Journey back in time to Haifeng County. This county stands as a testament to revolutionary fervor and historical significance. Haifeng County is under the administration of Shanwei. It sits in the southeast of Guangdong Province, China.
Let’s explore the story of this remarkable county. Its history is intertwined with the tale of Peng Pai. Mao Zedong called him the “King of Peasant Movements”. Peng Pai was born into a wealthy family of landowners in Haifeng. He dedicated his life to the liberation of farmers and workers.
In 1922, Peng established China’s first farmers’ association. He spread communist ideals to the underprivileged. Peng called for unity against landlords and old feudal taxes. By 1924, he formally joined the Communist Party of China. In 1926, he penned a report on peasant movements in Haifeng. It was the first book of its kind in CPC history.
Haifeng County played a crucial role in the Nanchang Uprising on August 1, 1927. The CPC mounted its first military resistance against the Kuomintang. A fraction of the troops reached Haifeng in October. They joined forces with local farmer militias. Together, they launched an uprising and captured Haifeng and Lufeng in early November.
From November 18 to 21, a congress convened at the Red Palace in Haifeng. Representatives from workers, farmers, and soldiers gathered. On November 21, they declared the establishment of the Haifeng Soviet Government. This marked China’s first Soviet government. About 50,000 people joined in a celebratory gala on December 1.
Led by Peng Pai, the base began experiments in governance. Land redistribution was the focus. The government seized control of the land. It burned land deeds, leases, and ledgers. The land was redistributed based on the number of laborers, family situation, and fertility of the land. Nearly all land in Haifeng and 40 percent of Lufeng had been redistributed by February 1928.
Policies improved the lives of workers, soldiers, and women. The base defended itself against mercenaries employed by landlords. Soviet governments were established in neighboring counties. At its peak, the base was home to about 1 million people.
However, KMT troops launched a massive attack in February. Haifeng and Lufeng were captured in March. The Soviet governments ceased to function. Peng led the remaining forces eastward. He continued to fight in the mountains.
Peng was arrested by the KMT on August 24, 1929. He was executed on August 30. The CPC-led resistance continued until 1934. Despite its short life, the Haifeng-Lufeng Revolutionary Base pioneered explorations by the CPC. It motivated farmers, united the people, and experimented with governance.
Today, Haifeng County comprises 16 administrative towns. Hoklo and Hakka languages are used in the area. The climate is moderate. It has an average temperature of 22.9 °C. The county is a vibrant mix of history, culture, and resilience. As you stand here, remember the revolutionary spirit that shaped Haifeng County.