Home › Travel › Chongqing Geleshan Martyrs' Cemetery

Chongqing Geleshan Martyrs' Cemetery

Published: 2026-11-01 👁 100 views
Last updated 2026-11-01 — Chongqing Geleshan Martyrs' Cemetery, built on the site of the former "Sino-American Cooperative Organization" concentration camp, is located at the foot of Geleshan Mountain in the northwestern suburbs of Chongqing...

Chongqing Geleshan Martyrs' Cemetery

Chongqing Geleshan Martyrs' Cemetery
     Built on the site of the former "Sino-American Cooperative Organization" concentration camp, Chongqing Geleshan Martyrs' Cemetery is located at the foot of Geleshan Mountain in the northwestern suburbs of Chongqing. On November 27, 1949, just before the liberation of Chongqing, the military police of the Kuomintang (KMT) carried out a horrific massacre here, resulting in the deaths of more than 300 revolutionaries who were gunned down heroically.

    Upon entering the main gate of the cemetery, the first thing that comes into view is the former parade ground of the "Sino-American Cooperative Organization." What was once a parade ground is now a beautiful greenbelt, with the large relief sculpture "Immortal" situated in the eastern part of the area. The fearless spirit of the revolutionary martyrs in the face of their enemies has always been deeply admired by the people: “The great achievements of Red Crag go down in history; the spirit of the martyrs inspires future generations. United in building the Four Modernizations, we strive to revitalize China to honor the spirits.” Every visitor here can’t help but be moved by such sentiments.

    To the north of the relief is the main exhibition hall, covering an area of 1,159 square meters. The permanent exhibition, titled "Historical Facts about the 'Sino-American Cooperative Organization' Concentration Camp," reveals in detail the dark and brutal inside story of the KMT military police camps and the Sino-American Special Technical Cooperation Organization through 490 photos, 108 artifacts, and a diorama depicting the “November 27” massacre. It vividly and comprehensively introduces the heroic and indomitable struggle of revolutionary martyrs such as Yang Hucheng, Ye Ting, Jiang Zhuyun, Luo Shiwen, and Che Yaoxian in their fight for the establishment of New China.

    Many people came to know a lovable and resilient young revolutionary—Little Radish Head (whose real name was Song Zhenzhong)—from the movie "Eternity in Flames." Under the extremely harsh conditions of imprisonment, he diligently studied science and culture. His yellow mud chalk and exercise books made from recycled paper have moved countless visitors to pause and reflect: how fortunate today’s children are, able to study in bright, spacious classrooms. And all of this has been bought with the blood and lives of countless revolutionary martyrs—how can we not cherish our happy lives today? At that time, Little Radish Head, along with his parents Xu Linxia, General Huang Xiansheng, Chen Ran, and other martyrs, were imprisoned in the Baigongguan Jail. The martyrs carried out unyielding struggles in prison, leaving behind many moving stories. The poem carved by martyr Zhou Conghua on the prison wall before his execution—“Failure feeds the yellow earth; success saves the living”—demonstrates his unwavering belief in the revolutionary cause and absolute loyalty to the Party, even under inhumane torture.

    Behind Baigongguan is Songlinpo, where the famous anti-Japanese general Yang Hucheng met his tragic end. As visitors continue on, they will see the infamous “Zhazidong” prison. This prison once held over 300 revolutionaries arrested during events such as the June 1st mass arrests of 1947, the armed uprising of the Little Civil Revolution, the "Trend Daily" incident of 1948, and the armed uprisings in Eastern and Western Sichuan—including Jiang Zhuyun (also known as Sister Jiang), He Xuesong, Hu Qifen, and Cai Mengwei. The conditions inside were harsh, with foul air and poor food. Under cruel torture, shackles, and inhumane treatment, the revolutionary martyrs put up a tenacious resistance. Large-scale collective acts of defiance included prison memorial services, Spring Festival celebrations, and study sessions, which greatly lifted the morale of the prisoners and became miracles in the annals of prison history. On November 27, 1949, just before the liberation of Chongqing, the deranged KMT military police carried out a frenzied massacre against the revolutionaries who were awaiting the dawn. The martyrs composed the most solemn and tragic revolutionary anthem with their blood.

    The martyrs of Red Crag—a title that bears the epic characteristics of their era. Under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, driven by the great ambition of saving the nation and its people, and united by a common revolutionary goal, these heroes faced the enemies’ butcher knives with indomitable integrity and the noble spirit of facing death fearlessly. Their heroic composure and calm acceptance of martyrdom set an eternal example for Party members and the people. Their blood heralded the birth of New China, and their heroic epics, written with precious lives, will forever be enshrined in the annals of China's revolution. Their spirit of sacrifice for the revolutionary cause continues to inspire and drive us forward.

Chongqing Geleshan Martyrs' Cemetery isAAAAa AAAAA-level scenic spot

Share

This article is published by HowToTrip. Sharing and reposting are welcome — please credit the source.
Article URL: https://www.howtotrip.net/travel-11029

↑
0