“Revolutionary Martyrs Are Immortal.” These words, inscribed on the imposing monument before us, capture the essence of the Shenzhen Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery. This is also the place of the \u4e1c\u6c5f\u7eb5\u961f\u9769\u547d\u70c8\u58eb\u7eaa\u5ff5\u7891 Stone. The cemetery stands at the intersection of Beihuan Boulevard and Caitian Road in Futian District. It is a place of remembrance and respect.
This 27-meter-tall monument was erected in 1983. The inscription is the work of Zeng Sheng. He was the commander of the Dongjiang Column of Guangdong People’s Guerilla Against Japanese Aggression. Zeng Sheng’s ashes are interred here. He joined the Communist Party of China in 1936. Zeng made significant contributions to the victory in South China. He died in 1995. In 1996, the CPC Central Committee and State Council approved his burial here.
At the southwest corner, you’ll find a pavilion. It bears the names of 1,050 Shenzhen revolutionary martyrs since 1900. Among them, 490 gave their lives during the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression from 1931 to 1945. Another 416 died during the Chinese People’s War of Liberation between 1945 and 1949. Sixty-five lost their lives during the Socialist Revolution and Socialist Construction from 1949 to 1976. Twenty-five martyrs died since the launch of reform and opening up.
The Dongjiang Column was formed in 1943. The Dongjiang Column Memorial Hall was built in 2000 in Pingshan. It displays historical documents and photos. You can also see veterans’ paraphernalia. A monument lists thousands of martyrs’ names.
The Hong Kong Independent Battalion of the Dongjiang Column played a crucial role during the Japanese occupation. They rescued over 800 cultural figures. These included He Xiangning and Liao Chengzhi. Others were Liu Yazi, Zou Taofen, Mao Dun, Situ Huimin, and Tang Man-chiu. The battalion also rescued Allied soldiers.
The East River Column had its origins in two separate units. These were the Dongguan Model Able-bodied Young Men Guerrilla Team. The other was the Huiyang Bao’an People’s Anti-Japanese Guerrillas. These groups merged in 1939. When war reached Hong Kong in 1941, the East River Column grew. It went from a few hundred to over 6,000 soldiers. New recruits were angered by KMT desertions. They often armed themselves with abandoned KMT weapons.
The \u4e1c\u6c5f\u7eb5\u961f\u9769\u547d\u70c8\u58eb\u7eaa\u5ff5\u7891 Stone and the surrounding cemetery serve as a powerful reminder. They honor those who sacrificed for freedom and progress. Take a moment to reflect on their bravery and dedication. Their sacrifices shaped the Shenzhen we know today.