High above the city, \u6d77\u5458\u4ead stands. It is a testament to the struggles and triumphs of Chinese seamen. Have you ever wondered about this unique pavilion?
\u6d77\u5458\u4ead is located in Yuexiu Park. Specifically, it is on Xiaolong Ridge of Yuexiu Mountain. This spot is near the Zhenhai Tower. You might also know it as the No. 7 platform of the Yuexiu Mountain Sports Field.
Let’s step back in time to the early 20th century. Chinese seamen in Hong Kong faced terrible conditions. They suffered under British imperialism and capitalist exploitation. They endured long hours for little pay. Racial discrimination was rife. White seamen earned five times more than their Chinese counterparts. Chinese seamen faced constant abuse. They were often fired without reason.
In 1921, leaders like Su Zhaozheng and Lin Weimin formed the Chinese Seamen’s Union in Hong Kong. On January 12, 1922, the seamen launched a major strike. This was after their wage demands were rejected. Thousands of seamen returned to Guangzhou from Hong Kong to join the strike. Other labor groups in Guangzhou supported the striking seamen. Transportation workers in Hong Kong joined in a sympathy strike. This crippled five trans-Pacific and nine coastal shipping lines.
The Communist Party of China supported the strike. They established the Hong Kong Strike Relief Association in Guangzhou. They provided support to the returning workers. The Guangdong branch of the Party called on seamen to unite and maintain order. After 56 days, the British capitalists in Hong Kong conceded to the seamen’s demands. The Hong Kong seamen’s strike was a victory. It marked the first triumph in the Chinese working class’s anti-imperialist struggle.
During the strike, seamen built a road on Yuexiu Mountain. It was named Seamen’s Strike Road. They planned to build a memorial pavilion beside the road. Lack of funds halted the project. In 1930, Guangdong seamen raised funds again. Finally, in 1932, \u6d77\u5458\u4ead was completed.
\u6d77\u5458\u4ead sits on a square platform. It stands over six meters tall. Eight stone columns support the structure. Green glazed tiles cover the roof. It has an octagonal尖頂. The floor features the emblem of the Chinese Seamen’s Union. It shows a black anchor on a blue background.
In 1983, \u6d78\u5458\u4ead was listed as a Guangzhou Municipal Cultural Relic. Today, it reminds us of the courage and solidarity of the Chinese seamen. It is a landmark that commemorates their fight for fair treatment and better lives. As you stand here, remember their spirit. Their struggle paved the way for a more just world.