Cemetery is a cultural tourism attraction and a classic red tourism site.

Xisi Martyrs' Cemetery is located in Xisi Village, Wangfeng Town, Shen County. The cemetery faces south and covers an area of 18 mu. Its main structures include the main gate, two memorial halls, a square, a monument, and a domed tomb. The pathways within the cemetery are lined with the graves of martyrs, including the gravestone of a Japanese defector soldier, Gen Kawasaki, inscribed with the seven characters “International Friend Gen Kawasaki.” The grave is surrounded by lush pines and cypresses, creating a solemn and respectful atmosphere. The memorial halls are built on either side of the main gate, forming a balanced layout, with a total floor area of 300 square meters. They are a hybrid hall-style structure, with a plaque above the entrance reading “Xisi Anti-Japanese Martyrs Memorial Hall.” Inside, the deeds and personal effects of the martyrs are displayed. The Revolutionary Martyrs Monument stands in the center of the cemetery, inscribed with the seven glistening golden characters “Revolutionary Martyrs Monument.”

Wangfeng is situated at the border between Hebei and Shandong provinces. During the Anti-Japanese War, it was a strategic rear area of the Chaobei Anti-Japanese Base, characterized by complex terrain, dense reeds, and thick woods. Coupled with a strong foundation of Party work, it became the command center for resistance efforts in northwestern Shandong and southern Hebei. Facilities such as bomb workshops, field hospitals, clothing factories, paper mills, printing plants, shoe factories, supply depots, banks, and soap factories were established here. A continuous stream of military supplies was transported to the front lines, effectively supporting the war effort. Over the six years from 1939 to 1945, many Eighth Route Army soldiers injured in battle—including the Japanese defector soldier Gen Kawasaki—sacrificed their lives and were laid to rest here.

Wangfeng Town: Located at the junction of two provinces and three counties, it borders Daming County of Hebei Province to the west and Guan County to the north, and is 25 kilometers from the county seat of Shen County. It serves as a gateway connecting Shen County with Hebei. The town administers 41 administrative villages, has a population of 49,000, and covers a total area of 83 square kilometers, including 61,000 mu of arable land.

Wangfeng Town is situated in the old course of the Yellow River and is part of a veteran revolutionary base area. The local people are known for their simplicity, generosity, and sense of honor, and they made unremitting efforts in the construction of New China. The small town has taken initial shape in its development, with rapid progress in road construction, convenient transportation and communication. There are two junior high schools and one vocational... More details about Wangfeng Town++