A red flag with five stars flutters in the wind. It marks the entrance to a place of remembrance. This is the Dongjiang Column Memorial. Have you ever considered the weight of history held within these walls?
The Dongjiang Column Memorial stands in Shenzhen’s Pingshan District. It officially opened in 2000. The memorial covers approximately 5,000 square meters. Its exhibition hall spans 1,500 square meters. It comprehensively showcases the glorious history and significant contributions of the Dongjiang Column.
This site marks the origin of the Dongjiang Column. It is also the hometown of Zeng Sheng a commander of the Dongjiang Column. The Dongjiang Column Memorial is recognized as a patriotic education base in Guangdong Province. It also serves as an anti-corruption and integrity education base. Furthermore it is a national defense education base in Guangdong Province. It is among the first group of red revolutionary site demonstration points in Guangdong. The memorial is also a Shenzhen municipal integrity education base. It is a Shenzhen patriotic education base too. Finally it is a Shenzhen CPC history education base. Since its opening the memorial has received nearly one million visitors.
The memorial’s entrance features a large kapok tree. Its roots intertwine around the gate. Brick walls resembling soaring eagles flank the entrance. Bronze relief sculptures adorn these walls. They depict the Dongjiang Column’s rescue of cultural figures. The sculptures also portray soldiers bravely fighting the enemy. They embody the Dongjiang spirit of loyalty to the Party dedication to the people resilience and tireless struggle.
The Dongjiang Column Memorial comprises several sections. These include the Dongjiang Column Historical Exhibition Hall a Martyrs’ Monument Zeng Sheng’s Artifact Room and the former site of the Qianjin News Agency a key cultural relic in Shenzhen. Also it includes Zeng Sheng’s ancestral residence a key cultural relic in Pingshan District.
The Dongjiang Column Historical Exhibition Hall is divided into 13 parts. These sections detail the Dongjiang Column’s and the Liangguang Column’s struggles during the Anti-Japanese War. It also highlights their role in the Liberation War. Furthermore it emphasizes their involvement in the World Anti-Fascist War. The exhibition vividly portrays their arduous battles and remarkable achievements.
Notably the Dongjiang Column operated without direct support from the Party Central Committee for eight years. During difficult times they lacked even a radio transmitter. They relied on receiving news from Yan’an’s Xinhua Broadcasting Station. This exemplifies the heroic spirit of the Dongjiang Column.
As you leave the Dongjiang Column Memorial consider the sacrifices made. Remember the unwavering spirit of those who fought for liberation. Their legacy continues to inspire us.