Amir&Jeff’s Excellent China Adventure Series. 2025: Hunan, Jiangxi, Fujian and Shaanxi Provinces’ Red Tour. Short videos with transcripts, captioned photos, articles and commentary. The REAL Chinese people you don’t know!
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Introduction
Looking back on our whole trip, Jinggangshan and later Yan’an, in Shaanxi Province were among the hightlight locations. There is so much history that happened on the ground under our feet, when one realizes that all the museums, parks and monuments we visited were bloody battlegrounds during China’s never ending civil war, from 1924 till liberation in 1949.
Photos by Amir
#1: this is the introduction to the Xingguo Three Flag Memorial. Without further ado…
Large-Scale Sculpture Group of the Three Red Flags (text edited for clarity and grammar)
This large-scale sculpture group features the three army banners of the “Xingguo Model Division of the Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army,” the “Young Communists International Division of the Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army,” and the “Central Guards Division of the Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army,” which were primarily composed of sons and daughters of Xingguo during the Agrarian Revolutionary War.
The front of the sculpture group depicts battle scenes from the five counter-campaigns against the enemy’s (the fascist Chiang Kai-Shek and KMT) “Encirclement and Suppression.” The reverse side portrays the moving scenes of the people of Xingguo: mothers seeing off their sons, wives seeing off their husbands, brothers vying to join the battlefield, and the moment the Provisional Central Government awarded Xingguo the honorary title of “Model Xingguo.”
The sculpture group is 23.179 meters long, symbolizing the 23,179 known martyrs from Xingguo who sacrificed their lives for the nation in the revolutionary war. It stands 9.3 meters high, representing the 93,000 people from Xingguo who joined the army and fought during the Soviet period.
This large-scale sculpture group fully demonstrates the outstanding contributions made by the people of our county during the Soviet era. It has now become a landmark monument in Xingguo County.
#2: see the description of the Three Flag Memorial in #1 above. Chinese families and groups travel across the country to have their photos taken at communist-socialist revolutionary sites. For them, it is a highlight honor and highminded souvenir. The four characters on the front flag, signed by Mao Zedong lower right, say “Model Xingguo” (模范兴国 = Mofan Xingguo). When Amir and I were there, it was mid-afternoon, it was hot and humid as Hades, with the Sun pummeling us and Planet Earth. Thus, there were very few people, not to mention that Xingguo is in the middle of bugfugg nowhere. Therefore, I found this photo on the Chinese web with a group included.
Xingguo Model is a huge component of China’s revolution, both on the battlefield against the fascist KMT, but also for setting the pace to develop manufacturing, industry and agriculture.
This article has a nice explanation of Xingguo Model (https://inf.news/en/history/b34ed76ab408a0032f1bb4efbae2f7d5.html).
#3: turning around from the Three Flags, we can see the huge Xingguo Memorial Esplande, with the Martyrs’ Memorial on the other side.
#3: across the huge esplande from the Xingguo Three Flag Memorial is the Martyrs’ Museum. Outside it, where we are standing in this photo is quite a display of Chinese revolutionary culture and history. Notice the Torch of Freedom on eight holders, which I reported on (https://radiosinoland.com/2025/10/07/amirjeffs-excellent-china-adventure-34-jiangxi-province-jinggangshan-our-last-stop-here-the-nanshan-torch-of-freedom-park-1-videos-10-photos-tell-the-story-with-lots-of-experiential-info-a/). They represent the Red Eighth Army and celebrate Army Day, on August 1st, called “Bayi” in Chinese for August 1st (8/1 = 八一). In China, the date format is YYYY-MM-DD, so has the month and date in common with the USA (MM-DD-YYYY). Of course, Europe and much of the world uses the DD-MM-YYYY format. To avoid confusion between the US and Europe, I use the Chinese format, which is unambiguous.
#4: on both sides of this photo are two large gardens, where granite busts of Xingguo’s 56 celebrated revolutionary generals are honored. The parquet is red and white marble. No expense is limited to tell China’s revolutionary history. Each torch has a different, revolutionary message.
#5: this is from the steps of the Martyrs’ Memorial. In the middle is a modest statue of Mao Zedong looking at the Three Flags.
#6: the simple statue of Mao Zedong in white marble. When you are the founder of China, your name doesn’t have to be put on the base! One of the 56 busts of Xingguo’s military leaders can be seen off to the left. The three characters on memorial are “将军馆“ (jiangjun guan), meaning “Generals’ Place”.
#7: China has three memorial medals to honor revolutionary heroes and martyrs. The first one is for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), with the “Bayi, 8/1” symbol in the middle (八一).
#8: the second medal is for “Independence and Freedom” (duli ziyou = 独立自由), meaning goodbye Westerners, Japanese and fascist KMT creating misery among the people.
#9: the third medal is for “Liberation” (jiefang = 解放), which relates to the above “Independence and Freedom”. There is an important distinction. You first have to be liberated in order to have independence and freedom. Slaves get liberated, then they are hopefully independent and free. This sequence is definitely true for the Chinese people.
#10: this is one of Xingguo’s 56 generals who earned the right to wear China’s three medals of honor. He is Zhu Ming (朱明). All Xingguo generals have a display, plus many other heroes and historical events as well.
#11: China’s three medals of honor up close, left to right: People’s Liberation Army, Independence and Freedom, and Liberation.
Of course, the PLA medal has the Bayi on top of the communist Red Star. This logo is on all things Chinese military. Independence and Freedom shows a pogoda soaring in the clouds, high above mountains and the sea. Liberation depicts Tiananmen Square in Beijing, where Mao Zedong gave his famous speech on Liberation Day, 1 October 1949.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Independence_and_Freedom
https://www.sourcifychina.com/military-medal-guide-in-depth/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orders,_decorations,_and_medals_of_China
#12: Xingguo Model is so important to China’s revolutionary history that the Martyrs’ Memorial has three quotes from three of the greats. From left to right,
Mao Zedong: The comrades in Xingguo have done first-class work and deserve to be praised by us as model workers.
毛泽东：兴国的同志们创造了第一等的工作，值得我们称赞他们为模范工作者。
Zhou Enlai: Neither foreign countries nor other places in China can compare with Xingguo; Neither Nanjing nor Beijing can compare with Ruijin.
周恩来：中国外国，不如兴国；南京北京，不如瑞金。 –
Deng Xiaoping: At that time, in the work of the Soviet Area, Xingguo was the first and Ruijin was the second.
邓小平：那时苏区的工作，兴国是第一，瑞金是第二。
#13: Pictured above: one of my favorite displays is this 5-meter wide painting. It depicts three epic moments of China’s Mao Era. On the left is a rocket taking off, representing China’s first intercontinental ballistic missile AND the people’s first space satellite. On the right is the mushroom cloud of China’s first atomic bomb. It shows the transition in front, pre-liberation of a broken, destroyed country. Then, the revolutionary PLA leaders and soldiers who helped the people gain liberation, then agriculture with the shovels; thereafter a truck and blueprints for development and infrastructure. Behind and in the middle are the masses carrying red flags, marching into a future of technology and innovation.
Revolutionary comic books
I wrote a great article about China’s children’s graphic novels
#14: the memorial has a nice collection of Mao-Era children’s comic books in encased, rotating cubes. My article above and the one below tell you all you need to know about Chinese children’s revolutionary education…
#15: this is the story of Wang Jie (王杰), a young soldier fighting against the fascist KMT and Japanese. He is reading a book of Mao Zedong Thought for the right inspiration. In big red letters, top to bottom it says, “Never fear hardship, never fear death” (一不怕苦，一不怕死 = yibu paku, yibu pasi).
Gritty and real. This, while Western kids live fantasy hero lives with bisexual Superman, Captain America and Spiderman. Ugh!
#16: As my article above shows, I have a nice collection of Chinese revolutionary comic books, or graphic novels, if you prefer, since they are often 50-100 pages long. Before this trip, I never found one about Mao Zedong and on our journey, If found four on the left and even one about Marshal Zhu De on the right. I am very proud to add them to my collection!
Revolutlonary and war movies
I have written about the Chinese’s many movies about their communist-socialist revolution and anti-fascist, anti-West civil war. For Westerners, think of John Wayne cowboy movies, but instead of killing Native Americans and Mexicans, the people here get to watch peasants, workers and soldiers wipe out the KMT, Japanese and Americans.
#17: the memorial presented five Mao-Era cinema posters. I found “Guerrilla in the Plain” with English subtitles, if you’d like to watch it!
4k Restoration! Anti-Japanese Film: Guerrillas on the Plain with English Subtitles
Plot Summary: “Guerrilla in the Plain”
“Guerrilla in the Plain” is a war film set during the anti-Japanese war, focusing on the struggles and heroism of guerrilla fighters and common people in the North China Plain.
The story is set in the vast, open plains of central China, a region with little natural cover, making it exceptionally difficult for resistance forces to operate against the well-equipped and mobile Japanese invaders.
The plot follows a group of determined Chinese guerrilla fighters and local villagers who form a resilient resistance unit. Despite the immense challenges of the terrain and the brutal “mop-up” campaigns launched by the enemy, these ordinary civilians and soldiers demonstrate extraordinary courage and ingenuity.
Key narrative elements likely include:
* The creative use of **tunnel warfare** and underground networks, a hallmark of resistance in the Hebei plain, to move undetected, store supplies, and launch surprise attacks.
* The **close, symbiotic relationship between the guerrillas and the local populace**, showing how their survival and success are intertwined.
* Acts of great **sacrifice and bravery** from both fighters and villagers, who risk and often give their lives to protect their homeland and comrades.
* A climactic battle or series of engagements where the guerrillas, using their knowledge of the local area and unconventional tactics, score a significant moral or tactical victory against the occupying forces.
The film’s title, “Guerrilla in the Plain,” underscores the central theme: the immense cost and selfless devotion required to defend one’s home in the face of a powerful invader. It is a tribute to the resilience and patriotic spirit of the people who fought a relentless war from the shadows of the open flatlands.
#18: “Raid on the White Tiger Regiment” is a stage opera from the Cultural Revolution, inspired by classical Beijing Opera. I found it below, but it does not have English subtitles. As you can see, it is the Chinese who developed the idea of having military and kung-fu fights in mid-air, with the actors on guy wires.
奇袭白虎团 (1972) 又名: Raid on the White Tiger Regiment
Plot Summary: “Raid on the White Tiger Regiment” (奇袭白虎团)
“Raid on the White Tiger Regiment” is a classic modern Peking opera that dramatizes a daring true-life special forces mission during the Korean War. The story follows a crack squad of Chinese People’s Volunteers Army, led by the courageous and resourceful scout **Yan Weicai**.
During the Korean Armistice negotiations in 1953, the opposing side, in a blatant act of bad faith, uses the elite “White Tiger Regiment” of the South Korean army to launch a surprise attack, jeopardizing the fragile peace process.
To shatter the enemy’s morale and expose their treachery, the Chinese command orders a seemingly impossible mission: to penetrate deep behind enemy lines and destroy the White Tiger Regiment’s command post.
The plot centers on Yan Weicai and his small, elite squad as they accept this perilous task. The film showcases their incredible skill and bravery as they:
* **Infiltrate enemy defenses,** navigating through minefields and barbed wire.
* **Use cunning and disguise** to bypass enemy patrols and checkpoints.
* **Overcome numerous obstacles** posed by both the terrain and the vigilant enemy.
The climax of the film is the intense raid itself, where Yan Weicai and his squad launch a surprise attack on the heavily guarded headquarters of the White Tiger Regiment. In a swift and violent assault, they successfully eliminate the enemy command structure, capture the regiment’s iconic flag, and cripple the enemy’s operational capabilities.
The opera is a powerful celebration of the bravery, wisdom, and internationalist spirit of the Chinese People’s Volunteers, highlighting a legendary episode of tactical brilliance that contributed to the final outcome of the war.
#19: “The Liberation of Shijiazhuang” looks intense. It is the mountain capital of Hebei Province, which wraps about Beijing like a big, backward “C”. Again, I found the movie, but without English subtitles.
《解放石家庄》/ Liberation of Shijiazhuang 经典八一战争影片 6天6夜攻下石门 ( 冯恩鹤 / 王立孝 / 赵娟娟) | 国产电影 | 经典电影
Plot Summary: “The Liberation of ShiJiazhuang”
“The Liberation of ShiJiazhuang” is a historical war film depicting the pivotal 1947 battle where the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) captured the city of Shijiazhuang—a major strategic victory during the Chinese Civil War.
The film focuses on the heroic actions of the 23rd Regiment, led by its determined commander, Zhang Yinghui. As a key urban center and transportation hub, Shijiazhuang was heavily fortified by the Nationalist (KMT) forces. The movie portrays the fierce and complex urban combat as the PLA soldiers fight street by street against a well-entrenched enemy.
The narrative builds towards a climactic and symbolic moment: Commander Zhang Yinghui, braving enemy fire, leads his troops in a final, decisive assault on the city’s core. In a triumphant scene, he and his men successfully plant the red flag on the highest point of the city, signaling its liberation. This act of valor cements the 23rd Regiment’s place in history, earning them the prestigious honorific title of “Great Meritorious Unit” for their crucial role in the capture of Shijiazhuang.
The film serves as both a thrilling war epic and a patriotic tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought to secure this important victory for the PLA.
#20: “南征北战“ (nanzheng beizhan) means “Fight north and south” or “Campaign all over the country”. Looks like an exciting, swashbuckling movie! The movies sans subtitles is below.
高清彩色修复：1952年《南征北战》陈戈、冯喆、张瑞芳主演【1080P，60fps】
Plot Summary: “Fight North and South” (南征北战)
“Fight North and South” is a seminal Chinese war epic from 1952, produced by Shanghai Film Studio. Set during the height of the Chinese Civil War (1947), the film dramatizes the real-life military strategy of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which involved mobile warfare on a massive scale.
The plot follows a specific PLA unit as it carries out the orders of its superior commanders. Facing a numerically superior and better-equipped Nationalist (KMT) force, the PLA makes a strategic decision that confuses some of its own soldiers and local civilians: they initially retreat and give up territory.
The central narrative conflict revolves around this strategic withdrawal. The film shows the frustration and doubt among the rank-and-file soldiers and the people who cannot understand why their army is “retreating.” This sets the stage for a dramatic demonstration of superior PLA strategy.
The story unfolds in two primary phases, as suggested by the title “Fight North and South”:
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The “Northern” Campaign: The unit moves north, luring overconfident KMT forces deep into hostile territory, stretching their supply lines, and isolating their elite units.
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The “Southern” Campaign: Having concentrated their own forces and chosen the ideal battleground, the PLA launches a massive, swift counter-offensive. The film culminates in a decisive battle where the PLA encircles and annihilates the overextended KMT armies.
Through this narrative, the film brilliantly illustrates key Maoist military principles: “Lure the enemy in deep” and “Concentrate a superior force to destroy the enemy one by one.” It is not just a story of combat, but a lesson in strategic thinking, emphasizing how the PLA’s connection to the people and its clever tactics triumphed over the enemy’s material advantage. The movie is celebrated as one of the most influential and authentic war films of its era.
#21: “Zeng Kelin Going Out of Shanhai Pass” was a TV movie put out in 2005. It was hugely successful, garnering several awards,
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- First place in the 6th PLA TV & Film Golden Eagle Awards.
- Best Director Award in the 4th Chinese TV & Film Day Awards.
- Best TV Film in the 24th Golden Rooster Awards.
- Best TV Film in the 10th Chinese Film Huabiao Awards.
《曾克林出关》/ Zeng Ke Lin Going Out of Shan Hai Guan 胜利的前奏！ 苏联对日宣战 百万红军进军东北( 刘旭 / 刘长纯 ) | new movie 2021
Plot Summary of the 2005 TV Film Zeng Kelin Chuguan:
In August 1945, following Japan’s surrender in World War II, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) seeks to expand its influence into Northeast China (Manchuria), a region rich in industry and arms. The Soviet Red Army has occupied the area per the Yalta Agreement but is officially neutral in the Chinese civil conflict.
Zeng Kelin, a seasoned CCP commander, is dispatched with a small force toward Shanhaiguan—the symbolic “pass” between North China and Manchuria. Despite unclear directives from Yan’an and cautious Soviet hesitation, Zeng takes decisive action. With Soviet tacit approval, he enters Shenyang and quickly organizes the takeover of Japanese military stockpiles, recruiting former anti-Japanese guerrillas and local supporters.
His bold moves—done without explicit central command—initially cause concern in Yan’an but ultimately prove strategically vital. The film portrays Zeng as a pragmatic, courageous leader whose initiative helps the CCP gain a crucial foothold in Manchuria, laying the groundwork for the eventual Communist victory in the civil war.
The title “出关” (Chuguan) literally means “passing through the pass” (i.e., Shanhaiguan), symbolizing the CCP’s strategic entry into Manchuria—a turning point in modern Chinese history.
Break out the popcorn, your favorite beverage and enjoy watching revolutionary Chinese movies!
Slide show wrap-up (22 visuals)
Chinese war memorials are, as expected, somber affairs. However, as you read this one’s foreward and conclusion, you will see that no matter how bad it got back in the day, rays of optimism and hope for the future always shine through. Based on all you learned in the above post, enjoy touring the the rest of Xingguo Martyrs’ Memorial!
Memorial Foreward (text edited for clarity and grammar)
China has always been a land of heroes; its vibrant spirit is renewed by shining examples of virtue and courage. The grand Chinese Revolution gave rise to the ten Marshals and the 1,614 founding generals of the People’s Republic, among whom 56 were from Xingguo.
During the years of revolutionary struggle, these generals from Xingguo, upholding the highest ideals, devoted themselves wholly to the revolutionary cause. They braved untold dangers and made tremendous contributions, playing a pivotal role at critical junctures in the fight for national independence and the liberation of the people. Following the establishment of New China, they carried forward their glorious traditions and fine conduct, dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to socialist construction. They fulfilled their duties with unyielding effort, striving tirelessly until their last breath.
They are the esteemed founding figures of the People’s Republic, the immortal military soul of the People’s Army, and the everlasting pride of the people of Xingguo.
Though the era of war and flame has faded into history, the brilliant achievements of Xingguo’s founding generals remain worthy of our eternal admiration and study. Their noble spirit and character deserve to be forever remembered and carried forward.
The merits of these generals are recorded in history, an honor for the ages; their spirit shines brilliantly, illuminating the path for a thousand years.
Memorial Conclusion (text edited for clarity and grammar)
The legendary careers and magnificent deeds of the 56 founding generals from Xingguo have left us with a solemn and precious spiritual legacy. While showcasing the glorious history of the People’s Republic of China, they provide us with profound enlightenment, deep understanding, and significant reflection.
Time may fade our memories, and years may transform mountains and rivers, but we will never forget these warriors who founded the nation and created such a brilliant history. Their ideals, beliefs, character, and sentiment transcend time and space, forever inspiring us to carry this legacy forward and strive tirelessly. This spirit has become the powerful driving force for revitalizing the Chinese nation and realizing the “Chinese Dream”!
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