Tomb of Zhao Dengyu

Tomb of Zhao Dengyu

The tomb of Zhao Dengyu is a cultural relic protection unit in Fengtai District.

The tomb of martyr Zhao Dengyu is located on Wenzishan Hill at Dongguan, Lugou Bridge, in Fengtai District. It was designated as a district-level cultural relic protection unit in 1984.

Zhao Dengyu (1890–1937) was an anti-Japanese general during the Republic of China era. His courtesy name was Shunchen, and he was from Heze, Shandong Province. He served as a Lieutenant General and Commander of the 132nd Division. In 1914, he joined the 16th Mixed Brigade in Shaanxi and later followed Brigade Commander Feng Yuxiang to Sichuan, fighting battles across various provinces. From 1922 when he served as a platoon leader, he had risen to the rank of brigade commander by 1927. Later, he became the Commander of the 132nd Division of the 29th Army. In January 1936, he was promoted to Lieutenant General. On July 28, 1937, during the battle to defend Nanyuan in Beiping, he tragically died a martyr alongside Deputy Army Commander Tong Linge. He was 47 years old. His remains were initially buried together with those of other fallen soldiers of the 29th Army. After the victory of the War of Resistance, the Nationalist government issued a commendation order, posthumously promoting him to General and reburying his remains by Lugou Bridge. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Central People’s Government issued a martyr certificate signed by Chairman Mao Zedong to his family.

The tomb of Zhao Dengyu was rebuilt in 1980 on Wenzishan Hill at Dongguan, Lugou Bridge. The front of the tombstone is inscribed with: “Tomb of Martyr General Zhao Dengyu (1898–1937), Anti-Japanese Hero.” In 1987, the tomb was listed as a “Municipal-Level Protected Martyrs’ Memorial Building in Beijing.” In 2003, the municipal and district civil affairs departments jointly funded a comprehensive restoration.

The renovated tomb of Zhao Dengyu is surrounded by lush pine and cypress trees that turn green with the spring. Approaching the tomb site, the first thing you see is a stone plaque inscribed with “Introduction to the Tomb of General Zhao Dengyu.” Walking up the stairway, you can clearly see prominent signs in the center of the steps that read “Municipal-Level Protected Martyrs’ Memorial Building” and “Tomb of General Zhao Dengyu.” Above the memorial marker is a square plaque providing a brief biography of General Zhao Dengyu.

[Location] South of Dawaliang Interchange, Lugou Bridge, Fengtai District

[Transportation] Take bus routes 309, 310, 339, or 748 to Xidao Kou Station, located on the hillside west of the road

Zhao Dengyu (1898–1937), courtesy name Shuncheng, was from Zhaolou Village, Du Zhuang Township, Heze County, Shandong Province. He was an anti-Japanese martyr and a member of the Chinese Kuomintang. In 1914, Zhao Dengyu joined Feng Yuxiang’s forces, serving as his personal guard. He participated in the Northern Expedition and, after the reorganization of the Nationalist Army, returned to serve as Commander of the 28th Brigade. He accompanied Feng Yuxiang in the “Central Plains War.” After the defeat, Feng’s troops were reorganized, and Zhao was appointed Commander of the 109th Brigade of the 37th Division of the 29th Army. On July 28, 1937, he died a heroic death in battle against the Japanese at the age of 39, becoming one of the martyrs of the War of Resistance... More details about Zhao Dengyu++