Former Residence of Zhou Jianping in Xuanwei City, Qujing
Overview
The Former Residence of General Zhou Jianping (周建屏将军故居, Zhōu Jiànpíng Jiāngjū) is a significant cultural and tourism site located at No. 23, Xiajie Village (下街村, Xiàjiē Cūn), Tangtang Town (倘塘镇, Tángtáng Zhèn), Xuanwei City (宣威市, Xuānwēi Shì), Yunnan Province (云南省, Yúnnán Shěng). Currently, it is inhabited by Zhou Jianping’s grandnephews, Zhou Shunan (周树南, Zhōu Shùnán), Zhou Caiming (周才明, Zhōu Cái Míng), and Zhou Hongwei (周宏卫, Zhōu Hóngwèi).
Historical Background
Zhou Jianping (周建屏, Zhōu Jiànpíng), born as Zongyao (宗尧, Zōngyáo) on August 26, 1892, in Tangtang Village, is recognized as one of the founders of the revolutionary base in northeastern Jiangxi (赣东北, Gàn Dōngběi). He joined the Yunnan Army (滇军, Diān Jūn) early in his career and participated in significant historical events such as the Xinhai Revolution (辛亥革命, Xīnhài Gémìng), the anti-Yuan Movement (倒袁护国起义, Dǎo Yuán Hùguó Qǐyì), and the Northern Expedition (北伐战争, Běifá Zhànzhēng). In 1927, he was introduced to the Communist Party of China (中国共产党, Zhōngguó Gòngchǎndǎng) by Zhu De (朱德, Zhū Dé) and took part in the August 1 Nanchang Uprising (八·一南昌起义, Bā Yī Nánchāng Qǐyì).
In October 1929, he was appointed as the commander of the Independent First Regiment of the Jiangxi Red Army (江西红军独立第一团, Jiāngxī Hóngjūn Dúlì Dìyī Tuán) and played a crucial role in establishing the revolutionary base in northeastern Jiangxi alongside Fang Zhimin (方志敏, Fāng Zhìmǐn). Zhou Jianping also held various significant positions in the Soviet government and military during the 1930s, including serving as the commander of several Red Army divisions and participating in major battles against Japanese forces.
Zhou Jianping passed away on June 13, 1938, due to complications from a previous injury.
Recognition
On October 22, 2002, the Former Residence of General Zhou Jianping was designated as one of the first city-level patriotic education bases (爱国主义教育基地, Àiguózhǔyì Jiàoyù Jīdì) in Qujing City. In April 2013, it was recognized as a second batch cultural relic protection unit (文物保护单位, Wénwù Bǎohù Dānwèi) by the Xuanwei City People’s Government (宣威市人民政府, Xuānwēi Shì Rénmín Zhèngfǔ).
Location and Demographics
Tangtang Town is located in the northern part of Xuanwei City, covering an area of 382.58 square kilometers. It borders Lefeng Township (乐丰乡, Lèfēng Xiāng) to the east, Laibin Street (来宾街道, Láibīn Jiēdào) to the south, Longtan Town (龙潭镇, Lóngtán Zhèn) and Delu Township (得禄乡, Délù Xiāng) to the west, and Yangliu Town (杨柳镇, Yángliǔ Zhèn) and Weining County (威宁县, Wēiníng Xiàn) in Guizhou Province (贵州省, Guìzhōu Shěng) to the north. The town administers 18 administrative villages, including Tangtang (倘塘, Tángtáng), Yimujia (宜木戛, Yímùjiá), and Xinle (新乐, Xīnlè). The town government is located in Tangtang Village, approximately 43 kilometers from the city center.
This area is home to multiple ethnic groups, including Han (汉, Hàn), Hui (回, Huí), Yi (彝, Yí), Miao (苗, Miáo), and Zhuang (壮, Zhuàng), and is historically significant as the birthplace of General Zhou Jianping.
Architectural Details
The Former Residence of Zhou Jianping is situated 20 meters west of the Xiajie Village Committee (下街村委会, Xiàjiē Cūnwén Huì). The existing structure is a one-story earthen building.
How to Get There
- By Car: Drive from Qujing City to Xuanwei City, then follow signs to Tangtang Town and Xiajie Village. Parking is available nearby.
- By Public Transport: Take a bus from Qujing to Xuanwei, and then use local transportation to reach Tangtang Town.
Travel Tips
- Visiting Hours: Check local schedules for any changes in visiting hours.
- Respectful Behavior: Be respectful when visiting historical sites and learning about local history.
- Photography Restrictions: While photography is encouraged, be aware of any restrictions in sensitive areas.
- Local Cuisine: Try local dishes in nearby restaurants for an authentic experience.
- Weather Preparedness: Dress appropriately for the weather, especially in rural areas that can be quite different from urban settings.
- Guided Tours: Consider hiring a local guide to gain deeper insights into Zhou Jianping’s life and contributions.
