Site of the Mumen Conference

Site of the Mumen Conference

The Site of the Mumen Conference is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit and a classic red tourism destination.

In late June 1933, after crushing the enemy’s “Three Routes Encirclement and Suppression,” the Fourth Red Army expanded its base area, and both the Red Army and local armed forces grew significantly. To strengthen the construction of the Red Army and the revolutionary base, over 100 key political, governmental, and military leaders of the Sichuan-Shaanxi Revolutionary Base, including Zhang Guotao, Chen Changhao, _, and Wang Shusheng, held the famous Mumen Military Conference at Mumen Temple. Historically known as the “Mumen Military Conference,” the meeting focused on summarizing combat experiences from the counter-“Three Routes Encirclement and Suppression” campaign, reviewed the issue of the Red Army's “purges,” decided to halt internal military purges, emphasized the importance of unity within the Party, and resolved to expand four Red Army divisions into four armies. This led to a major expansion and reorganization of the Red Army forces—from 16,000 when they entered Sichuan to over 40,000—and established 23 county- and city-level Soviet governments. As a result, the Sichuan-Shaanxi Revolutionary Base became the second-largest Soviet area in China. The Mumen Conference was a historically significant gathering since the Fourth Red Army entered Sichuan and is considered the “Zunyi Conference” of the Sichuan-Shaanxi Soviet Area.

The Site of the Mumen Military Conference is located at Mumen Temple, halfway up the mountainside south of Mumen Town, Wangcang County, about 38 kilometers from the county seat. Originally named Laoguan Temple, Mumen Temple was built during the Southern Liang Dynasty, destroyed in the Sui Dynasty, and rebuilt in the Tang Dynasty. Surrounded by towering ancient trees and lush bamboo, it lies in deep serenity, with Qinglong Fort standing guard behind it and Jinyu River winding below. Monks there chanted sutras devotedly, and the daily tolling of bells and drums created flourishing incense-burning activity.

The existing temple complex follows a traditional quadrangle layout, covering an area of 3,375 square meters, with a floor space of 1,190 square meters. Built against the mountainside and facing north, the main hall dates back to the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, while the side rooms were constructed after the Liberation. The entrance gate features six large Chinese characters—“Site of the Mumen Conference”—personally inscribed by Marshal _. The main hall, consisting of five rooms, displays revolutionary relics left by the Red Army. Hanging above the main hall’s entrance are inscriptions by comrades _ and _. In May 1985, _ wrote: “Carry forward the glorious traditions of the Red Army and develop the old revolutionary base areas well.” _ inscribed: “Inherit the spirit of hard struggle, overcoming difficulties, and the fearless courage of the revolutionary martyrs who sacrificed their precious lives.” The side rooms serve as the “Revolutionary Relics Exhibition Room of the Mumen Conference of the Fourth Red Army,” showcasing hundreds of pieces of revolutionary relics including the nation’s only stone slogan carved by the Red Army, “_ Global,” among other artifacts from the Soviet period. The Site of the Mumen Conference is a provincial-level cultural relics protection unit, having applied for recognition as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, and also functions as a National Patriotic Education Base for Youth.

On October 7, 2019, the Site of the Mumen Conference was included in the eighth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Further reading:

· Eighth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units