Revolutionary sites with a red history (13)

Shenzhen, which covers nearly 2,000 square kilometers, is marked by revolutionary sites in many places. The Museum of the History of the Communist Party of China in Shenzhen, opened in 2019 in Futian District, records the red history of Shenzhen and revolutionary heroes who were either Shenzhen locals or pioneers from neighboring areas.

A glance at the lobby of the Museum of the History of the Communist Party of China in Shenzhen on Kaifeng Road, Shangmeilin, Futian District. Photos by Sun Yuchen 

The exhibition in the museum begins with the introduction of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Shanghai in 1921 and the CPC’s first organization in Bao’an (former name of Shenzhen).

An exhibition board introduces the founding of the CPC in Shanghai in 1921 and the CPC’s first organization in Bao’an.

Huang Xuezeng, born in 1900 in a village in west Guangdong’s Zhanjiang City, was one of the founders of the CPC Bao’an organization. Along with Peng Pai, Ruan Xiaoxian and Zhou Qijian, he was regarded as one of the four peasant movement leaders in Guangdong.

Since the CPC formed an alliance with the Kuomintang to fight against imperialism and warlords in 1924, Huang came to Bao’an and organized revolutionary activities in the Songgang and Gongming areas. In July 1925, the CPC Bao’an branch was set up, and the first congress of the CPC Bao’an County Committee was held Feb. 23, 1928 at the Chen Ancestral Hall in Songgang.

An exhibition wall introduces the past national congresses of the CPC.

Then Huang continued his revolutionary activities in Zhaoqing, Zhanjiang, Maoming and Hainan Island. Due to traitors, he was arrested and killed by the Kuomintang at the age of 29.

A desk once used by Huang Xuezeng when he participated in revolutionary activities in a village in Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province.

The Museum of the History of the Communist Party of China in Shenzhen also displays the guerrilla battles against Japanese aggression, socialist construction in Shenzhen after 1949 and the reform and opening-up achievements in the past four decades.

Old photos and maps introduce the Dongjiang Column of Guangdong People’s Guerrilla Force Against Japanese Aggression, the Great Rescue of Chinese Cultural Celebrities in 1941 and other guerrilla battles in Guangdong.

A replica of a Mauser pistol used by the Dongjiang Column of Guangdong People’s Guerrilla Force Against Japanese Aggression.

A 1960s photo depicts Bao’an militia patrolling in Nan’ao seaside to guard China.

A photo depicts the signing ceremony for an agreement between the Bao’an and Hong Kong authorities on supplying fresh water to Hong Kong on Nov. 15, 1960.

“Through visiting the museum, we found Shenzhen is a red place with so many red stories. The city’s abundant red history is a key spiritual driving force for supporting the city in implementing the strategy of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and building a pilot demonstration area of socialism with Chinese characteristics,” said Yang Lixun, director of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee’s CPC history research office.