Revolutionary sites add to mystique of Zhuhai past

The locales of bold labor leaders, fervent political patriots, and victorious underdog sailors are being recognized along with the scene of heinous war crimes as Guangdong revolutionary sites for improvement and demonstration.

The Zhuhai historical grounds are among the first batch of 54 in the province, according to a recent press release. They are the Former Residence of Su Zhaozheng, Yang Pao'an Exhibition Hall, Lin Weimin & Early Phase Labor Movement Exhibition Hall, Sanzao Island Japanese Invasion Ruins, and Wanshan Archipelago Campaign Sites.

Now, Zhuhai will step up efforts to preserve and restore these sites. Since preservation will be a top priority, areas around them will have construction restricted. And, support facilities will be improved for overall better experiences by visitors.

Former Residence of Su Zhaozheng

Su Zhaozheng (1885-1929) is known as an important early figure of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and labor movement activist. He was a leader during the General Strike of Hong Kong's Seamen in 1922 and the Great Hong Kong General Strike in 1925. Su's former residence, located on Qi'ao Island in Tangjiawan, was built during the reign of Emperor Tao-kuang (Daoguang) in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The residence was designated as a cultural heritage protection unit of Guangdong Province in 1979.

Former Residence of Su Zhaozheng [File photo]

Lin Weimin & Early-Phase Labor Movements Exhibition Hall

The hall was built in Sanzao Town's Yuyue Village to commemorate Lin Weimin (1887-1927). Lin was sent as a youth to Hong Kong where he suffered miserable treatment as a crewman on a foreign vessel. Apart from being a strike leader in Hong Kong along with Su Zhaozheng, he also played an active role in the General Strike of Shanghai Sailors. A pioneer of China's Labor Movement, he became first chairman of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions. Lin fought hard for national liberation and to defend workers' rights and interests.

Yang Pao'an Exhibition Hall

Also known as Lintao or Jintao, Yang (1896-1931) was one of the earliest advocates of Marxism in South China and a revolutionary activist. The exhibition hall is in Nanping Town's Beishan Village. There is a statue of him in Beishan's Historical Figures Sculpture Garden (along with bronzes of Su Zhaozheng, Lin Weimin, and others). Furthermore, Yang Pao'an Memorial School is among the first-batch of National Civilized Schools.

Sanzao Island Japanese Invasion Ruins

The ruins are a solemn reminder of when Japanese troops overran Sanzao in January 1938, massacred a thousand civilians that April, and slew thousands of migrant workers in May. Many residents were starved to death as the Japanese launched attacks on Guangzhou from there. The cemetery is the resting place of more than 10,000 war victims, while comfort women (sex slave) campsites are haunts of unspeakable crimes. Cliffside carvings listing Japanese who died at Sanzao Air Base, fortifications, and airport were left behind during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945). The World War II ruins were named a cultural heritage protection unit of Guangdong Province in 1983.  

Wanshan Archipelago Campaign Site

This was the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN) first-ever naval operation after its founding in 1949. It was a classic case of "quality over quantity" as the small naval force was able to defeat a powerful Kuomintang (KMT) navy in 1950. This victory on island after island of Zhuhai's Xiangzhou District broke the KMT's blockade of the Pearl River Estuary and secured control of the area's defense, fisheries, and transportation.