Huangtan Battle Site

Huangtan Battle Site

The Huangtan Battle Site is located in Dakeng Village, Houjie Town, with GPS coordinates: 22°54'51.7"N, 113°45'01.5"E, at an elevation of 60 meters.

In early November 1940, a reinforced Japanese squadron and an artillery unit totaling over 200 troops stationed along the Dongguan (City)–Taiping Highway and in Houjie and Qiaotou villages launched a surprise attack on the Third Battalion of the Guangdong People’s Anti-Japanese Guerrilla Forces stationed in Wangtan Village. The Third Battalion engaged the enemy in fierce combat for four hours. Despite being outnumbered, the guerrillas took up positions on the high ground behind Wangtan Village to cover the safe evacuation of villagers to Dalingshan Mountain before retreating from the village. After setting fire to houses and looting, the Japanese carried their casualties back to Houjie. This battle resulted in the deaths of over 30 Japanese soldiers, while the Third Battalion lost Squad Leader Chen Ding’an, Huang Yuguang, and soldiers Pan Jingbo, He Guang, and Huang Xi. Five others were wounded, including Battalion Commander Chen Qilu, Deputy Battalion Commander Lu Feng, and Handgun Team Captain Zhai Xin. The battle at Wangtan Village is historically known as the “Huangtan Battle.” It marked the first engagement after the Guangdong People’s Anti-Japanese Guerrilla Forces returned from their eastward relocation to Haifeng–Lufeng and came back behind enemy lines in Dongguan (Dong) and Bao’an (Bao). With inferior equipment, the Third Battalion bravely resisted the Japanese offensive, dealt a blow to the enemy’s arrogance, boosted local anti-Japanese morale, and had a significant political impact in the Dongbao region.

Houjie Town: Founded during the mid-Xuanhe period (1119–1125) of Emperor Huizong of the Northern Song Dynasty, Houjie Town has 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” (Rear Street) because it was located behind the “Junpu” (a marketplace for military dependents). Over the dynasties, the population grew, industries flourished, and many talents emerged. Due to the area’s honest and kind-hearted people, as well as its abundant and prosperous life, it later became known as “Houjie” (Thick/Prosperous Street). Since ancient times, Houjie has enjoyed thriving commerce and rich local produce, with specialties such as Dongguan grass mats, sausages, and rice noodles enjoying fame both at home and abroad.

Comprehensive Strength: Located on the eastern shore of the Pearl River Delta and within the Guangzhou–Hong Kong economic corridor... Detailed information about Houjie Town++