Liudan Pavilion on Diancui Islet

Liudan Pavilion on Diancui Islet

Liudan Pavilion on Diancui Islet is a cultural relic protection unit of Huizhou City and also serves as a patriotic education base.

Era: Republican Period

Liudan Pavilion in Huizhou is located on Diancui Islet in West Lake, downtown Huizhou. It was built in the 2nd year of the Republic of China () to commemorate the 15 martyrs, including Chen Jing, who sacrificed their lives during the “Battle of Ma'an” in the Huizhou Uprising of the Xinhai Revolution. The pavilion’s name “Liudan,” meaning “retain the red heart,” is derived from a line in Wen Tianxiang’s poem: “Since ancient times, who has not died? Let me leave a loyal heart to shine in the annals of history.”

In 1916, the pavilion was converted into a tower; in 1927, the tower was damaged and rebuilt as Zhongshan Pavilion; in 1935, the pavilion was reconstructed and retained the name “Liudan,” also known as “Martyrs’ Pavilion.” In 1959, it was again changed into a tower, covering an area of 380 square meters, with a ground plan in the shape of a Chinese character “工” (work). The tower roof combines the solemn and elegant hip-and-gable style with the gently sloping rolled shed design. Inside, a surrounding corridor connects all sides, featuring white stone railings, yellow osmanthus trees, red walls, and blue tiles. The entire structure is nestled within lush green foliage. The plaque above the main gate inscribed with the three characters “Liudan Pavilion” was handwritten by Liao Chengzhi. The wooden couplet in front of the gate reads: “A faint coolness wafts from the eaves; breathing in the lake’s shimmer and the mountain’s green. / Heaven and earth hold upright qi; retain the loyal heart to shine in the annals of history.” The couplet was composed by Dongguan scholar Chen Jinghong, drawing lines from Su Shi and Wen Tianxiang. In front of the main gate, there is also a stone engraving of a poem by Liao Chengzhi, documenting his experiences in Huizhou during the wartime rescue of cultural figures stranded in Hong Kong.

After the Wuchang Uprising in 1911, members of the Huizhou Alliance organized a militia uprising against the Qing Dynasty. They captured Danshui and marched to Ma'an Market, laying siege to Huizhou. Chen Jing, a student at Huizhou Middle School and a member of the Alliance, led over ten classmates to join the uprising. On November 3, Chen Jing led a vanguard unit of 14 people, including Zhong Shengzhao, Zhong Guanfeng, He Tanfeng, Zhou Liancai, Lin Xiongjiao, Huang Sheng, and Yan Chuanchang, advancing to Dashiqiao. They were met with fierce resistance from a large Qing army force. Over ten militiamen were killed or wounded, and three, including Chen Jing, were captured and executed. On the 16th, Huizhou was liberated.