Bai Mian Shi Anti-Japanese Martyrs Memorial Pavilion

Bai Mian Shi Anti-Japanese Martyrs Memorial Pavilion

The Bai Mian Shi Anti-Japanese Martyrs Memorial Pavilion is a classic red tourism attraction.

The Bai Mian Shi Anti-Japanese Martyrs Memorial Pavilion in Zengcheng is situated at the junction of Bai Mian Shi and Wu Tou Shi in Bai Mian Shi Village, Zhengguo Town. It was initiated by patriotic individual Wang Yanmen to commemorate the officers and soldiers of the Second Battalion of the Independent 20th Brigade of the National Revolutionary Army who fought to the death against Japanese invaders during the first defensive battle in October 1938. In October 1938, at Tiger Stone Ridge in Bai Mian Shi Village, Chinese forces battled Japanese troops for a full day and night. This battle was one of the most determined acts of resistance carried out by Chinese forces before the fall of Guangzhou. After the battle, local patriotic democrat Wang Yanmen mobilized the public to raise funds to bury the fallen soldiers of the National Army and built the “Anti-Japanese Martyrs Memorial Pavilion.” Inside the pavilion is an inscription by Wang Yanmen: “For the survival of the yellow race, heroes fought the Japanese; they died on the battlefield, leaving behind everlasting glory.” The pavilion features a simple architectural structure, combining brick, stone, and wood. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, it was designated as a county-level cultural relics protection unit. Behind the pavilion, on the hillside, lies a martyr’s cemetery for those who died in the anti-Japanese war—a mass grave for over a hundred people, which houses the remains of more than 130 martyrs from that time.

Zhengguo Town: Historical Background: The name originated from a shepherd boy named Yu Bin. Legend has it that when he was eight years old, while herding cattle, he had special powers that prevented the cows from straying beyond the boundaries he marked for grazing. It is said that he later "attained enlightenment" in this area. In the third year of the Qingyuan era during the Southern Song Dynasty (1198), the Zhengguo Temple was built, leading to the development of a market town, which was initially named “Zhengguo,” later simplified to “Zhengguo.” During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it belonged to Jinniu District of Zengcheng County. In the early years of the People’s Republic of China, it was part of the Fifth District. In 1958, it was renamed Zhengguo People’s Commune (during the Cultural Revolution, it was temporarily called Qianjin People’s Commune). In 1983, the commune was abolished and replaced with Zhengguo District. In 1987, it was upgraded to a town. … More detailed information about Zhengguo Town++