Shazhou Red Tourism Scenic Area

Shazhou Red Tourism Scenic Area

The Shazhou Red Tourism Scenic Area is a classic red tourism destination.

The Shazhou Red Tourism Scenic Area is situated in the western part of Rucheng County, with Shazhou Yao Ethnic Village at its core. The area includes villages such as Shazhou, Hantian, Xiushui, Wenshi, and Wuyi, extending from the Xiarong Expressway’s Wenming exit in the northwest to Xiushui Village in the southeast, spanning approximately 3.2 square kilometers. It has been developed into a national 4A-level tourist attraction and a nationally renowned red tourism site based on a "four-in-one" model integrating "red tourism + fruit industry + e-commerce + grassroots organization."

This is a place where red culture is preserved. It includes the former site where the story of "Half a Quilt" took place, the former headquarters campsite of the Central Red Army (including the command post, political department, health department, logistics department, and garrison headquarters), the former site of the Fourth Hospital of the Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army, and the former site of the Central Soviet National Bank. There are also former lodging sites of proletarian revolutionaries from the older generation, including Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, Zhu De, Liu Shaoqi, Peng Dehuai, and Chen Yun. Notable stories include "Half a Quilt" and "The Preciously Preserved Red Army Book." Additionally, the area features red-themed sites such as the Red Army Well, Red Army Tomb, Red Culture Exhibition Hall, and Memorial Square. It was the first place where the manifesto "Where Is the Way Out?" was jointly issued under the signatures of Zhu De and Mao Zedong, and where the Red Army Book was discovered. The Red Army camped and rested here for up to seven days during the Long March, leaving behind a history of deep camaraderie between the army and local people.

This is a place rich in folk culture. Shazhou Village has been designated as a provincial-level historical and cultural village, a traditional Chinese ancient village, and one of Hunan Province’s most beautiful ethnic minority characteristic villages. The area preserves well-maintained ancestral halls and old houses, including the Zhu Clan Ancestral Hall, Luo Clan Ancestral Hall, Zhang Clan Ancestral Hall, ancient bridges, ancient temples, and ancient wells. There are also numerous residences and lanes that reflect the traditional architectural style of southern Hunan, showcasing a unique historical charm.

This is a place of ecological prosperity. With high forest coverage and the Chuishui River and Wenshi River flowing through the region, it features attractions such as Panshi Park, Chuishui River Scenic Belt, sightseeing and fruit-picking gardens, and agritainment complexes, all set against beautiful natural scenery. The area produces over 20 varieties of premium fruits, including Nai plums, crystal pears, passion fruits, bayberries, and loquats, making it an ideal destination for tourism and agricultural experiences.

This is a place with convenient transportation. The Xiarong Expressway and Provincial Highway 324 run through the area, with a highway exit located within the scenic zone. Leveraging the cross-shaped transportation hub formed by the Xiarong and Xiangshen Expressways in Rucheng County, the scenic area significantly reduces travel time and distance to other red tourism destinations such as eastern Hunan, Jinggangshan, Ruijin, and northern Guangdong. This enhances connectivity among various red tourism sites.