Songlin Monument of The Red Army’s Long March in Zhanyi District, Qujing
Overview
The Songlin Monument of The Red Army’s Long March (松林红军长征纪念碑, Sōnglín Hóngjūn Chángzhēng Jìniànbēi) is a classic site for red tourism. It is located in Beimen Village, Songlin Community, Panjiang Town, Zhanyi District (沾益县, Zhānyì Xiàn), Qujing City (曲靖市, Qūjìng Shì), Yunnan Province (云南省, Yúnnán Shěng).
Historical Background
In November 1935, the Red Army’s Second and Sixth Armies set off from Sangzhi (桑植, Sāngzhí) in Hunan Province (湖南省, Húnán Shěng) to begin their Long March (长征, Chángzhēng). By early April 1936, they had entered Zhanyi County (沾益县, Zhānyì Xiàn), passing through places like Yanfang (炎方, Yánfāng), Baishui (白水, Báishuǐ), Panjiang (盘江, Pánjiāng), and Dapo (大坡, Dàpō). On the morning of April 3, under the leadership of He Long (贺龙, Hè Lóng), the Red Army entered the area.
Key Events
As the leading troops of the Second Army entered Songlin Town (松林镇, Sōnglín Zhèn) on a market day, chaos ensued as the local populace, unaware of the Red Army’s intentions, scattered in panic. The Red Army quickly reassured the people, proclaiming, “Don’t be afraid! We are the Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army, here to fight against the rich and help the poor!” This message calmed the locals, allowing them to resume their activities. The Red Army soldiers paid for their purchases, fostering goodwill.
A propaganda meeting attended by hundreds of farmers was held, where the Red Army advocated for their political stance against the Kuomintang (国民党, Guómíndǎng), revealing the corruption of the government. They redistributed confiscated grain and property from local tyrants to the people, earning widespread admiration and support from the community.
Continued Support
On April 4, a meeting was held in Qingshuigou (清水沟, Qīngshuǐgōu) where a Red Army soldier spoke about the necessity of fighting against the Kuomintang, emphasizing that the Long March was a struggle for liberation. Local citizens enthusiastically aided the Red Army, guiding them on their path and ensuring their needs were met.
On April 5, the Red Army split into two groups to advance: one group traveled via Xiaodongwan (小东湾) and Daxu Village (大树屯), while the other group set off from Zunhua Pu (遵化铺). In just three days, they covered 60 li (approximately 30 km), traversing multiple villages and further solidifying their reputation among the locals.
Legacy
The Red Army’s struggle in Songlin left a monumental mark in the hearts of the Panjiang people. In August 1976, a monument titled “Long Live the Heroic Red Army” was established at the north gate of the ancient Songlin City (松林古城, Sōnglín Gǔchéng). In 2008, the village committee raised funds for restoration, ensuring future generations could remember the sacrifices made by the Red Army in their pursuit of communism.
How to Get There
To reach the Songlin Monument, you can take public transportation to Qujing City and then take a local bus or taxi to Panjiang Town. The journey from Kunming (昆明, Kūnmíng) to Qujing takes about 2 hours by car or bus.
Travel Tips
- Timing: Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more personal experience.
- Respect Local Customs: When interacting with locals, be mindful of cultural practices and traditions.
- Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the historical significance of the area.
- Photography: Capture the beautiful scenery, but always ask for permission when photographing people.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry water, especially if you’re visiting during warmer months, to stay refreshed during your exploration.
