Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Youth League of China Square

Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Youth League of China Square

The Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Youth League of China Square is a classic red tourism attraction.

Located at the intersection of Yuexiu South Road and Dongyuan Heng Road, the "First National Congress of the Communist Youth League" Memorial Square is Guangdong Province’s first memorial square themed on the history and culture of the Communist Youth League. With a total construction area of approximately 3,744 square meters, it is divided into eastern and western sections along Yuexiu South Road. The eastern square covers an area of 1,404 square meters and mainly consists of landscaped gardens for visitors to rest and relax; the western square spans 2,340 square meters and features the main sculpture of the memorial square. Not far from the main sculpture is the Volunteer Service Station of the "First National Congress of the Communist Youth League" Memorial Square. The management of activities at the "First National Congress of the Communist Youth League" Memorial Square is conducted through a socially regulated appointment system by organizations, with usage information made publicly available via online platforms and subject to public supervision. There are two ways to make reservations: on-site and online. Organizations planning to hold events at the square must book in advance either through the volunteer service station at the square or by visiting the “Volunteer Time” website, and fill out the “Application Form for Holding Public Welfare Activities at the ‘First National Congress of the Communist Youth League’ Memorial Square.” After overall arrangement, activities may be carried out on-site. All activities held in the square must adhere to the principles of being public-interest oriented, healthy, and civilized. Commercial promotions, exhibitions, and sales activities are prohibited.

Upon visiting the "First National Congress of the Communist Youth League" Memorial Square, the most eye-catching feature is the main sculpture located in the western square. The entire sculpture faces east and consists of two separate bases supporting a Communist Youth League flag above, resembling an open history book. This sculpture was created by the design team of the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts. With a total height of 9.9 meters and made of red sandstone, the “book” shape symbolizes remembering history, promoting glorious traditions, and passing on the spirit of the First National Congress of the Communist Youth League from generation to generation. The giant “book” displays a Communist Youth League flag fluttering in the wind, symbolizing the flag flying high under the leadership of the Party and the vigorous development of the League’s cause. Below the main body of the sculpture is a five-tier, four-level main stage. The stage has a total depth of 5.4 meters, with each step measuring 0.54 meters in depth and the entire stage standing about 0.61 meters high. This design symbolizes the Communist Youth League leading its members and Young Pioneers in striving tirelessly for the prosperity of the nation under the guidance of the "May Fourth Spirit."

Upon closer inspection of the sculpture, six relief images are embedded in the base. On the front of the base, there are inscriptions introducing the site of the First National Congress of the Communist Youth League and the “Oath of Admission to the Communist Youth League.” The other four sides feature reliefs with themes including “Youth Merging into the Tide,” “Heroes Gather at East Garden,” “Establishing Principles to Forge Great Deeds,” and “Pioneers Connecting Workers and Farmers.” “Youth Merging into the Tide” depicts young students upholding the May Fourth Spirit, taking to the streets in support of students in Beijing, and carrying out large-scale actions to spread new ideas and save the nation. The vigorous development of the youth movement laid the ideological and social foundation for the establishment of the League. “Heroes Gather at East Garden” reflects over 1,500 representatives of Youth League members, youth, and workers gathering at East Garden to attend the grand opening ceremony of the First National Congress of the Chinese Socialist Youth League. Zhang Tailei delivered an impassioned opening speech from the podium. “Establishing Principles to Forge Great Deeds” shows the delegates of the First National Congress working together to draft the League’s program and charter, clarifying its leadership core. This congress marked the official establishment of the Chinese Socialist Youth League, becoming a milestone in the history of the development of China’s youth movement. “Pioneers Connecting Workers and Farmers” depicts Youth League members going deep among workers and farmers, distributing the newspaper “The Pioneer” to promote the truths of Marxism and spread revolutionary ideas.