Monument to Revolutionary Martyrs of Dajing

Monument to Revolutionary Martyrs of Dajing

The Monument to Revolutionary Martyrs of Dajing is located beside Wangtan Group in Dajing Village, Houjie Town, Dongguan City, covering an area of about 500 square meters. The monument is square-shaped and columnar, standing approximately 10 meters tall, built with marble on the exterior. The front features a piece of black marble inlaid with eight gold-plated characters reading “Eternal Glory to Revolutionary Martyrs,” rendered in bold and powerful strokes. The base has inscriptions on the front and the names of the martyrs on the back. The original monument was built in December 1983 on Duishan (mountain name), opposite Dajing, and was relocated to its current site in 1995 due to the construction of a golf course.

In early 1926, the Guangdong branch of the Chinese Communist Party sent Li Chengzhang from Guangzhou back to Shimashi Market in Dajing to carry out revolutionary activities. He established the Shimashi Branch of the CCP, with Li Chengzhang serving as secretary. At the same time, the Shimashi Peasants’ Association and Peasants’ Self-Defense Army were formed to launch agrarian movements. After the Japanese invasion of South China, Li Chengzhang organized a peasant anti-Japanese militia in his hometown to fight against the Japanese army.

In early November 1940, a reinforced company of Japanese troops along with an artillery unit totaling more than 200 soldiers, stationed in Houjie and Qiaotou in Dongguan, launched a surprise attack on the Third Battalion of the Guangdong People’s Anti-Japanese Guerrilla Forces stationed in Wangtan Village. The Third Battalion fought fiercely with the enemy for four hours. Outnumbered, the guerrillas took positions on the high ground behind Wangtan to cover the safe evacuation of villagers to Dalingshan before retreating from the village. After setting houses on fire and looting, the Japanese carried their wounded and dead back to Houjie. This battle killed or injured over 30 Japanese soldiers. Chen Ding’an, squad leader of the Third Battalion of the Guangdong People’s Anti-Japanese Guerrilla Forces, Huang Yuguang, and soldiers Pan Jingbo, He Guang, and Huang Xi were among those who sacrificed their lives. Five others, including Battalion Commander Chen Qilu, Deputy Battalion Commander Lu Feng, and Squad Leader Zhai Xin of the pistol team, were injured. The Battle of Wangtan (historically known as the Battle of Huangtan) was the first engagement after the Third Battalion of the Guangdong People’s Anti-Japanese Guerrilla Forces moved east from Hailufeng and returned to the enemy-occupied rear areas of Dongguan (Dong) and Bao’an (Bao). Despite being poorly equipped, the battalion bravely resisted the enemy’s offensive, dealt a blow to the arrogance of the Japanese forces, boosted the morale of the people’s resistance, and had a significant political impact in the Dongbao region. The local people said: “The ‘Old Mores’ who fought the Japanese are back.”

In February 1943, Japanese puppet troops repeatedly “swept” through Shimashi. Li Chengzhang led the Shimashi Militia Company in a brave fight but was eventually captured and killed after running out of ammunition and supplies.

The Monument to Revolutionary Martyrs of Dajing is surrounded by lush cypress trees, with undulating mountains in the background covered by dense lychee orchards. Standing amid green hills and trees, the monument appears particularly upright and solemn.

Houjie Town: Houjie Town was first established during the Xuanhe era of Emperor Huizong of the Northern Song Dynasty (1119–1125 AD), boasting a history of over 800 years. Legend has it that Wang Tai from Putian, Fujian, settled here during his official travels and named the place “Houjie” (Back Street) because it was located behind the “Junpu” (a market for military dependents). Over the dynasties, the population grew, industries flourished, and talents emerged. The town also earned its name “Houjie” (Thick Street) due to its honest and kind-hearted residents and abundant, prosperous life. Since ancient times, Houjie has enjoyed thriving commerce and rich natural resources. Its specialties such as Dongguan grass, sausages, and rice noodles are famous both in China and abroad.

Comprehensive Strength: Houjie is located on the eastern bank of the Pearl River Delta, within the Guangzhou–Hong Kong Economic Corridor… Detailed information about Houjie Town++