Zichuan Revolutionary History Memorial Hall

Zichuan Revolutionary History Memorial Hall

The Zichuan Revolutionary History Memorial Hall is a classic red tourism attraction.

In 2006, the Martyrs' Memorial Shrine was demolished and the Zichuan Revolutionary History Memorial Hall was newly built. In 2008, the memorial hall was expanded with the addition of a second exhibition hall, and the exhibits were rearranged. The name of the hall was inscribed by the former Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission and Minister of National Defense. A bronze statue of Ma Lixun, a famous demolition hero and one of the national “Top 100” figures, was placed in the square of the memorial hall. The first part of the first exhibition hall is titled “The Spark of Light.” It mainly displays the tragic conditions of the local people under the oppression of the “three big mountains” in the late 19th century, the early activities of the Shandong Party organization in Zichuan, and the miners’ movement.

The second part is titled “The Flames of Anti-Japanese Resistance.” It describes how, after the July 7th Incident, the iron hooves of the Japanese invaders entered Zichuan, where they committed numerous bloody massacres including those at Hedong, Yangzhai, Longkou, and Huangjiayu. Under the leadership of the Party and the democratic government, the people of Zichuan rose up to join the anti-Japanese struggle. A series of famous battles were fought, including the Jishan Breakout, the Defense of Ma’anshan, and the Liberation of Zichuan.

The third part is titled “Prelude to Dawn.” It showcases how, after the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, the people of Zichuan widely carried out movements against traitors, seeking redress for grievances, reducing rents and interest rates, and redistributing land. They shattered the Kuomintang reactionaries’ conspiracy to start a civil war, striving for independence, peace, and democracy, safeguarding the fruits of victory, and “sweeping barns” to gather grain in support of the Chen-Xi Army, which was regrouping and resting in Dahuangdi, Zichuan. Their efforts contributed to the successful completion of the army’s combat missions.

The fourth part is titled “The Rising Sun.” It focuses on the battle scenes of our army’s “five entries and four exits” to liberate Zichuan, as well as the joyful celebrations of the local people, their support for the national strategic campaign, and the warm welcome for the liberation of the entire nation.

The fifth part is titled “Shining Through the Ages.” Using a combination of texts and images, it introduces the deeds of renowned revolutionary martyrs who bravely sacrificed their lives for the liberation and construction of Zichuan, for the liberation and development of the nation, for defending the country, and for maintaining world peace.

The first part of the second exhibition hall is titled “A Glorious Life.” It showcases the heroic deeds of Ma Lixun, the “Special Grade Demolition Hero,” who displayed wit and bravery during the Anti-Japanese battles and skillfully employed techniques such as “covert blasting, clever blasting, aerial blasting, and chain explosions.” It also depicts scenes of Zhang Jingtao leading the people of the Yilin Working Committee in anti-Japanese activities along the Yi River basin.

The second part is titled “Inheriting the Great Cause.” It describes how, since the founding of New China, Chinese Communists working on the land of Zichuan have led the people, who had just escaped the harsh oppression of the “three big mountains,” in overcoming numerous difficulties. They carried out the socialist revolution and socialist construction, achieving great historical accomplishments.

The third part is titled “Creating Glory Again.” It primarily highlights the remarkable achievements in agriculture, industry, commerce, transportation, culture, education, urban and rural construction, healthcare, and other fields in Zichuan over the 30 years of reform and opening up under the leadership and care of the Party. It praises the great Party, the great Chinese nation, and the great people.