Xihetou Tunnel Warfare Site

Xihetou Tunnel Warfare Site

The Xihetou Tunnel Warfare Site is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, a classic red tourism destination, a patriotic education base, and a national defense education base.

Xihetou Tunnel Warfare Site

Xihetou Tunnel Warfare Site (6th batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units)

Period: 1942–1947

Address: Located within Xihetou Village, 2 kilometers west of Dingxiang County

The Xihetou Tunnel Warfare Site is located 2 kilometers west of Dingxiang County and is one of the two most well-preserved tunnel warfare sites in China. The tunnels were dug starting in the 31st year of the Republic of China (1942) and completed by the autumn of the 36th year (1947), forming three main east-to-west passages totaling 5 kilometers in length. It is an intricate network consisting of 3 main tunnels and 52 branch tunnels. The tunnel system has three levels: the second level houses a command post, rest areas, and storage rooms; the third level includes an intelligence office, weapons depot, and meeting rooms. In addition, there are 22 hidden exits, 8 blockades, 12 traps, 12 maze-like defensive structures, 22 gunports, 10 exit points, 11 entrances/exits, 3 connected wells, 15 bunkers, and 1 elevated fortification. The tunnels feature multiple functions such as waterproofing, anti-gas, anti-smoke, and shooting capabilities. After completion, guerrilla units and local militia used the tunnels flexibly to engage in warfare, repelling multiple attacks from the Kuomintang’s Yan Xishan forces and local armed groups, making an indelible historical contribution to the victory of the People's Liberation War. In 1995, it was among the first group of sites designated as a Provincial Patriotic Education Base and Moral Education Base by the Shanxi Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, the Shanxi Provincial Government, and the Provincial Education Commission. In 1998, it was named a National Defense Education Base by the Shanxi Provincial National Defense Education Committee.

Address: Xihetou Village, Jinchang Town, Dingxiang County

Xihetou Village: Xihetou Village…… Detailed information on Xihetou Village++

Further reading:

· 6th batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units