Sanyuangong Memorial Hall of The Red Army's Long March in Qujing

Overview

The Sanyuangong Memorial Hall of The Red Army's Long March (三元宫“红军长征过曲靖”纪念园, Sānyuángōng "Hóngjūn Chángzhēng Guò Qǔjìng" Jiànniànyuán) is located 8 kilometers west of Qujing City (曲靖市, Qǔjìng Shì) in the Qilin District (麒麟区, Qílín Qū), specifically in the Xicheng Street Office (西城街道办事处, Xīchéng Jiēdào Bànshìchù) of the Qujing Economic and Technological Development Zone (曲靖经济技术开发区, Qǔjìng Jīngjì Jìshù Kāifāqū). This memorial commemorates the historical passage of the Central Red Army (中央红军, Zhōngyāng Hóngjūn) through Qujing.

Structure and Features

The memorial complex comprises the Sanyuangong Shrine (三元宫, Sānyuángōng), a Red Army Battle Memorial Tower (红军战斗纪念塔, Hóngjūn Zhàndòu Jiànniàntǎ), and a commemorative pavilion (纪念亭, Jìniàntíng). Sanyuangong covers an area of 14.6 acres and has been restored to reflect its original style.

At the center of the square are statues of key figures including Mao Zedong (毛泽东, Máo Zédōng), Zhou Enlai (周恩来, Zhōu Ēnlái), and Zhu De (朱德, Zhū Dé). The square is adorned with numerous plaques detailing the historical journey of the Central Red Army through Qujing. The main building is two stories high and features a sand table depicting the route taken by the Red Army, wax figures of members from the Central Revolutionary Military Committee (中革军委, Zhōnggé Jūnwěi), living quarters of Mao Zedong, Zhu De, and Zhou Enlai, as well as ten exhibition halls showcasing related artifacts.

Historical Significance

On April 27, 1935, while advancing along the Dian-Qian Highway (滇黔公路, Diān-Qián Gōnglù) towards Guanshan Village (关下村, Guānxià Cūn), the advanced unit of the Central Red Army intercepted a vehicle from Kunming (昆明, Kūnmíng). This vehicle contained valuable military maps and supplies. The captured officer, Lieutenant Li, was sent by Long Yun (龙云, Lóng Yún), the governor of Yunnan, to obtain these maps.

That afternoon, the Red Army headquarters camped at Sanyuangong, where Commander Zhu De sent two telegrams regarding troop deployments. Later that evening, a crucial meeting was held at Sanyuangong with key leaders including Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, and Zhu De. The meeting analyzed the military situation and adopted new strategic guidelines, including a westward movement to establish a Soviet area in Western Sichuan (川西, Chuān Xī), which was vital for preserving the Red Army's forces.

Sanyuangong was officially opened to the public on July 1, 2005, and has been designated as a patriotic education base by various governmental bodies, highlighting its significance in educating future generations about the history of the Red Army.

Visiting Information

The Sanyuangong Memorial Hall is situated in the Xia Xishan Community (下西山居民小组, Xià Xīshān Jūmín Xiǎozǔ) of Xicheng Street in Qujing.

How to Get There

• By Car: From the center of Qujing City, drive west on the local roads towards the Xicheng Street area.
• By Public Transport: Local buses and taxis are available in Qujing City, providing easy access to the memorial.

Travel Tips

1. Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit is during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant.
2. Accommodation: There are several local hotels and guesthouses in Qujing. It is advisable to book in advance during peak travel seasons.
3. Photography: Early morning or late afternoon provides the best lighting for photography.
4. Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying local dishes, including Yunnan rice noodles and various teas.
5. Hydration and Snacks: Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to explore the area extensively.