Site of the First Battle Against Japanese Aggression in South China

Site of the First Battle Against Japanese Aggression in South China

The Site of the First Battle Against Japanese Aggression in South China is a classic red tourism destination.

Site of the First Battle Against Japanese Aggression in South China

According to research, the first battle against Japanese aggression in South China took place in Baimianshi Village, Zhengguo. On October 12, 1938, after landing in Daya Bay, the Japanese army launched attacks on Zengcheng along three routes. On the 19th, Chinese defending forces set up defenses and held their ground in Baimianshi Village at the border of Zengcheng and Boluo. The next day, they fought fiercely against the Japanese army atop Tiger Stone (a mountain name) in the village. Over 130 soldiers from the Nationalist Army were killed in the battle. Currently, on the former site of this first battle, the local government has erected a grand monument to the martyrs of the Anti-Japanese War. The surrounding area features relief sculptures, illustrations, and explanatory texts that recreate the historical events of the war. A small plaza has been built around the monument, enclosed by kapok trees, with a plaque commemorating the heroic deeds. The Hundred Martyrs’ Tomb has also been renovated, landscaped, and adorned with azaleas and phoenix trees, creating a predominantly red-hued memorial landscape symbolizing the blood shed by the martyrs.

Zhengguo Town: Historical Background — The town’s name originates from a shepherd boy named Yu Bin. Legend has it that when he was eight years old, he herded cattle and possessed special abilities that prevented the cattle 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” (meaning “attainment of enlightenment”) and later simplified to “Zhengguo.” During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it belonged to Jinniu District of Zengcheng County. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, it was designated as the Fifth District. In 1958, it was renamed Zhengguo People’s Commune (during the Cultural Revolution period, it was called Qianjin People’s Commune). In 1983, the commune was abolished and replaced with the Zhengguo District. In 1987, it was upgraded to a town. … More detailed information about Zhengguo Town ++