Nanxiong Martyrs' Cemetery

Nanxiong Martyrs' Cemetery

The Nanxiong Martyrs' Cemetery is a cultural tourism attraction and a classic red tourism site.

Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the people of Nanxiong persisted in armed struggle against reactionary forces for a long time. Over more than 20 years of arduous fighting, over 100 villages in Nanxiong suffered severe devastation by enemy troops, with more than 6,000 houses destroyed. The people of Nanxiong made significant contributions to the liberation of the Chinese people.

After liberation, to honor the great achievements of the revolutionary martyrs, in 1958, the Nanxiong Municipal People's Government built the Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery on Wulishan Mountain. In 1988, it was listed as a key memorial building protection unit of Guangdong Province.

The original cemetery faced west with its main gate being a grand archway, above which a wide horizontal plaque bore six large characters: “Revolutionary Martyrs’ Cemetery.” Behind the archway stood two banyan trees, about 35 years old, with lush foliage and swaying green leaves that complemented the cemetery, symbolizing the everlasting vitality of the revolutionary martyrs.

In December 1987, the Nanxiong Municipal Committee and Municipal People’s Government of the Communist Party of China allocated special funds to renovate the Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery, completing the project on the eve of the 43rd anniversary of Nanxiong’s liberation. The renovated cemetery gate faces National Highway 323 and features an ancient-style structure that is grand and majestic. A few meters from the gate stands a stone statue of Comrade Chen Yi, carved in ochre-red. Chen Yi is depicted wearing an octagonal Red Army cap, a Red Army uniform, straw shoes, and a pistol at his waist, gazing into the distance. The base is paved with black granite slabs, with the magnificent verses of “Three Chapters of Meiling” inscribed on the front, and on the back: “General Chen Yi, a heroic figure of China. He fought across Guangdong and Jiangxi, striking fear into the hearts of stubborn enemies. For three years in guerrilla warfare, he endured extreme hardships. Enduring dangers in the Oil Mountains and making a daring escape through Meiling, he used the forests as shields and the collective will as an iron wall. He shattered enemy encirclements with intense valor. Pursuing truth, his heart shone brighter than the sun and moon. Though his merits were great, he never sought glory, leaving wisdom for future generations. His name is celebrated, and his image is engraved in stone for eternal reverence.”

The renovated memorial monument is convex-shaped, standing 26 meters tall. The front of the monument is built with white glazed bricks, while the other three sides are made of pink polished terrazzo. The inscription “Nanxiong People’s Revolutionary Martyrs Monument” was penned by Chen Pixian, former Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. The base is inlaid with granite stone carvings: “In early spring of the Ren Shen year, as all endeavors flourished, the various industries of Xiongzhou spread their wings like a roc. To commemorate the martyrs and inspire future generations, the martyrs’ monument was renovated. The original monument was built in 1953. After 30 years of wind and rain, it has now been restored and heightened by 5 meters, towering majestically into the clouds. It stands as a testament for the century ahead, admired by all people. This is the record.” The entire monument is tall and imposing, majestic and solemn, yet simple and dignified. Pine and cypress trees around its four corners are lush and green, surrounded by flowers and greenery.

On the east and west sides of the monument are statues of worker-peasant militia members, each 2.7 meters tall. The one on the east side is a worker militiaman holding a steel gun, symbolizing the great truth that “political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.” The militiaman also carries a large knife on his back, demonstrating the fearless heroism of the worker-peasant militia. On the west side is a female peasant militiaman, wearing a headscarf typical of rural women in Nanxiong, a traditional farmer’s blouse, and carrying a bamboo hat on her back. She holds a bamboo tube of water in her right hand, symbolizing the welcome extended to the returning Red Army guerrillas. A grenade is tucked into her leather belt, signifying her readiness to support the battle and eliminate any invading enemies at any time.

About 20 meters behind the monument stands a large archway inscribed with eight characters: “Eternal Glory to the People’s Heroes.” The area is quiet and solemn, inspiring reverence. Around Tomb-Sweeping Day each year, people from all walks of life come to the martyrs’ cemetery to lay wreaths and honor the immortal achievements of the revolutionary martyrs.