Martyr’s Tombs of Wang Desan, Wucheng, Ma Dengyun in Kunming
The Martyr’s Tombs of Wang Desan (王德三), Wu Cheng (吴澄), and Ma Dengyun (马登云) are located on the southeastern hillside of Heilongtan (黑龙潭) in Kunming. These tombs honor three significant figures in the Chinese Communist movement who made great sacrifices for their revolutionary ideals.
Background of the Martyrs
Wang Desan
Wang Desan was a key leader in the Chinese Communist Party and the first secretary of the Yunnan Provincial Committee, appointed in January 1930. He played a crucial role in organizing revolutionary activities in Yunnan, including efforts to spread Marxism and mobilize local youth for the communist cause. Sadly, due to betrayal, he was executed on December 31, 1930, at the young age of 32. Before his death, he wrote a heartfelt letter to his father, expressing his unwavering commitment to the revolutionary cause, stating, “If I must perish, let it be for the greater good of humanity.”
Wu Cheng
Wu Cheng was the eldest daughter of the calligrapher Wu Xizhong and an active participant in the student movements of the 1920s. She joined the Communist Youth League while studying at Kunming Women’s Normal School and later became a member of the Communist Party in 1926. Wu Cheng organized anti-feudal and anti-Japanese campaigns, and her activism included leading a women’s march in 1927. Tragically, she was arrested alongside her husband, Li Guozhu, also a communist, and both were executed on December 31, 1930. In her final moments, she symbolically tore a red handkerchief to share with her husband as a gesture of solidarity.
Ma Dengyun
Ma Dengyun, born in 1910, was the first Hui (回族) communist in Yunnan. He was a student at the Yunnan United Normal School and actively engaged in patriotic student movements. He joined the Communist Party in 1927 and became a school principal in 1928. In 1929, during a period of civil unrest, he courageously distributed flyers to expose the Nationalist government’s attempt to shift blame for a disaster onto the communists. He was arrested and executed in October 1930 at just 20 years old, exemplifying the youthful dedication to the revolutionary cause.
The Martyr’s Tombs
The Martyr’s Tombs are situated in a tranquil setting surrounded by towering cypress trees, symbolizing the enduring spirit of these martyrs. The tombs, built in a circular fortress style, face east, with Wang Desan’s tomb at the center. Each grave is marked with a stone tablet detailing the martyrs’ contributions and sacrifices.
Visiting Information
- Location: Southeastern hillside of Heilongtan Park, Kunming
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Ticket Price: Free
- Transportation: Accessible via public transport to Heilongtan Park
- Nearby Attractions: Heilongtan Park, Black Dragon Pool, Yunnan Nationalities Village
Visitors to the Martyr’s Tombs can reflect on the courage and legacy of these revolutionary figures while enjoying the serene environment of Heilongtan Park. The site stands as a testament to their contributions to the fight for equality and social justice in China.
