Longtan Cemetery of Martyrs in Huize County, Qujing
Location
Longtan Cemetery of Martyrs (龙潭烈士陵园, Lóngtán Lièshì Língyuán) is situated on Longtan Yinhong Mountain (龙潭饮虹山, Lóngtán Yìnhóng Shān) in the western suburbs of Huize County (会泽县, Huìzé Xiàn), Qujing City (曲靖市, Qūjìng), Yunnan Province (云南省, Yúnnán Shěng).
Historical Events
Huize County is a region with a strong revolutionary tradition. The underground organization of the Chinese Communist Party (中国共产党, Zhōngguó Gòngchǎndǎng) was established as early as 1927, leading the people of Huize in their revolutionary efforts. Among the early leaders of the underground party were martyrs Jiang Kaibang (蒋开榜, Jiǎng Kāibǎng) and Liu Wenming (刘文明, Liú Wénmíng).
On April 30, 1935, the Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army (中国工农红军, Zhōngguó Gōngnóng Hóngjūn) entered Huize County, and on May 2, the Red Ninth Corps (红九军团, Hóng Jiǔ Jūntuán) captured the county seat. On May 3, a mobilization meeting for expanding the Red Army was held in Shuicheng (水城, Shuǐchéng), where over a thousand outstanding youths from Huize eagerly enlisted in the Red Army, making it the county with the highest recruitment during the Long March (长征, Chángzhēng).
In July and December 1948, the underground party organized armed uprisings against the Kuomintang, led by Jin Shaoqing (金绍清, Jīn Shàoqīng) and Zu Wanzhong (祖万忠, Zǔ Wànzhōng) at locations such as Huohongqiao (火红桥, Huǒhóngqiáo) and Malu Jianshan (马路尖山, Mǎlù Jiānshān). On January 30, 1949, the “Yunnan People’s Self-Rescue Army” (云南人民讨蒋自救军, Yúnnán Rénmín Tǎo Jiǎng Zìjiù Jūn) was established.
On December 4, 1949, the Huize County government was officially liberated, and on May 18, 1950, the Huize County People’s Government was formally established. The local people demonstrated their fearless revolutionary spirit during various battles, including the siege at Huohong Shaochongjiao (火红勺冲角, Huǒhóng Sháo Chōngjiǎo) and the conflict at Yicheng Zhongzhai (迤车中寨, Yǐchē Zhōngzhài).
In August 1999, the provincial government recognized Huize County as a revolutionary old area. Countless revolutionaries sacrificed their lives for the liberation of the people and the defense of the country. According to incomplete statistics, 322 revolutionary martyrs, both from outside the region and native to Huize, are honored here. Their sacrifices are monumental, and they are remembered for their bravery, whether in battle or in protecting the nation’s assets.
How to Get There
- By Car: From Qujing City, drive towards Huize County. Follow local signs to reach Longtan Cemetery.
- By Public Transport: Buses run from Qujing to Huize, and local taxis can take you to the cemetery.
Travel Tips
- Visiting Hours: Confirm the opening hours before your visit, as they may vary.
- Respectful Conduct: As this is a site of remembrance, visitors should maintain a respectful demeanor.
- Photography: Taking photos is generally allowed, but be mindful of other visitors.
- Learn the History: Familiarize yourself with the stories of the martyrs to enrich your visit.
- Bring Supplies: Consider bringing water and snacks, as amenities may be limited.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for walking.
