Lancang River Battle Monument and Menghan Ferry in Jinghong City, XishuangBanna

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Overview of the Monument

Lancang River Battle Monument(渡澜沧江作战纪念碑) is situated at the Lancang River (澜沧江) ferry terminal in Menghan Town (勐罕镇), Jinghong City (景洪市). The monument stands 5 meters tall, topped with a vibrant five-pointed star that shines brightly under the sun. The body of the monument is inscribed with summaries of the crossing operations in both Chinese and Dai scripts.

On February 10, 1950, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) 13th Army’s 37th Division Vice Division Commander Wu Xiaomin (吴效闵) and the 38th Division’s 114th Regiment Political Commissar Zhao Peixian (赵培宪) led over 600 soldiers in an operation alongside more than 300 troops from the 9th Brigade, directed by the Political Department Director Tang Dengmin (唐登岷), to advance southward and eliminate enemy forces in Menghan. Supported by local ethnic militia leader Zhao Cunxin (召存信) and local civilians, the operation commenced on the evening of February 14 and successfully crossed the river by dawn on February 15, defeating the defending forces on the southern bank. This critical battle laid the foundation for liberating the entirety of Xishuangbanna (西双版纳).

During the crossing, the enemy was on high alert and had set up machine guns to block the river. Unfortunately, a deputy squad leader and a soldier tragically drowned in the process. The operation at Menghan was a significant battle in liberating Xishuangbanna and marked the first shot fired by the advancing PLA in the region.

Historical Significance

To commemorate this historic event, the Xishuangbanna Prefectural Committee and the People’s Government established the monument at the Menghan ferry terminal in September 2003. In February 2010, it was designated as one of the first provincial-level patriotic education bases by the Xishuangbanna Prefectural Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the People’s Government. In September 2019, it was recognized as one of the first party history and party character education bases.

The monument serves to honor the fallen soldiers from the PLA stationed in Menghan and the local ethnic militia who joined forces to defeat the enemy on the southern bank during the river crossing battle. While the monument may not be considered a traditional tourist attraction, its historical significance related to the Lancang River and the events surrounding it is profound. The monument silently records the stories of the Lancang River and watches over the construction of a new bridge and the impending disappearance of the last ferry terminal in Yunnan, Xishuangbanna.

Visiting Information

Duration: 1-3 hours
Ticket Price: Please consult the scenic area for specific details.
Opening Hours: Open all day (January 1 – December 31, Monday – Sunday)
Location: Lancang River ferry terminal, Menghan Town, Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province (云南省西双版纳傣族自治州景洪市勐罕镇澜沧江渡口)

How to Get There

To reach the Lancang River Battle Monument, you can take public transportation or a taxi from Jinghong City (景洪市). The ferry terminal is approximately a 20-minute drive from the city center. Alternatively, if you are driving, follow the signs to Menghan Town (勐罕镇), and you will find the monument at the ferry crossing.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon when the weather is pleasant.
• Respect the Site: As it is a monument commemorating a significant historical event, visitors are encouraged to show respect and keep noise to a minimum.
• Photography: The monument and surrounding area provide excellent opportunities for photography, especially with the beautiful backdrop of the river.
• Local Cuisine: Consider trying local Dai cuisine at nearby restaurants after your visit to the monument.