Overview
The Hongzhai Monument of The Red Army’s Long March (红寨村红军长征纪念碑) is a classic red tourism site located in Tanglang Village (汤浪村), Dapo Township (大坡乡), Zhanyi District (沾益县), Qujing (曲靖), Yunnan Province (云南省).
Historical Background
On April 2, 1936, the Red Army (红军) entered Zhanyi County (沾益县) in three separate routes during their Long March (长征). Led by He Long (贺龙), the Second Red Army Corps (红二军团) departed from their base on April 3, traversing through various locations in the area, including Pian Mountain (偏山), Shagao (沙高), Dahui (大海), Xiaoluolang (小落浪), Daluolang (大落浪), and Shuitian (水田). They advanced to areas such as Xixia (喜厦), Zunhua Pu (遵花铺), Shili Pu (十里铺), Songlin (松林), Hexi (河西), and Zhongcun (中村).
At 11 a.m. on April 3, a portion of the Second Red Army Corps encountered enemy forces near Huoyanshan (火焰山) to the north of Zunhua Pu. The Red Army engaged in battle, causing the enemy to flee in panic towards Songshao Pass (松韶关). After distributing the captured supplies to local farmers, the Red Army continued their march.
On April 5, the troops set up camp at Yangjie (羊街, now known as Mala) after traveling through villages like Taqiao (土桥), Gengde (耕德), Dapo (大坡), Yangtianchong (秧田冲), Dewei (德威), and Tienshengqiao (天生桥村). He Long stayed in a small temple called Tanglang Temple (汤浪庙), where he promoted the party’s programs, political views, and anti-Japanese policies, while exposing the crimes of the Kuomintang (国民党). He conveyed that the Red Army was a force for the working class and peasants seeking happiness and liberation.
Numerous revolutionary slogans were written in many villages, such as “Down with the local tyrants, distribute land!” (打倒土豪分田地) and “The Red Army is the force for anti-Japanese national salvation!” (红军是抗日救国的队伍). As a result of these activities, the temple became known as “Red Army Temple” (红军庙), and the village was renamed Hongzhai Village (红寨村), which still preserves the desk used by He Long.
In June 2006, this monument was designated as a second batch of patriotic education bases by Qujing City (曲靖市).
Significance
The Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army crossed Qujing and Zhanyi twice, with footprints in over a hundred natural villages across Baishui (白水), Bole (播乐), Yanfang (炎方), Panjiang (盘江), Xiping (西平), and Dapo, covering more than 230 kilometers. During this time, He Long led the Second Red Army (including the Second and Sixth Corps) through many ethnic minority regions, leaving behind stories of harmonious interactions with the local communities.
On April 5, 1936, during a visit to Tanglang Village, the Red Army faced initial resistance from local villagers who were unaware of their intentions. However, after the Red Army assured them of their peaceful goals, the village returned to normalcy, and the soldiers demonstrated fair trade practices. The Red Army held a promotional meeting at the local market, educating the poor farmers about the Communist Party’s anti-Japanese efforts and revealing the corrupt nature of the Kuomintang.
During this meeting, Red Army soldiers taught villagers revolutionary songs and called out slogans like “Down with the Kuomintang reactionaries!” (打倒国民党反动派!) and “Punish corrupt officials!” (惩治贪官污吏!). These actions helped dispel local misunderstandings about the Red Army, leading to a warm reception from the community.
An endearing story tells of a local Yi villager who, upon realizing the Red Army needed firewood, helped them gather dry branches from the mountain, offering his kettle for use. When the Red Army’s guards attempted to pay for the kettle, the villager declined, and instead, they secretly left a silver coin behind as a token of their bond. This coin has since been treasured as a family heirloom.
Due to the Red Army’s efforts to promote their ideals and assist local farmers, the villagers increasingly recognized the Communist Party and the Red Army as representatives of the working class, leading to many local youths volunteering to join their ranks.
To commemorate this red history, the villagers renamed Tanglang Village to Hongzhai and the small temple to Hong Temple (红庙).
How to Get There
To reach the Hongzhai Monument, you can take a bus or taxi to Dapo Township in Zhanyi District. From there, follow local signage to Tanglang Village.
Travel Tips
- Cultural Respect: As a site of historical significance, be respectful during your visit.
- Slogan Awareness: Familiarize yourself with the local revolutionary history to enhance your understanding of the site.
- Local Guides: Hiring a local guide can provide deeper insights into the region’s history and culture.
- Weather Considerations: Check the weather forecast before your trip, as conditions in Yunnan can be variable.
