Hong'an Martyrs Cemetery
A Guide to the Hong'an Martyrs' Cemetery: A Journey into China's Revolutionary Heartland
Introduction: The Cradle of Revolution
Nestled in the northeastern part of Hong'an county town, atop Kezi Hill, lies a solemn and expansive space dedicated to memory and sacrifice: the Huangma Uprising and Hubei-Henan-Anhui Soviet Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery. Hong'an, formerly known as Huang'an, is no ordinary locale in Chinese modern history. It is revered as the strategic birthplace of the pivotal Huangma Uprising and the nurturing cradle of the Hubei-Henan-Anhui Revolutionary Base Area. Its most poignant title, however, is "The County of Generals," a testament to its extraordinary contribution to the nation's revolutionary struggle. This land is the hometown of two Chinese Presidents, Dong Biwu and Li Xiannian. It produced over 200 high-ranking commanders for the People's Army, with an astounding 61 generals receiving official titles between 1955 and 1988—the highest number from any single county in China. Beyond the celebrated leaders, Hong'an's sacrifice was profound on a human scale: it gave 140,000 of its sons and daughters to the revolutionary cause, with 22,552 martyrs officially registered by name. Established in 1956 with the approval of the Hubei Provincial People's Government, this 341-acre (with a planned area of 500 acres) cemetery stands as a permanent tribute to those who fell during the Huangma Uprising and the subsequent struggles in the Hubei-Henan-Anhui Soviet region.
Architectural Layout and Memorial Sites
The cemetery is architecturally organized around a core concept known as "One Monument, Two Squares, Two Gardens, and Five Museums." This layout guides visitors through a comprehensive narrative of remembrance, history, and reverence.
2.1 The Central Tribute: Monument and Squares * The Huangma Uprising and Hubei-Henan-Anhui Soviet Revolutionary Martyrs' Monument: This towering structure is the spiritual and physical centerpiece of the complex. It symbolizes the lofty spirit and immortal deeds of the martyrs, serving as a focal point for reflection and ceremonial respect. * The Monument Square: The vast open space surrounding the monument allows for large-scale commemorative activities and provides visitors with an unobstructed view, emphasizing the monument's grandeur and significance. * The History Museum Sunken Square: This architecturally distinct sunken plaza leads to the historical museum, creating a transitional space that prepares visitors mentally to delve into the profound history presented within.
2.2 Gardens of Eternal Rest * The Generals' Cemetery: A specially designated, serene garden where many of the renowned generals from Hong'an are laid to rest. It is a place to honor individual leadership and military prowess born from this land. * The Old Red Army Cemetery: This garden is dedicated to the veterans of the Red Army who hailed from the region. It pays homage to the collective courage and endurance of the revolutionary soldiers.
2.3 The Five Museums: Chronicles of History and Legacy The cemetery houses five major museums, each detailing a specific aspect of the revolutionary history and its key figures: * The Huangma Uprising and Hubei-Henan-Anhui Soviet Revolutionary History Museum: This museum provides the overarching historical context, detailing the events, strategies, and development of the revolutionary base area. * The Huangma Uprising and Hubei-Henan-Anhui Soviet Revolutionary Martyrs' Museum: Focused on the sacrifice of individuals, it documents the stories and displays artifacts related to the martyrs, personalizing the immense cost of the revolution. * The Dong Biwu Memorial Museum: Dedicated to the life and revolutionary career of President Dong Biwu, a native son of Hong'an and a founding figure of the Chinese Communist Party. * The Li Xiannian Memorial Museum: This museum chronicles the life and contributions of President Li Xiannian, another distinguished leader from Hong'an, showcasing his roles in the revolution and post-liberation state-building. * The Hong'an Generals Museum: Celebrating the phenomenon of the "County of Generals," this museum highlights the collective biographies, military achievements, and artifacts related to the numerous high-ranking generals produced by Hong'an.
Practical Visitor Information
3.1 Location and Transportation The cemetery is located on Kezi Hill, northeast of Hong'an County town. While the provided HTML text details numerous bus routes for the broader Huanggang/Huangzhou area (e.g., Routes 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10), these appear to be general city bus lines in Huangzhou City, which is the prefectural-level city administering Hong'an County. Visitors should note that Hong'an County is approximately a 1 to 1.5-hour drive from downtown Huangzhou. For direct travel to the Hong'an Martyrs' Cemetery, visitors are advised to: * Use inter-county buses or coaches from Huangzhou's long-distance bus stations to Hong'an County town. * Upon arrival in Hong'an, local taxis or ride-hailing services are the most convenient way to reach the cemetery on Kezi Hill. * For self-driving, navigate to "Hong'an Lieshi Lingyuan" or "Kezi Shan" in Hong'an county.
3.2 Contact Information * Telephone: 0713-5242316 (Recommended for verifying opening hours or arranging group visits).
3.3 Admission and Opening Hours * Admission Fee: Specific details on ticket prices are subject to change. It is highly recommended to consult the scenic area directly via the provided telephone number for the most current pricing information before your visit. * Opening Hours: The cemetery is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. * Weekly Closure: The site is closed every Monday for maintenance, except on national statutory holidays. Visitors should plan their schedule accordingly to avoid disappointment.
4. Suggested Duration of Visit To fully appreciate the scale of the grounds, reflect at the various monuments, and explore the detailed exhibitions within the five museums, a visit of approximately 1 to 3 hours is recommended. Allocating sufficient time allows for a more meaningful and unhurried experience.