Originally a garden villa, who would have guessed? This is the former site of the Guangdong Peasants’ Association. It stands here as a testament to a pivotal period in Guangdong’s history.
The Guangdong Peasants’ Association was the first provincial peasants’ association in China. It operated under the leadership of the Communist Party. This building became its office between 1925 and 1927. Before that, it belonged to Chen Gongshou. He was the deputy head of the Guangzhou Commercial Corps.
The story takes a turn in 1924. In October, a revolt by the Commercial Corps was suppressed. The villa was confiscated and became state property. In January of the following year, the Peasant Movement Training Institute moved here. It came from its original location on Yuexiu South Road.
May 1st, 1925, marked a significant day. The First Peasants’ Congress of Guangdong Province convened in Guangzhou. It was during this congress that the Guangdong Peasants’ Association was officially established. The association issued its declaration. It formulated its constitution. An Executive Committee was elected. This included five standing committee members. These members were Ruan Xiaoxian, Peng Pai, Luo Yiyuan, Zhou Qijian and Cai Ruping.
Following its establishment, the Guangdong Peasants’ Association spurred growth. Farmers’ associations developed across Guangdong. It guided peasant movements throughout the province. During the Great Revolution, it administered numerous peasants. About 800,000 peasants belonged to more than 20 county-level associations.
However, this period of activity was cut short. In 1927, after the “April 15” incident, the association ceased its operations. Despite the changes, much of the building remains. Except for the front building’s staircase, most of its original features are preserved.
In December 1979, the Guangdong Provincial People’s Government recognized its importance. It declared the site as one of the first batch of Guangdong Province cultural relic protection units. On October 7, 2019, it gained further recognition. The State Council of the People’s Republic of China listed it as one of the eighth batch of national key cultural relics protection units.
Today, the former site of the Guangdong Peasants’ Association serves as a reminder. It reminds us of the peasant movement. It also houses the Yuexiu District Hall for Integrity Culture. This place stands as a silent witness. It connects the past with the present. It allows us to reflect on the efforts of those who fought for change.