Former Site of the Battle at Laolongzhaiding during the Liberation

Former Site of the Battle at Laolongzhaiding during the Liberation

The Former Site of the Battle at Laolongzhaiding during the Liberation is a classic destination among China’s red tourism sites.

The Former Site of the Battle at Laolongzhaiding during the Liberation is located at Zhaiding in Laolong Town, Longchuan County.

Laolong is situated in the northeast of Guangdong and is an important town on the upper reaches of the Dongjiang River, with considerable military significance. On April 21, 1949, Chairman Mao Zedong and Commander-in-Chief Zhu De issued the "Order to March on the Whole Country" to the People's Liberation Army nationwide. Boosted by the nationwide victory momentum and the inspiration from the "Five Battles, Five Victories" in the Jiulian area, the revolutionary base gradually expanded from mountainous regions into urban areas.

On the night of May 13, 1949, the rebel forces of the 13th Security Regiment entered Laolong and surrounded the headquarters of the Nationalist 4th Security Division stationed in the town. The East River Column’s Second Detachment of the Dongjiang and the rebel troops issued an ultimatum to Peng Jianlong, deputy commander of the 4th Security Division defending Zhaiding in Laolong, ordering him to lay down arms and surrender before noon. Relying on the defensive fortifications at Zhaiding, Peng put up fierce resistance while urgently requesting reinforcements from Liao Yingjia, deputy commander stationed at Dongshui in Heping, the 196th Division stationed in Heyuan City, and the Nationalist authorities in Guangdong.

At noon on the 14th, one battalion of the rebel forces from the 13th Security Regiment launched a fierce assault on the headquarters of the 4th Security Division, bombarding the defenders at Zhaiding with multiple mortars and direct-fire guns. Supported by heavy and light machine guns, the rebel troops surrounded Zhaiding and engaged in intense combat for over six hours. The 4th Security Division held firm using various buildings and awaited reinforcements. By evening, the two battalions of the 5th Security Regiment stationed in Heping under Liao Yingjia’s command, which were marching to reinforce Zhaiding, were ambushed and defeated at Wushiba, just four kilometers away from Laolong, by the main forces of the East River Second Detachment lying in wait. By the morning of the 15th, seeing no hope of reinforcement and having been wounded himself, Peng Jianlong had no choice but to hoist a white flag and surrender. Of his more than 700 troops, all surrendered their weapons except for over 30 who were killed. The battle resulted in the capture of two mortars, four heavy machine guns, four light machine guns, 26 submachine guns, over 600 rifles, and a large quantity of ammunition and military supplies. The county seat at the time, Tuocheng, had also fallen under rebel control the day before, and Huang Xuesen, the Nationalist magistrate of Longchuan, was captured.

Laolong Town: Laolong Town is located in the southern part of Longchuan County, situated along the upper reaches of the Dongjiang River. It serves as the political, economic, cultural, and transportation hub of the entire county. The town covers a total area of 15.4 square kilometers. Its terrain is higher in the northeast and lower in the southwest, surrounded by mountains on three sides, with the west bordering the Dongjiang River.

Laolong has long been a hub for merchants. Since June 1, 1949, it has been the location of the county government. It is said that Laolongzhaiding was once a strategic stronghold used by Zhao Tuo of the Qin Dynasty to defend Longchuan. Originally called “Laolong,” it was renamed “Laolong” (老隆) in the 27th year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1688). After the liberation, it was designated as Laolong District; in 1958, it became Laolong Commune; and in 1983, it was restructured into Laolong Town. Currently… More detailed information about Laolong Town++