Memorial Hall of the Eighth Route Army Headquarters in Matai

Memorial Hall of the Eighth Route Army Headquarters in Matai

The Memorial Hall of the Eighth Route Army Headquarters in Matai is a National AAAA-level Tourist Attraction, a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, a Classic Red Tourism Site, and a Patriotic Education Base.

The Memorial Hall of the Eighth Route Army Headquarters in Matai Scenic Area is located in Matai Town, Zuoquan County, a revolutionary base area. It is 45 kilometers from Zuoquan County and 195 kilometers from Taiyuan, the capital city of Shanxi Province. It is one of China’s 100 Classic Red Tourism Attractions, a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, a National Patriotic Education Base, and a National AAAA-level Tourist Attraction. Currently, the scenic area is divided into two parts: the former site of the Eighth Route Army Headquarters and the Memorial Hall of the Eighth Route Army Headquarters. The headquarters' former site covers a total area of over 20,000 square meters and was opened to the public in 1980. Since 2011, with an investment of more than 20 million yuan, guided by the principle of “restoring as it was to revive the appearance of the 1940s wartime period,” the headquarters compound, Deng Xiaoping’s former residence, and Zuo Quan’s former residence have been renovated. In addition, sites such as the former locations of the CCP Central Committee’s Northern Bureau, the Field Political Department, the Logistics Department, the Northern Bureau Party School, the Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts, and the New China Daily newspaper office have also been restored. This allows visitors to authentically experience the real life of the Eighth Route Army during the resistance war. The Memorial Hall, which broke ground in 2007 and was completed in September 2012, has a total investment of 120 million yuan. It is the thematic memorial hall among Shanxi’s red tourism sites that features the longest exhibition route, the largest number of physical cultural relics, and the most comprehensive content. The memorial hall is located at the foot of the western mountain in Shangmatai Village, Matai Town, echoing and integrating with the former site of the Matai Headquarters. It serves as a patriotic education base that combines education and tourism. The memorial hall covers a total area of 73,000 square meters, with a building area of 6,400 square meters and an exhibition area of 3,800 square meters. The exhibition is spread across three floors: the first floor displays the history of the Eighth Route Army Headquarters, the second floor showcases the historical contributions of Zuoquan County, and the third floor exhibits the history of the CCP Central Committee’s Northern Bureau and the news history of the Taihang region. The main exhibits include: the History of the Eighth Route Army Headquarters, the CCP Central Committee’s Northern Bureau During the War of Resistance, the News Work of the Taihang Revolutionary Base Area, and Zuoquan, the Capital of the North China Anti-Japanese Base Area. A total of over 6,000 physical objects are displayed. The exhibition employs advanced technologies such as sound, light, and electricity, and through a wealth of revolutionary relics and physical materials, it fully showcases the glorious images and revolutionary spirit of the older generation of proletarian revolutionaries who tenaciously fought the enemy and shed blood during the War of Resistance. It highlights the historical significance and important contributions of Zuoquan County during the eight-year war of resistance.

Address: Matai Village, Matai Town, Zuoquan County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province

Tel: 0354-8855002

Matai Town: A town under the jurisdiction of Zuoquan County. Established as Matai Commune in 1958 and upgraded to a town in 1984. Located in the southeastern part of the county, it covers an area of 117 square kilometers with a population of 14,000. The Zuo (Quan) – She (County) Highway, Yang (Quan) – She (County) Highway, and Yang (Quan) – She (County) Railway pass through. It administers Shangmatai, Xiaomatai, Yuntoudi, Nanyao, Shuping, Junzhai, Shangkou, Xiakou, Dongping, Shangnanhui, Xiannanhui, Wujunsì, Caiyuan, Daodi, Daodi, Xiaomukou, Sūgōng, Qianzicheng, Houzicheng, Geliaoshan, ?jgou, Laoshimu, Tuyashang, Pingshu, Nanhagou, Temple… More details about Matai Town++

Further Reading:

· China National Third-Class Museum