Beneath a soldier’s gaze, history unfolds. The Guangzhou Liberation Statue stands tall, a silent sentinel in Haizhu Square. This towering monument commemorates the liberation of Guangzhou on October 14, 1949. It’s a moment etched in time, a turning point in the city’s narrative. The original statue, designed by Pan He, was unveiled in 1959. It was tragically destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. But from the ashes of history, a new statue was born. Sculptors Pan Yu and Liang Mingcheng breathed life back into the memorial in 1980.
The Guangzhou Liberation Statue depicts a People’s Liberation Army soldier. He stands victorious, a rifle in his right hand and a bouquet of flowers in his left. This symbolizes the triumph of the liberation and the promise of a brighter future. The statue is crafted from granite, a testament to its enduring significance. The base bears the inscription “一切权力属于人民” meaning “All power belongs to the people”. The statue’s face is directed south towards Haizhu Bridge. This positioning is deliberate. It symbolizes the PLA’s southward march to liberate the city.
The statue’s unveiling in 1980 was a significant event. Xi Zhongxun, then Guangdong Party Secretary, personally revealed the monument. It became a powerful symbol of the city’s resilience and the people’s enduring spirit. The Guangzhou Liberation Statue isn’t just a monument. It is a living testament to a pivotal moment in Guangzhou’s history. In 2011, Hong Kong actor Edison Chen visited the statue. Many online commentators had noticed a resemblance between Chen and the statue. This unexpected connection added another layer of intrigue to the monument’s story. The Guangzhou Liberation Statue stands as a proud symbol of liberation and a testament to the power of human resilience. It reminds us that from the ruins of the past, hope can blossom.