Prime Minister Zhou Enlai Memorial Monument in Jinghong City, XishuangBanna
Overview
The Zhou Enlai Memorial Monument (周恩来纪念碑) is located in Jinghong City (景洪市), Xishuangbanna (西双版纳), Yunnan Province (云南省), China. This memorial was established to commemorate the meeting between Premier Zhou Enlai (周恩来) and Burmese Prime Minister U Nu (吴努) on April 14, 1961. It also honors Zhou’s visits to scientific personnel and staff in the rubber plantations nearby. The memorial covers an area of over 6,000 square meters and consists of explanatory plaques, a monument marking the Premier’s inspection, a meeting memorial for the two prime ministers, and surrounding flowerbeds and lawns.
Location
The Zhou Enlai Memorial Park (周恩来总理纪念园) is situated in a rubber plantation behind the research building of the Yunnan Tropical Crop Research Institute (云南省热带作物科学研究所) in the western part of the autonomous prefecture’s capital, Jinghong. It is recognized as a key provincial cultural relic protection site.
History
Established in 1985, the memorial was funded by the Yunnan Tropical Crop Research Institute and designed by students and teachers from the Architecture Department of Tongji University (同济大学) in Shanghai. The construction was carried out by the engineering team of the Research Institute. The monument reflects the deep respect and fond memories that the staff and the local community in Xishuangbanna have for Premier Zhou. The site has been renovated and expanded to ensure that the memorial remains a shining tribute, complemented by its beautiful natural surroundings.
Background Information
Upon entering the memorial park, visitors are greeted by a granite explanatory monument that details the origins of the memorial. The stone is inclined and inscribed with text that recounts significant events during Zhou Enlai’s visit to Xishuangbanna, including celebrations of the Water-Splashing Festival (泼水节) with local ethnic groups from April 12 to 14, 1961. The stone mentions Zhou’s visits to the rubber plantation and his discussions with U Nu regarding bilateral relations, marking a new chapter in Sino-Burmese friendship.
Inspection Monument
The inspection monument is composed of four blocks symbolizing the vigorous growth of rubber seedlings. Situated in the center of the park, the front stone is inscribed with “Premier Zhou Enlai’s Inspection” in gold characters. Behind it, the stone features a translation in the Dai language (傣文). The left and right sides display two relief sculptures: one depicts a peacock soaring in the sky, surrounded by local Dai girls presenting flowers to Premier Zhou, while the other illustrates rubber workers by the scenic Lancang River (澜沧江), signifying Zhou’s care and hopes for the rubber industry in Xishuangbanna.
Meeting Monument
The meeting monument is made up of four intersecting stones, symbolizing the strong ties between the people of China and Myanmar (缅甸). The base of the monument stands in clear water, representing the “Bawpo” (胞波) friendship, indicating that both countries share the same river. The central inscription, in Chinese and Dai, reads “The Prime Ministers of China and Myanmar met here.” The sides feature two reliefs: one showcases the Tiananmen Mountain (天安山) in Beijing, while the other illustrates the Shwedagon Pagoda (大金塔) and the mythical Garuda (吉祥鸟) in Yangon (仰光), representing the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Memorial Park Environment
Surrounding the base of the memorial are flowerbeds with various exotic flowers. The open space within the park features meticulously cultivated green lawns enclosed by stone fences. Adjacent to the memorial is a lush rubber plantation, making this site an important base for revolutionary traditional education in Xishuangbanna.
Other Memorials
In addition to the memorial in the Tropical Crop Research Institute, there is another Zhou Enlai memorial erected by the workers of the Jinghong State Farm (国营景洪农场) in a rubber plantation west of the government office in Gadong Township (嘎栋乡). This concrete monument, standing 2 meters tall and 0.3 meters thick, bears an inscription in black letters on a red background: “Our beloved Premier Zhou Enlai visited this place on April 14, 1961, and provided important guidance for our rubber industry.” The monument is signed by “All employees of the Jinghong State Farm. April 14, 1977.”
How to Get There (Transportation)
To reach the Zhou Enlai Memorial Monument in Jinghong, you can take a taxi or local bus from Jinghong City center. If arriving by air, the nearest airport is Jinghong Gasa Airport (景洪嘎洒机场), where taxis are available for direct transport to the memorial.
Golf Travel Tips for This Golf Club
- Plan Ahead: If you intend to visit both the memorial and nearby golf courses, consider scheduling your visits to optimize your time.
- Combine Activities: Look for golf clubs that offer sightseeing tours, allowing you to explore historical sites like the Zhou Enlai Memorial while enjoying a round of golf.
- Stay Hydrated: Ensure you carry water and snacks during your visits, especially if engaging in outdoor activities.
- Respect the Site: Be mindful of the memorial’s significance and maintain a respectful demeanor while visiting.
- Local Cuisine: Consider dining at local restaurants nearby to experience the unique flavors of Xishuangbanna after your golf and sightseeing activities.
