Cangxi Red Army Ferry

　　Situated about three kilometers southeast of Cangxi County at the Jialing River in Tashan Bay, this ancient ferry crossing is embraced by mountains and water, with precipitous cliffs and dense woods. The Jialing River flows from north to south, winding gracefully. Waves crash against the shore, creating picturesque and pleasant scenery.

　　This is the renowned Red Army Ferry.

　　In the spring of 1933, the Fourth Front Army of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army was ordered to cross the river westward to coordinate with the Central Red Army’s northward advance against Japan. The warlord Tian Songyao assembled forces from 53 regiments along a 200-kilometer stretch of the river’s defensive line, heavily fortifying it in an attempt to use the natural barrier of the Jialing River to block our westward movement and launch attacks on the Fourth Front Army. To thwart the enemy’s scheme and implement the Central Committee’s strategic directive of “crossing the river to advance in two directions and move north to resist Japan,” the Red Army launched a fierce assault on the enemy from the main crossing point at Tazishan. The westward advance was unstoppable, and the meticulously prepared river defenses collapsed overnight. The Red Army then marched northward, embarking on a new journey.

　　After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, to honor the heroic deeds of the Red Army soldiers and commemorate their successful river crossing, the people of Cangxi named the ferry below Tazishan Mountain the “Red Army Ferry.” In July 1980, the “Red Army Ferry” was designated as a provincial-level cultural relics protection unit by the provincial government.

　　On the eve of August 1st, 1987, marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, a majestic statue commemorating the Red Army’s river crossing was erected by the Jialing River, adding new splendor to this heroic land steeped in the blood of the Red Army.

　　The statue is crafted from cold-forged copper plates. Standing 9 meters tall and 13 meters long, it vividly depicts the battle scene of the Red Army’s river crossing. The base of the statue is made of black marble, with the gleaming golden characters “Red Army Ferry,” inscribed by Marshal [Yuan], inlaid prominently on the dark stone. The base also features busts of three Red Army soldiers and two Red Guards. With eyes wide and lips tightly pressed, they vigilantly watch for the enemy, as if bringing to life the scene of surging waves, howling winds, and the thunder of battle. The brave soldiers charge forward through enemy fire, undeterred by the waves. The entire sculpture, like an arrow released from its bow or an eagle soaring through the sky, powerfully embodies the fearless heroism of the Red Army soldiers.

　　Today, the Red Army Ferry, along with nearby attractions such as Wudang Mountain and Chongxia Pagoda, has been developed into a scenic area. Entering the site, pavilions and towers are tucked among greenery; towering pine trees are lush and vibrant, while evergreen plants accompany the loyal spirits. The Red Army Memorial Hall and stele forest showcase the heroic achievements of the Red Army of that era. Climbing to the Red Army Ferry and taking in the view, one sees vast mountains and mighty rivers, offering a delightful and uplifting experience. This scenic area, blending cultural and natural landscapes, is increasingly favored by many tourists.