Martyrs' Tomb of the Shamian Massacre

Martyrs' Tomb of the Shamian Massacre

The Martyrs' Tomb of the Shamian Massacre is a cultural relic protection unit of Guangzhou City.

The Martyrs' Tomb of the Shamian Massacre was originally located beside the tomb of Deng Yin Nan on Dabao Hill along Dongsha Road. In 1957, it was relocated to Martyrs' Hill in the Galaxy Revolutionary Cemetery (with the remains of 10 martyrs remaining at the original site due to structural obstructions). It now stands on the right side of Martyrs' Hill in the Galaxy Revolutionary Cemetery. The tombstone is made of granite, with a five-pointed star encircled by two clusters of red flowers carved at the very top, beneath which is inscribed “Tomb of the Martyrs of the ‘June 23’ Shamian Massacre of 1925”. At the lower right, the names of over 40 martyrs including Li Zhi are engraved in intaglio. It also bears the inscription “Relocated and rebuilt on March 30, 1957.”

On June 23, 1925, over 50,000 people from all walks of life in Guangzhou gathered to support the anti-imperialist movement of the May 30th Incident in Shanghai. As the procession passed by Shamian Island—across the river from the British and French Concession—a violent crackdown ensued. British and French troops opened fire, killing 53 people on the spot (including 27 students from the Whampoa Military Academy), seriously injuring nearly 200, and wounding countless others, in what became known as the “Shamian Massacre.” The incident sparked widespread outrage across China. During the national memorial service on September 23, the remains of 47 martyrs were collected and laid to rest on Dabao Hill. The remains of other martyrs had already been properly buried by their families and were therefore not interred in the cemetery.

Further Reading:

· First Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units in Guangzhou City