Wu Qin’s Mausoleum in Foshan
Wu Qin’s Mausoleum is located at No. 57, Lingnan Avenue North, Chancheng District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province. The mausoleum was first established in 1951. The government of Foshan made several repairs to the mausoleum in 1982, 1989, and 1990. In 1998, the People’s Government of Foshan City officially declared it a Cultural Heritage Protection Unit. Additionally, it was designated as a patriotic education base by the Foshan Municipal Party Committee and People’s Government in December 1994. The mausoleum serves as an important site for commemorating Wu Qin’s contributions and the revolutionary cause he fought for.
Mausoleum Structure and Surroundings
The mausoleum covers an area of 1500 square meters. It is surrounded by an iron fence, with a main entrance marked by a grand double-eaved glazed tile archway. The archway is inscribed with the phrase “Eternal Glory” (万世流芳), symbolizing the lasting remembrance of Wu Qin’s sacrifice and dedication to the country.
Memorial Monument
In the center of the mausoleum stands a tall memorial monument, over 4 meters high, dedicated to Wu Qin. On the monument, there are inscriptions, including:
- “Foundation stone laid on February 14, 1951” (1951年2月14日奠基石)
- “Biography of Revolutionary Martyr Wu Qin” (1951年3月革命烈士吴勤事略)
Behind the monument, there are three tombs where Wu Qin, his younger brother Wu Jianben, and his guard Deng Zhuoying, who all died for the cause, are buried. To the east of the memorial, there is a square pavilion with a glazed-tile roof, complete with stone benches and tables. This pavilion serves as a place for visitors to rest and reflect.
Flora and Environment
The grounds are surrounded by lush vegetation, including cotton trees, pine trees, osmanthus, lily, and asparagus, which contribute to the serene and tranquil atmosphere of the site. The mausoleum’s beautiful surroundings are green and lush throughout the year, adding to its peaceful and reflective ambiance.
Wu Qin’s Revolutionary Contributions
Wu Qin, originally named Wu Qinben (吴勤本), was born in 1895 in Foshan. He was an active participant in the democratic revolution led by Sun Yat-sen. Early in his revolutionary career, he served as a bodyguard to Sun Yat-sen.
In 1924, Wu Qin founded one of the earliest peasant revolutionary armed groups in Guangdong, the Nanhai Peasant Army, and became its leader. He participated in the Second Guangzhou Peasant Movement School and joined the Communist Party of China (CPC). He later became the head of the Nanhai County Peasant Association and the commander of the Second Regiment of the Nanhai Red Guards, which played a role in the Guangzhou Uprising. Wu Qin’s forces fought bravely to capture Pujun Weir in Foshan, but after the failure of the uprising, he fled to Singapore and Hong Kong.
Anti-Japanese Resistance
After the Japanese invasion of China in 1937, Wu Qin returned to Guangzhou and Foshan to lead resistance efforts. During the Japanese occupation of Guangzhou and Foshan in 1938, he organized a volunteer army to fight the Japanese invaders in the Nanhai region.
In November 1938, his volunteer force was reorganized into the Second Guerrilla Brigade of Guangzhou, and Wu Qin was appointed as its commander. Under the guidance of the Communist Party, the brigade was transformed into a resistance army led by the CPC, with Wu Qin continuing as the leader.
Wu Qin also played a significant role in creating the Anti-Japanese Comrades’ Society in 1939, which united various patriotic forces to strengthen the resistance against the Japanese occupation.
Death and Legacy
On May 7, 1942, while attempting to cross the river at Chen Village Shuizhi Flower Ferry in Shunde, Wu Qin was ambushed by the forces of the Kuomintang and the puppet soldiers of Chen Village. He was tragically killed, but his legacy of resistance and commitment to the national cause lives on in the memory of the Chinese people.
Preservation and Recognition
The Wu Qin Martyrs Mausoleum has been officially recognized and protected as a cultural heritage site. It holds significant historical value as a place of remembrance for those who contributed to China’s liberation. In addition to being a cultural landmark, the mausoleum serves as an educational site for students and visitors interested in the history of China’s revolutionary movement.
It has been designated as a patriotic education base for the people of Foshan and the broader Guangdong region, educating visitors about the principles of patriotism and the enduring sacrifices made by martyrs like Wu Qin.
Conclusion
The Wu Qin’s Mausoleum stands as a powerful reminder of the revolutionary spirit and the enduring sacrifice of the Chinese people in their fight for independence and freedom. Wu Qin’s commitment to the cause of national liberation, his leadership in organizing resistance forces, and his ultimate sacrifice make him a national hero whose legacy is honored in this mausoleum. Visitors to the site are encouraged to reflect on the principles of patriotism and dedication to the country, as exemplified by the life of Wu Qin.
- Area (占地面积): 1500 m²
- Expansion Time (扩建时间): 1951
- Protection Level (保护级别): Foshan Cultural Heritage Protection Unit (佛山市文物保护单位)
