Dongshan Revolutionary Martyrs Monument in Qujing

Overview

The Dongshan Revolutionary Martyrs Monument (曲靖市麒麟区东山革命烈士纪念碑, Dōngshān Gémìng Lièshì Jìniànbēi) is located in the Gaokai Village (高家村, Gāojiā Cūn) of the Jiemi Community (结米村民小组, Jiémǐ Cūnmín Xiǎozǔ) in Dongshan Town (东山镇, Dōngshān Zhèn), Qujing City (曲靖市, Qǔjìng Shì), Yunnan Province (云南省, Yúnnán Shěng). Situated on the west side of Bailong Mountain (白龙山, Báilóng Shān), this monument is positioned east to west and is surrounded by mountains on three sides, approximately 1 kilometer from the Dongshan Town government office.

Construction History

In memory of the revolutionary martyrs, the Dongshan Town Party Committee (东山镇党委, Dōngshān Zhèn Dǎngwěi) and government initiated the construction of the monument on December 26, 1998, at the request and support of the Qujing City (曲靖市, Qǔjìng Shì) former Yunnan-Guizhou-Guangxi Border Region Veteran's Association (原滇黔桂边区老干部联合会, Yuán Diān Qián Guì Biānqū Lǎogànbù Liánhéhuì). The monument was inaugurated on April 5, 1999, but due to geological changes, it was relocated to the current site in Gaokai Village on the west side of Bailong Mountain in August 2003. The monument is a triangular pyramid structure made of brick and concrete, standing 19.48 meters tall.

Historical Significance

Before liberation, the Dongshan area comprised parts of Fenghua Township (丰华乡, Fēnghuá Xiāng) and Dongning Township (东宁乡, Dōngníng Xiāng) in Luliang County (陆良县, Lùliáng Xiàn), and some mountainous regions of Qujing County (曲靖县, Qǔjìng Xiàn). This strategic location served as a junction for three significant guerrilla bases under the leadership of the underground Communist Party of China (中共, Zhōnggòng) in eastern Yunnan.

In late November 1947, Yang Shoudou (杨守笃, Yáng Shǒudǔ), a member of the Luliang Special Branch (陆良特支, Lùliáng Tèzhī), led party members such as Yin Shigeng (殷世耕, Yīn Shìgēng) and Xiao Peng (肖鹏, Xiāo Péng) to establish connections with local leaders, including Zhang Dingguo (张定国, Zhāng Dìngguó), who later joined the revolution and began forming a defense team.

In March 1948, the Luliang Special Branch decided to formally establish a guerrilla team directly led by the party, based on Zhang Dingguo's defense team. This unit, known as the Dongshan Guerrilla Brigade (东山游击大队, Dōngshān Yóujī Dàduì), marked the beginning of armed resistance against the Kuomintang (国民党, Guómín Dǎng) in Qujing County.

As the revolutionary struggle intensified, the Dongshan area witnessed an increase in armed conflict, with the establishment of numerous defense units and guerrilla teams, totaling 20 brigades and 59 companies with over 2,000 members. In March 1949, the Third Brigade of the Border Corps entered the Puchong (东山, Dōngshān) area, integrating various units into a unified command structure.

The Dongshan Revolutionary Base experienced three years of significant revolutionary struggle, achieving remarkable victories against the Kuomintang’s forces. It conducted over 50 battles, resulting in the defeat of 266 enemy troops and the acquisition of various weapons. This effort helped to establish party and governmental organizations across the region, contributing significantly to the liberation of eastern Yunnan.

In August 1999, Dongshan Town was recognized by the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee (云南省委, Yúnnán Shěng Wěi) and the Provincial Government (省人民政府, Shěng Rénmín Zhèngfǔ) as a revolutionary old area from the Liberation War period.

Recognition

On June 13, 2006, the Dongshan Revolutionary Martyrs Monument was designated as a second batch city-level patriotic education base (爱国主义教育基地, Àiguózhǔyì Jiàoyù Jīdì) in Qujing.

How to Get There

• By Car: Drive from Qujing City to Dongshan Town, then follow local signs to Gaokai Village. Parking is available near the monument.
• By Public Transport: Buses and taxis operate within Qujing, offering transportation to Dongshan Town.

Travel Tips

1. Visiting Hours: Check local guidelines for visiting hours and any special events.
2. Cultural Sensitivity: Be respectful when visiting memorials and learning about local history.
3. Photography: Capture the beauty of the surrounding mountains and the monument, but be mindful of restrictions.
4. Local Food: Sample local cuisine in nearby eateries for an authentic experience.
5. Weather Considerations: Dress appropriately for the weather, as mountainous areas can have unpredictable conditions.
6. Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour for deeper insights into the history and significance of the site.

The Dongshan Revolutionary Martyrs Monument serves not only as a tribute to the sacrifices made during the revolutionary struggle but also as an educational resource for future generations.