Yuhuatai Martyrs' Cemetery
» Nanjing, Jiang Su

雨花台烈士陵园

The Yuhuatai Martyrs' Cemetery is situated outside of Zhonghua Gate in Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province. Yuhuatai, originally called Shizitang (hillock of small stones), is about 100 meters high and 3,500 meters long. The cemetery's name is derived from a time when Buddhism was very popular during the Liang Dynasty (502 - 557) of the Southern Dynasty (420 - 589): A master named Yunguang, who preached sermons on top of the hill, moved the deity to make flowers fall from heaven. In 1988, it was listed as the key cultural relic under the State-level Protection. It is the largest-scale memorial cemetery.

In honor of the martyrs

From the April 12th Coup of 1927, however, the place became an execution ground where many communists and patriots were killed by the Kuomintang reactionaries. In 22 years, about 100,000 communists, workers, peasants, intellectuals and other revolutionaries and patriots sacrificed their lives for the country at Yuhuatai. In 1950, the cemetery was founded at Yuhuatai in honor of the martyrs.

What to visit

The cemetery consists of the main peaks and five other hillocks covering 54.2 hectares. There are two stone pillars standing in front of the gate at 11.7 meters in height, symbolizing the way of the Russian October Revolution. Inside there is a spacious square and flower terraces. A 6.8-meter-high monument is also set up on the main peak with the engravings: Long Live Revolutionary Martyrs, written by Mao Zedong himself. At the spot where the martyrs were killed are also a Revolutionary Martyrs Dying Place archway and other memorial structures.

Tombs for the martyrs

Tombs for the martyrs can be found at the western execution place in the western hillock and at the eastern execution place a memorial pavilion has been set up for the martyrs.

A giant sculpture

At the northern part, a 14.2-by-10.3-meter sculpture in umber granite depicting Party members, an intellectual, a worker, a peasant, a soldier - nine martyrs in total - represents the martyrs' noble spirit and moral courage.

Exhibition Hall

At the foot of the eastern main peak, the Exhibition Hall for the Martyrs' Revolutionary Historical Deeds features photographs, wills, relics and other revolutionary cultural materials.

Historical Relic

Historical Relic

  Weather

  1. When to go

  Shopping

  1. Where to exchange money?

  Customs

  1. What are some interesting festivals?

  Other Hints

  1. Health and Security
  2. Useful numbers
  • When to go

    Known as one of the three hottest cities in China, Nanjing's scorching summer period is to be avoided.

    The short and comfortable autumn time from October to mid-November is the best travel period for the city.

    Unlike other southern cities in China, in December, it sometimes snows in the city. If fortunately, you will have an opportunity to appreciate the enthralling white snow world of Nanjing. In the coldest month - January, the temperature could be as low as -7C (19F).


  • What are some interesting festivals?

    Jinling Lanterns Fair
    It was said that the first lantern fair was held in this region in the reign of Hong Wu in the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), when Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang ordered a spring lantern fair to be held to celebrate both the coming new year and prosperity of the country. This tradition was passed down from generation to generation and reached its height in the Ming and Qing periods. Each year from the first day of the lunar January the lantern fair celebration is held in the area surrounding Fuzimiao.
    Period: 1st, Jan - 15th, Jan depending on lunar calendar

    Nanjing Int'l Plum Festival (Plum Hill)
    In the early spring between February and March, Nanjing International Plum Festival opens as the first ceremonial tourist event of the year. The meeting place is chosen on Plum Hill. Reputed as the First Plum Hill under Heaven, it is one of the eight plum appreciation sights having the most variety, longest history and being the largest in the country. Because the traditional Chinese Lunar New Year always falls in this period, spectacular celebrations of blossom appreciation, show performances, cultural exhibitions and bazaar shopping are be held.
    Period: Feb. - Mar. (the one in 2005 began on Feb. 10th and ended on Mar. 15th)

    Cherry Blossom Festival
    In late March, Xuanwu Park becomes a sea of cherry blossom and photography lovers and tourists throng to see the charming scenery.

    Yuhuashi (Rain Flower Pebbles) Art Festival
    Yuhuashi, a kind of rain-flower pattern agate, is a very popular tourist souvenir. Each year in September, an art and cultural festival is held in Yuhuatai (Rain Flower Terrace) Scenic Area. Exhibition of precious agate stones and performances will be presented.
    Period: September


  • Where to exchange money?

    You can exchange money at Lu Kou International Airport, branch offices of the Bank of China at Zhongshan Donglu, just east of Xinjiekou traffic circle and most hotels in the city.

    Rates at hotels may be a little higher than those in the Bank of China. Some hotels only exchange currency for their own guests.


  • Health and Security

    The health and security of the guests coming to Nanjing is a prime concern among the authorities.

    There are adequate number of police stations where the guests report to in case they face any kind of a problem.

    There are also many hospitals in Nanjing where the tourists can go in case any emergency arises.


  • Useful numbers

    Tourist Hotline: 5261179
    Ambulance: 120, 7213460
    Emergencies: 110 (foreigner's section 552729)
    Fire: 119
    Tel No. Enquiry: 114
    Police: 110
    Foreign Affairs Office of Police: 7216795

A 6.8-meter-high monument is also set up on the main peak with the engravings: Long Live Revolutionary Martyrs, written by Mao Zedong himself. At the spot where the martyrs were killed are also a Revolutionary Martyrs Dying Place archway and other memorial structures.



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