Rigan Convergence Memorial Hall

　　The Rigan Convergence Memorial Hall in Xihua County is situated in the Rugang Administrative Village, Honghua Town, around 4 kilometers north of Xihua County. It consists of four parts: a memorial monument, the memorial hall, a sculpture group, and office and commercial buildings. Originally built as the Rigan Convergence Monument, it was later developed into the current memorial hall through phased construction funded by the central government’s special grants for supporting revolutionary old base areas. Covering a total area of 32.5 mu (approximately 2.17 hectares), the project had a total investment of over 5 million yuan, with a building area exceeding 1,500 square meters.

　　The monument was completed in 1993 and is located at the northernmost end of the central axis of the complex. Standing 19.38 meters tall, it symbolizes the year 1938 when the convergence occurred. The monument has three vertical surfaces forming a “Y” shape, with the upper portions converging at the red-topped peak, representing the unity of three forces under the red banner of the Chinese military. The front side bears an inscription by Zhang Zhen, former Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, reading “Rigan Convergence.” The east side features eight large characters inscribed by Zhang Aiping, former commander of the New Fourth Army’s 4th Division and head of the Ministry of National Defense: “Pioneers of the Anti-Japanese War, Immortal Glory.” The west side provides an introduction to the details of the Rigan Convergence.

　　In 1995, the Rigan Convergence Monument was designated as a Municipal Patriotic Education Base. In 2001, it became a Provincial Patriotic Education Base, and in 2006, it was announced by the Zhoukou Municipal People’s Government as a Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Unit. Currently, it is being nominated as a Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

　　The memorial hall is located at the very center of the central axis, combining modern and traditional Chinese architectural styles. It presents a solemn and grand appearance, with a building area of 540 square meters. The exhibition content is divided into five parts: Prelude to the Eastward Advance; The Rigan Convergence; Marching Eastward; Glorious Achievements; and Integrity Education.

　　The sculpture group is located at the southern end of the central axis and includes three main components. About 20 meters after entering the gate stands the bronze statue of General Peng Xuefeng on horseback, standing approximately 6 meters tall including the base. Further inside is a 16-meter-long and 3-meter-high sandstone relief depicting four stages: the Rigan Convergence, Readying for Battle, Celebrating Victory, and Marching Eastward. Further along is a group sculpture of Peng Xuefeng, Wu Zhipu, Xiao Wangdong, and Zhang Zhen. Overall, the layout of the memorial hall is well-organized, featuring a classic and dignified architectural style, a serene environment, convenient transportation, rich historical significance, and wide-ranging influence — making it an ideal site for patriotic education.

　　II. Historical Background and Contemporary Significance

　　On October 11, 1938, Peng Xuefeng, head of the Military Department of the Henan Provincial Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, led the New Fourth Army Guerrilla Detachment from Zhugou in Queshan County (then the location of the Henan Provincial Committee) to Xihua. There, they converged with the Third Guerrilla Detachment of the Eastern Henan People’s Anti-Japanese Army, led by Wu Zhipu, head of the Provincial Organization Department, and the Vanguard Unit (also known as Xiao Unit) of the New Fourth Army Guerrilla Detachment, led by Xiao Wangdong. Together, they formed a New Fourth Army Guerrilla Detachment totaling more than 1,400 soldiers. The Central Committee of the CCP appointed Peng Xuefeng as commander and political commissar, Wu Zhipu as deputy commander, Zhang Zhen as chief of staff, Xiao Wangdong as director of the Political Department, and Tan Zhenlin as deputy director of the Political Department. The detachment rested in Rigan for half a month before crossing the Xiao Yellow River and heading to the enemy-occupied areas of Henan, Anhui, and Jiangsu. They quickly ignited the flames of resistance and grew rapidly like wildfire, eventually becoming the New Fourth Army’s 4th Division — a major armed force in the continued resistance behind enemy lines in Central China. From then on, they established anti-Japanese bases in the Henan, Anhui, and Jiangsu regions, writing a glorious chapter in the history of the Chinese nation's resistance against Japan.

　　The Rigan Convergence is a significant historical event in the military history of the New Fourth Army, the history of the resistance war in Central China, and the history of the CCP in Henan. Strengthening the construction and utilization of the Rigan Convergence Memorial Hall holds profound historical and practical significance for commemorating the glorious achievements of revolutionary predecessors, educating future generations, and inheriting and promoting revolutionary traditions.

　　Since opening to the public free of charge, the memorial hall has attracted numerous visitors from all walks of life who come to pay their respects at the revolutionary site and honor the great achievements of revolutionary martyrs. Especially during major holidays such as Tomb-Sweeping Day, the July 1st Party Founding Day, and the August 1st Army Day, people from various sectors — particularly students from primary, middle, and high schools — visit with reverence to hold commemorative activities. Through scenario reenactments, on-site narrations, and historical event presentations, visitors receive deep inspiration, undergo spiritual purification, achieve soul elevation, and firmly establish correct worldviews, outlooks on life, and values.

　　Source: Office of the People’s Government of Xihua County