Yulinshan Cemetery of Martyrs in Zhanyi District, Qujing
Overview
The Yulinshan Cemetery of Martyrs (玉林山烈士纪念园) is located in Yulin Park (玉林公园) within Xiping Town (西平镇), Zhanyi District (沾益县), Qujing (曲靖), Yunnan Province (云南省).
Historical Background
The Sixth Division of the Yunnan-Guangxi-Guizhou Border Region Corps (中国人民解放军滇桂黔边纵队第六支队) was established on August 1, 1949, at the Liu Shui Cave (落水洞) in Xuanwei (宣威), based on decisions made by the Yunnan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (中共云南省工委). This people’s army was nurtured by the committee and became the main force fighting in northeastern Yunnan (滇东北) and the Yunnan-Guizhou border area (云贵边区), contributing significantly to the liberation of northeastern Yunnan, blocking the retreat of the Kuomintang (国民党) forces, supporting the defense of Kunming (昆明), and liberating Yunnan and Guizhou in cooperation with other units.
In late 1949, the People’s Liberation Army (中国人民解放军) advanced southwest with overwhelming force. On December 9, Kuomintang Yunnan Governor Lu Han (卢汉) led his troops to revolt in Kunming. The Sixth Division received new orders to cooperate with the People’s Liberation Army in blocking and exterminating the remnants of the Kuomintang Central Army fleeing into Yunnan. From December 18 to 25, the local forces of the Sixth Division, alongside the liberation army, surrounded and annihilated the enemy forces, resulting in over 40 casualties and more than 1,000 prisoners, as well as capturing over 1,300 firearms and various military supplies, liberating the city of Zhanyi County (沾益县).
On New Year’s Day in 1950, the Sixth Division held a victory meeting at Yulin Mountain with representatives of local militias and citizens, celebrating their achievements in conjunction with the People’s Liberation Army’s 5th Corps (第二野战军五兵团).
Memorial Details
The Yulinshan Cemetery is a site of remembrance for those who fought bravely in the liberation efforts. During the victory meeting, the Political Department of the 49th Division composed couplets summarizing the glorious combat history of the Fifth Corps and the Sixth Division. The first line of the couplet reads, “From Ji, Lu, and Yu, developing and growing, advancing over the Yellow River, fighting at Huaihai, crossing the Yangtze, conquering Jinghu, and marching southwest three thousand miles, truly a revolutionary army.” The second line states, “Northeast Yunnan, from nothing to something, from small to large, conquering Luoping, fighting at Yulu, capturing Huize, attacking Songlin, and bloodily battling at the Xuanwei watershed, deserving of being the people’s armed force.” The horizontal inscription reads, “Victory Meeting.”
After the meeting, the commanders of the Sixth Division completed their historical mission of armed revolution and entered a new historical journey to take over the old Kuomintang regime, establish and defend the people’s government, and continue contributing to the country.
How to Get There
To reach Yulinshan Cemetery of Martyrs, you can take a bus or taxi to Xiping Town in Zhanyi District. From there, follow local directions to Yulin Park.
Travel Tips
- Respectful Conduct: As a site of remembrance, maintain a respectful demeanor during your visit.
- Photography: Take photos respectfully, especially in sensitive areas.
- Local Guides: Consider hiring a local guide to enhance your understanding of the historical significance.
- Weather Awareness: Check the weather conditions before your visit, as Yunnan’s climate can vary.
