Mengzi Martyrs’Cemetery, Honghe
Overview
Mengzi Martyrs’ Cemetery (蒙自烈士陵园, Méngzì lièshì língyuán) is located in the southeastern outskirts of Mengzi County (蒙自县, Méngzì xiàn), near the Xiao Xinzai Reservoir (小新寨水库, Xiǎo xīnzhài shuǐkù). It honors over 290 martyrs from the 1979 Vietnam self-defense counterattack, including more than 20 militia members who assisted the 13th Army (13军, Shísān jūn) during the conflict. The entrance features an archway, with a plaque inscribed by Comrade Song Renqiong (宋任穷, Sòng Rèngqióng), reading “Mengzi Martyrs’ Cemetery.”
Cemetery Description
The cemetery was established in 1979 and spans an area of 54,440 square meters. It is rectangular in shape and situated in a vast hilly landscape, surrounded by green mountains, with a view of the county to the north. The entrance bears the inscription “Mengbai Lie Wang Xiayuan” (蒙百烈王霞园), also penned by Song Renqiong.
Main Features
Upon entering, visitors find a memorial square with a prominent monument inscribed with “Revolutionary Martyrs Will Live Forever,” a phrase written by Deng Xiaoping (邓小平, Dèng Xiǎopíng). The cemetery includes a reception area and scenic spots featuring arched bridges, pools, and pavilions. The main area is the monument itself, while the back contains a burial area flanked by exhibition rooms showcasing the martyrs’ deeds and a columbarium.
Burials of the Martyrs
In 1980, 132 martyrs’ graves from the former Mengzi Lie Wang Temple (蒙自烈王殿, Méngzì lièwáng diàn) were relocated here. Among them are early members of the Communist Party of China in Yunnan, including Du Tao (杜涛, Dù Tāo), Li Xin (李鑫, Lǐ Xīn), Dai Deming (戴德明, Dài Démíng), and Yang Fengchun (杨逢春, Yáng Féngchūn), who sacrificed their lives in 1929. Also commemorated are martyrs from the 13th Army during anti-bandit operations in the 1950s and heroes from the border defense struggles of the 1970s.
Importance
The Mengzi Martyrs’ Cemetery has become an essential site for revolutionary education, patriotism, and military support training. It was recognized as a key revolutionary memorial site in Yunnan Province in 1988 and later designated as a patriotic education base in 1998. In October 2021, it was included in the public list of educational bases for national unity and progress in Honghe Prefecture (红河州, Hónghé zhōu).
Visiting the Cemetery
Visitors arriving at Mengzi Martyrs’ Cemetery will first notice the charging stations for electric vehicles conveniently located by the entrance. It’s important to plan your visit accordingly, as the cemetery closes at 5:30 PM.
Nearby Attractions
The Xiao Xinzai Reservoir next to the cemetery is a great place for leisurely walks, allowing visitors to enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Travel Tips
- Safety Regulations: Adhere to the cemetery’s safety guidelines and do not misuse or damage any fire safety equipment. Activities that disturb the memorial environment are prohibited.
- Memorial Facilities: Take time to explore the various commemorative structures, such as monuments and sculptures, which pay tribute to the martyrs.
- Reservations: For activities or inquiries, you can call the reservation service at 0873-3856134.
- Respectful Behavior: Maintain a solemn demeanor while visiting this sacred place, honoring those who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
How to Get There
Mengzi Martyrs’ Cemetery is easily accessible by car or public transportation from the city center of Mengzi. It is approximately 5 kilometers from the county’s heart, making it a convenient visit for anyone interested in the region’s history and culture.
Location:
Honghe Mengzi Martyrs’Cemetery, travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, weather, accommodation, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of Mengzi Martyrs’Cemetery in Honghe (蒙自烈士陵园).
