Shen Tou Battle Monument

Shen Tou Battle Monument

The Shen Tou Battle Monument is a cultural tourism site and a classic red tourism destination.

In early 1938, the Japanese invaders, who had been loudly proclaiming their intent to "crush the Taihang Mountains," advanced after clearing the Changheng Highway and subsequently occupied Changzhi, the capital of Shangdang, posing a threat to the key southern Shanxi city of Linfen. Comrade [name redacted] decided to deploy part of the forces to attack the Japanese troops entrenched in the important town of Licheng, thereby luring enemy reinforcements from Lucheng, so as to concentrate three regiments in ambush on the Changheng Highway to wipe out the relief forces and deliver a head-on blow to the arrogant Japanese invaders. On March 16, 1938, Regimental Commander Chen Geng ordered a company-strength force to launch a surprise attack on Licheng. As expected, this drew out the Japanese force under Shimomu Seiichi and Kiyoshima, stationed in Lucheng. When the Japanese troops reached Shen Touling between Lucheng and Licheng, the ambushing Chinese forces—including the 771st Regiment—launched a sudden assault from behind the ridge. After two hours of fierce fighting, the Chinese forces annihilated 1,500 enemy infantry and cavalry at the cost of 200 casualties, and also captured a large amount of military supplies. This marked one of the Eighth Route Army’s first major victories since their campaign in the Taihang Mountains and once again shattered the myth of the "invincible Imperial Army." To commemorate the Shen Tou Battle, in 1988 the People’s Government of Lucheng County erected a monument and a martyrs’ pavilion on the former battlefield. The monument stands 15.8 meters tall and bears the seven golden characters “Shen Tou Battle Monument,” personally inscribed by Marshal [name redacted]. The pavilion also features inscriptions by [names redacted], including Lu Dingyi and others. Surrounded by pine and cypress trees, lush greenery, and blooming flowers, the monument site is solemn and dignified. “The Shen Tou victory echoes through history; the heroes’ valor shines through the ages.” Today, the people of Shen Tou, inspired by the spirit of revolutionary martyrs, are striving to build a modern rural community.