Tomb of Zhao Dengyu

　　  Zhao Dengyu (1890–1937) was an anti-Japanese general during the Republic of China period. His courtesy name was Shunchen, and he was from Heze, Shandong Province. He served as a Lieutenant General and commander of the 132nd Division. In 1914, he joined the 16th Mixed Brigade in Shaanxi and later followed its commander, Feng Yuxiang, to Sichuan, fighting in various provinces. From 1922, when he was a platoon leader, he was promoted to brigade commander by 1927. He later became the commander of the 132nd Division of the 29th Army. In January 1936, he was promoted to Lieutenant General. On July 28, 1937, during the battle to defend Nanyuan in Beiping, he unfortunately died a martyr alongside Deputy Army Commander Tong Linge. He was 47 years old. His remains were initially buried on-site along with those of other fallen soldiers of the 29th Army. After the victory of the War of Resistance, the Nationalist government issued a commendation order, posthumously promoting him to General and relocating his remains to be reburied by Lugou Bridge. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Central People’s Government issued a martyr certificate signed by Chairman Mao Zedong to his family.

　　  The tomb of Zhao Dengyu was rebuilt in 1980 on Wenzishan Hill at Dongguan, east of Lugou Bridge. The front of the tombstone is inscribed with: “Tomb of the Anti-Japanese Martyr General Zhao Dengyu (1898–1937).” In 1987, the tomb was listed as a “Municipal-Level Protected Martyrs’ Memorial Structure in Beijing.” In 2003, the municipal and district civil affairs departments jointly funded a comprehensive renovation.

　　  The renovated tomb of Zhao Dengyu is surrounded by lush pine and cypress trees that turn green in spring. Approaching the tomb site, the first thing you see is a stone plaque inscribed with “Introduction to the Tomb of General Zhao Dengyu.” Walking up the stairway, you can clearly see prominent signs in the center of the steps reading “Municipal-Level Protected Martyrs’ Memorial Structure” and “Tomb of General Zhao Dengyu.” Above the tomb marker is a square plaque providing a brief biography of General Zhao Dengyu.

　　  [Location] South of Dawayao Overpass, Lugou Bridge, Fengtai District

　　  [Transportation] Take bus 309, 310, 339, or 748 to Xidao Kou Station, located on the hillside west of the road