Site of the Red Army Outpost Fortifications at Tongmuling

　　   Because of its rugged terrain, it was once a formidable pass, but now it’s a scenic wonder. The Tongmuling Outpost Fortifications are located in Mayao on Tongmuling, standing out like “a crane among chickens,” with convenient access for advance and retreat, and mutual support on both sides. Now, this outpost has been fully restored to its original appearance, along with the construction of a memorial pavilion and a poetry stele inscribed with poems by Comrade Mao Zedong.

　　   There are five major outposts on Mount Jinggang, surrounding Ciping. These outposts are situated amid steep peaks and deep valleys, making the terrain extremely treacherous. They serve as five key routes leading to Mount Jinggang. They are Huangyangjie Outpost to the north, Bamianshan Outpost to the south, Shuangmashi Outpost to the southwest, Zhushachong Outpost to the south, and Tongmuling Outpost to the east and west. Amid the deep gorges of these outposts, one can see eagles soaring halfway up the mountains — a truly magnificent sight.

　　   Among the five major outposts, Shuangmashi Outpost stands at an elevation of 1,286 meters. It gets its name from two large rocks stacked on top of each other at the summit, resembling two galloping horses. The surrounding forests are home to many wild peach trees, whose blossoms bloom as late as the fourth lunar month. Tongmuling Outpost is at an elevation of 860 meters, covered with a forest of tung trees that bloom every year, covering the mountains in a sea of flowers. Zhushachong Outpost forms a north-south standoff with Huangyangjie, and a stream of red water flows down its cliffs, which is how it got its name. All five major outposts are now listed as National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units and are open to the public.

　　   Among the five major outposts, Shuangmashi Outpost stands at an elevation of 1,286 meters. It gets its name from two large rocks stacked on top of each other at the summit, resembling two galloping horses. The surrounding forests are home to many wild peach trees, whose blossoms bloom as late as the fourth lunar month. Tongmuling Outpost is at an elevation of 860 meters, covered with a forest of tung trees that bloom every year, covering the mountains in a sea of flowers. Zhushachong Outpost forms a north-south standoff with Huangyangjie, and a stream of red water flows down its cliffs, which is how it got its name. All five major outposts are now listed as National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units and are open to the public.

　　   Tongmuling Outpost is located to the east of Mount Jinggang, 4 kilometers from Ciping, at an elevation of 866 meters. It is one of the famous Five Major Outposts of Mount Jinggang. A road now leads to the site. The terrain of Tongmuling has a great relative elevation difference compared to the areas below, making it stand tall and majestic, rising prominently like “a crane among chickens.” In the past, a stone-paved path wound around the deep valleys and cliffs, serving as a vital route connecting Mount Jinggang to Yongxin. The area is named after the tung trees that cover the mountains.

　　   The Tongmuling Outpost was built in April 1928. It consists of one main outpost and three branch outposts. The fortifications were surrounded by bamboo spike defenses, primarily to prevent enemy attacks from the direction of Jiangxi. A folk song from that time described the outpost: “High mountains and steep ridges closely linked, Tongmuling Peak sharp and pointed. The Red Army outpost guards the mountaintop, sturdy as an iron fortress. From the north of the pass (referring to the Nashan area downhill), ascending to Tongmao Ao, the outpost atop the ridge is well-built, standing 2,600 steps high, leaving no escape for the White bandits.”

　　   In May 1928, the Fourth Red Army established an outpost here, primarily controlling the mountain paths through which enemies from Taihe and Yongxin could enter Mount Jinggang. The outpost was built in Mayao on Tongmuling, standing out like “a crane among chickens,” with convenient access for advance and retreat, and mutual support. Tongmuling served as the main fortification, with three additional sentry posts set up nearby. The first sentry post was located 0.5 kilometers ahead of the main fortification at Fengyu Pavilion, guarding the path to Yongxin and Taihe. The second sentry post was located 3 kilometers west of the outpost at Shiji, guarding the path to Ninggang (now Longshi). The third sentry post was located 3 kilometers east of the outpost at Liping Shu’ao, guarding the path to Suichuan. A folk rhyme from the time praised it: “High mountains and steep ridges closely linked, Tongmuling Peak sharp and pointed. The Red Army outpost built atop the peak, strong as a sky-high ridge. Ascending from Nashan to Tongmuling, the outpost on the ridge is solidly built, standing 2,600 steps high, ensuring the enemy cannot escape.”

　　   In January 1929, when the Xiang-Gan enemy forces launched the third “encirclement and suppression” campaign against Mount Jinggang, the Eighth and Ninth Battalions of the Fifth Red Army repelled attacks from three enemy regiments, keeping the outpost under Red Army control. After liberation, the local government carried out comprehensive restoration of the outpost fortifications, built a memorial pavilion, and constructed a simple road, allowing visitors to climb up to the site of the main outpost.

　　   Address: Inside Tongmuling Scenic Area, Jinggang Mountain Scenic Area, Jinggangshan City, Ji’an City

　　   Type: Military

　　   Recommended visiting time: 30–50 minutes

　　   Ticket information:

　　   No separate ticket required. Included in the Jinggang Mountain Scenic Area ticket.