Jianshan Armed Insurrection Site in Huize County, Qujing

Overview

The Jianshan Armed Insurrection Site (尖山武装起义遗址, Jiānshān Wǔzhuāng Qǐyì Yízhǐ) is a cultural tourism destination and a classic site for red tourism in Yunnan Province (云南省, Yúnnán Shěng). It is located in the northwest corner of the Xinfangzi Village (新房子自然村, Xīnfángzi Zìráncūn) in Malu Township (马路乡, Mǎlù Xiāng), Huize County (会泽县, Huìzé Xiàn), Qujing City (曲靖市, Qūjìng).

Historical Background

In early 1948, the Huize branch of the Chinese Communist Party (中国共产党, Zhōngguó Gòngchǎndǎng) sent underground party member Zhao Shouxian (赵绶先) to Jianshan to initiate activities. In February, following directives from the Provincial Work Committee, the special branch of the Huize County Party Committee was established, and additional party members were dispatched to strengthen leadership over armed struggles in Huize. In March, the party organization sent underground members, including Fei Yue (费跃), to Jianshan to organize armed efforts. This site served as one of the secret gathering places for underground party activities and planning armed insurrections.

On July 8, 1948, following extensive work by the Huize underground party, a force of over 150 individuals, led by Jin Shaoqing (金绍清), launched an armed insurrection against the Kuomintang (国民党, Guómín Dǎng) near the Huize Huohong Bridge (火红桥, Huǒhóng Qiáo). To support this uprising, Fei Yue organized approximately 150 men, including Zu Wanzhong (祖万忠) and Zu Weixin (祖维新), with 30 firearms to attack a local landlord’s residence and ambush a battalion of the security regiment traveling from Zhaotong (昭通, Zhāotōng) to Huize.

On December 2 of the same year (lunar calendar, the second day of winter), with approval from higher authorities, party member Li Changyan (李长彦) organized a second armed uprising at Jianshan, involving about 300 participants and 60 firearms. The insurrection force was structured into one battalion, with Zu Wanzhong as the commander and Fei Yajian (费亚坚) as the deputy commander. Li Changyan served as the political representative, overseeing three squads.

The uprising troops advanced from Leyecaozi (乐业槽子), Sandao Ditch (三道沟), and Yulu Dushi (雨碌渡) to attack reactionary forces in Wude (务德). They faced armed assaults from the local landlord, Xiao An Si (小安四), leading to a decision to retreat to Huize. On the way back, Zu Wanzhong's group was ambushed by local armed forces at Jiangzishu (江子树), resulting in his injury and capture along with 24 others. Zu Wanzhong heroically sacrificed his life on January 30, 1949, in Huize.

Site Description

The site comprises a fortified structure that originally had five levels, although three levels have been destroyed. The remaining two levels include the walls, floors, and lookout openings, with clear machine-gun firing ports still visible.

How to Get There

• By Car: Drive from Qujing City to Huize County and follow local signs to Jianshan Village. There is parking available at the site.
• By Public Transport: Take a bus from Qujing to Huize County and then use local transportation to reach Jianshan Village.

Travel Tips

1. Visiting Hours: Check the visiting hours before your trip as they may vary.
2. Respectful Behavior: Maintain a respectful demeanor while visiting this historical site.
3. Photography: Photography is allowed; however, be considerate of other visitors and any guidelines posted at the site.
4. Historical Context: Familiarize yourself with the historical significance of the site to enhance your visit.
5. Amenities: Bring water and snacks, as nearby facilities might be limited.
6. Plan for Weather: Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately, as some areas may have limited shelter.

The Jianshan Armed Insurrection Site serves as an important monument honoring the sacrifices made during the revolutionary struggles and provides insights into the historical context of the region.