Helong Memorial Hall in Zhangjiajie

The Helong Memorial Hall (贺龙纪念馆) is located in Hongjiaguan Bai Ethnic Township (洪家关白族乡), Sangzhi County (桑植县), Zhangjiajie City (张家界市), Hunan Province (湖南省). It is the only memorial site in China, approved by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, dedicated to systematically showcasing the life and achievements of Marshal Helong (贺龙). The memorial complex consists of several key sites, including:

  • Helong’s Former Residence (贺龙故居)
  • Helong Bridge (贺龙桥)
  • Hongjiaguan Beautiful Countryside (洪家关美丽乡村)
  • Helong Memorial Hall (贺龙纪念馆)

The memorial hall covers an area of 9,335 square meters with a building area of 2,080 square meters. The exhibits are divided into nine sections:

  1. The Pride of Sangzhi (桑植骄子)
  2. Famous General of the Northern Expedition (北伐名将)
  3. Commander-in-Chief of the Nanchang Uprising (南昌起义总指挥)
  4. Founder of Revolutionary Base Areas (创建革命根据地)
  5. Leader of the Long March (率部长征)
  6. Hero in the War of Resistance Against Japan (威震抗日战场)
  7. Liberator of Northwest and Southwest China (征战大西北 解放大西南)
  8. People’s Hero (人民功臣)
  9. Forever in the Hearts of the People (永远活在人民心中)

The hall uses four themed displays, presenting 288 precious relics and 481 historical photos and portraits. Modern multimedia technology, including sound, light, and electronics, brings Marshal Helong’s life and contributions to vivid reality.

The memorial hall officially opened to the public in March 1996 to mark the 100th anniversary of Helong’s birth. The name of the hall, “贺龙纪念馆,” was inscribed by Jiang Zemin (江泽民) in December 1995. Additionally, the Helong’s Former Residence (贺龙故居) was designated a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit in May 2006, with the plaque inscription written by Deng Xiaoping (邓小平) in July 1986.

Historical Significance

The Helong Memorial Hall is recognized as:

  • A National Patriotic Education Demonstration Base (全国爱国主义教育示范基地)
  • A National Defense Education Demonstration Base (国家国防教育示范基地)
  • A National 4A-Level Tourist Attraction (国家AAAA级旅游景区)
  • A Classic Red Tourism Site in China (全国红色旅游经典景区)
  • Part of 30 Selected Red Tourism Routes in China (全国30条红色旅游精品线路)
  • One of Hunan Province’s First Batch of Red Tourism Sites (湖南省首批红色旅游景区)
  • One of the Top Ten Charming Museums in Hunan Province (湖南省十大魅力场馆)
  • A Party Spirit Education Base in Hunan Province (湖南省党性教育基地)

In February 2020, to honor healthcare workers, the scenic area announced free admission for all medical personnel nationwide from the time the site reopened after the pandemic until the end of 2020.

Historical Development

The Helong Memorial Hall complex covers 370 mu (approximately 24.7 hectares) and received 1.076 million visitors in 2015. The key components of the scenic area include:

1. Helong’s Former Residence (贺龙故居)

The Helong’s Former Residence is part of the sixth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units. It consists of:

  • Helong’s Former Residence (贺龙故居)
  • Mule and Horse Stable (骡马房)
  • Martial Arts Practice Room (练功房)
  • Helong Bridge (贺龙桥)

Three clear streams flow around the residence:

  • Yuquan River (玉泉河)
  • Tianlong Creek (天龙溪)
  • Yulin Creek (鱼鳞溪)

2. Helong Memorial Hall (贺龙纪念馆)

The Helong Memorial Hall itself serves as a National Patriotic Education Demonstration Base and includes:

  • Helong Memorial Hall (贺龙纪念馆)
  • Marshal Helong’s Bronze Statue Square (贺龙元帅铜像广场)
  • Bailong Bridge (百龙桥)
  • Cultural and Historical Building (文博楼)

3. Hongjiaguan Scenic Area (洪家关景区)

The Hongjiaguan Scenic Area is a Beautiful Countryside Project jointly funded by the central and provincial governments. It centers around Helong’s Former Residence and connects surrounding villages, including:

  • Hongjiaguan Village (洪家关村)
  • Quanyu Village (泉峪村)

Key landmarks and facilities:

  • Sangzhi Soul Baoding Square (桑植魂宝鼎广场)
  • Sangzhi Martyrs’ Cemetery (桑植县烈士陵园)
  • Hejiawan Martyrs’ Cemetery (贺家湾烈士陵园)
  • Hewumei Memorial Pavilion (贺戊妹纪念亭)
  • Helong Lake (贺龙湖)
  • Jielong Bridge (接龙桥)
  • Red Army Bridge (红军桥)
  • Tourist Service Center (游客服务中心)
  • Greenhouse Vegetable Restaurant (大棚蔬菜餐厅)
  • Rice Field Park (稻田公园)
  • Quanyu Mountain Park (泉峪山体公园)
  • Bai Ethnic Residences (白族民居)
  • Helong Middle School (贺龙中学)
  • Bayi Primary School (八一小学)
  • Kindergarten (幼儿园)
  • Nursing Home (敬老院)

Awards and Recognitions

In August 2024, the Helong Memorial Hall was designated as part of the fifth batch of National Second-Class Museums (国家二级博物馆).

Travel Information

Address: Hongjiaguan Village, Hongjiaguan Township, Sangzhi County, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province (湖南省张家界市桑植县洪家关乡洪家关村大桥组)

Transportation:

  • Route: Sangzhi County Bus Station — Helong Memorial Hall (桑植县汽车站—贺龙纪念馆)

Opening Hours:

  • Low Season: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Peak Season: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Postal Code: 427100

Free Admission Policy:

In February 2020, in honor of medical staff, the site offered free admission to all medical workers across the country from reopening until December 31, 2020.