Memorial Pavilion for Anti-Japanese War Martyrs at Kunlun Pass

Memorial Pavilion for Anti-Japanese War Martyrs at Kunlun Pass

The Memorial Pavilion for Anti-Japanese War Martyrs at Kunlun Pass is located on the Binyang County side of the Kunlun Pass boundary. Together with the memorial tower on the Binyang and Yongning County border and the triumphal arch on the Yongning County side, it forms an architectural complex commemorating the Nationalist soldiers who died in the Battle of Kunlun Pass during the Anti-Japanese War. Construction began in the spring of 1940 (the 29th year of the Republic of China) and was completed in 1944 (the 33rd year).

The pavilion is hexagonal in shape and built with carved stone. Its base consists of stone steps; six square pillars support the roof, and a carved stone gourd tops the structure, pointing toward the sky.

Inside the pavilion stands a stele inscribed with a text written by Du Yuming, commander of the Fifth Army, detailing the heroic and bloody battle fought by the patriotic soldiers and their martyrdom in this campaign. The memorial archway on the Yongning side bears couplets inscribed by Chiang Kai-shek, Chairman of the Military Committee of the Nationalist Government, and Li Zongren, Commander-in-Chief of the Fifth War Zone.

In recent years, thanks to funding from the People’s Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the site has been carefully restored, appearing even more solemn and respectful, inspiring visitors to remember the martyrs whose legacy endures through history.

Du Yuming (1904–1981), courtesy name Guangting, was of Han ethnicity and from Mizhi County, Shaanxi Province. A renowned anti-Japanese general, he was a lieutenant general in the National Revolutionary Army and a key figure of the Whampoa clique.

In June 1924, he entered the first class of the Whampoa Military Academy. After graduation, he rose to prominence during the Eastern Expedition of the National Revolutionary Army against Chen Jiongming. He held various positions including deputy platoon leader of the academy's instructional regiment, company commander of the student battalion at the Wuhan branch, squadron leader at the Central Military Academy, battalion and regiment commander of the 2nd Instructional Division, as well as brigade and deputy division commander of the 25th Division of the 17th Army. He participated in the Northern Expedition, the Battle of the Great Wall, and the Battle of Shanghai.

19…… Detailed information about Du Yuming ++

Chiang Kai-shek (October 31, 1887 – April 5, 1975), given name Zhongzheng, courtesy name Jieshi. His childhood name was Ruiyuan, his formal name ZhouTai, and his school name Zhiqing. Of ancestral origin in Yixing, Jiangsu, he was born in Fenghua, Zhejiang. He was a prominent political and military figure in modern China, serving as President of the Whampoa Military Academy, Commander-in-Chief of the National Revolutionary Army, Chairman of the Nationalist Government, President of the Executive Yuan, Chairman of the Military Committee of the Nationalist Government, Generalissimo of the Republic of China, Leader of the Kuomintang, Commander of the Three People's Principles Youth League, Supreme Commander of the China Theater of the Allied Forces in World War II, and President of the Republic of China.

Chiang Zhong…… Detailed information about Chiang Kai-shek ++

Li Zongren (1891–1969) was from Lingui, Guangxi, of Han ethnicity. His courtesy name was Delin. He was the head of the Nanning branch of the Whampoa Military Academy. As a senior general of the Nationalist Party, a military strategist, a famous anti-Japanese commander, and a patriot, he once served as Vice President and Acting President of the Republic of China. In 1965 (at age 74), he returned to mainland China from the United States. He passed away in Beijing in 1969.

Zongren and Bai Chongxi were known as "Li Bai." The two were the core of the Guangxi Clique, the most powerful regional military force within the Nationalist Party, and had worked closely together for many years. Initially, they both joined Sun Yat-sen’s revolutionary camp in Guangzhou, and also…… Detailed information about Li Zongren ++