陈毅纪念馆

“Four schools before leaving for France?” you ask, your eyes widening with disbelief. Yes, my friends, before he became a renowned marshal and diplomat, Chen Yi, whose memory this very Chen Yi Memorial honors, was a seeker of knowledge. Imagine a nine-year-old Chen Yi, uprooted from his familiar countryside life. He arrives in Chengdu with his father in 1910. This bustling city marks the start of his extraordinary journey. He first attends a school called Jinguangdi Primary School. But it is in the classrooms of Huaxing Street Primary School where his insatiable thirst for learning truly blossoms. This school, now a branch of Chengdu No. 7 High School, was known for its blend of traditional and modern education. It fostered a love for knowledge that would shape Chen Yi’s life. Picture young Chen Yi, sacrificing his lunch money to buy books. He devours tales of history and strategy, his mind already captivated by the complexities of China’s past and its future. His dedication doesn’t go unnoticed. His teacher, impressed by Chen Yi’s intellect and character, suggests a name change. He rechristens him “Chen Yi,” a name that would later be etched in history. Chen Yi’s time in Chengdu was a crucible, forging his character and setting the stage for his remarkable rise. It’s a testament to the power of education and the enduring legacy of this vibrant city.