Life of Guangzhou - Top 8 Landscapes: 1 Huang Hua Gang Martyrs Cemetery

Encounter thousands of years of the City of Rams history in one day

The top eight landscapes of the City of Rams include the most famous sightseeing spots and allow you to tour the cream of this ancient-modern city.

There are a number of travel routes for you to choose from in Guangzhou. You may acquaint yourself with the revolutionary history in Huang Hua Gang 72 martyrs Cemetery; enjoy the natural beauty of Baiyun Mountain, the No 1 Mountain of Nanyue Dynasty, appreciate the superb architecture, decoration and craftsmanship of Chen Clan's Academy, visit the Five Rams Statue, the landmark of Guangzhou, in Yuexiu Park, taste delicious dishes in Wanlu Bay, Panyu and see the magnificent Panyu Bridge on the way, or have a look around the rare large quarry of ancient times in Lianhua Hill. If you have one day free, you could visit the Olympic Sports Center which is one of the main venues of the Ninth National Games of China, then go sight-seeing on the man-made water scenery at the Square of Guangzhou East Railway Station. For supper, Ruyi Lou, at the shore of Liwan Lake in Xiguan, is a good choice. In the evening, you could take the sightseeing bus along the Pearl River and appreciate the beautiful views on the river banks at night. Finally, end a wonderful day by taking a photo at the North Gate Square of Zhongshan University.

Huang Hua Gang Martyrs Cemetery (the Bright Moon over Huanghua Gang)
黄花岗七十二烈士陵园（黄花皓月）

In their revolutionary history, the Chinese are familiar with Langya Shan Five Heroic Men, and the thirteen warriors of Dadu River. However, the most influential and heroic are Huang Hua Gang 72 martyrs. On April 27th, 1911 (March 29th of Xinhai Year of the lunar calendar), Tongmenghui (the United League) under Mr. Sun Yat-sen’s leadership rose up in Guangzhou to overthrow the Regime of the Qing Dynasty. The uprising was suppressed and more than a hundred core league members died. At the risk of loosing his life, member of Tongmenghui, Pan Dawei, laid 72 martyrs’ bodies including 29 overseas Chinese in coffins and buried then in Hong Hua Gang, later renamed as Huang Hua Gang (Huang Hua, namely chrysanthemum, symbolizing courage and honor in China). This is recorded as Huang Hua Gang 72 martyrs in history.

Huang Hua Gang Cemetery Park was constructed in 1912. In 1921, the martyrs cemetery and Jigong Fang (Deeds Recording Monuments) were founded successively. Four characters, Hao Qi Chang Cun (imperishable noble spirit) written by Sun Yat-sen is inscribed on the memorial gateway of the park.

Based on a rough stone square, surrounded with iron chains, with the gravestone erected in a pavilion, 72 Martyrs Cemetery is located in Gang Ding. Jigong Fang (Deeds Recording Monuments) and consists of 72 rectangular stones in the shape of a pyramid. Freedom Goddess statue holding a torch stands at the top and the seal for Zhang Taiyan’s article is inscribed on the monument. A detailed record of the armed uprising can be found in the stone behind the monument.

Pines and cypresses on both sides of the passage and yellow chrysanthemums blossoming everywhere in the park create a solemn atmosphere in the cemetery. Along the south passage lies the forest, two 3-meter-high dragon pillars made of bluestone stand opposite. Sightseeing spots in the park also include Huang Hua Well, Huang Hua Pavilion, Mo Pond, Huang Hua Garden, Octagon Pavilion, Square Pond and Stone Bridge.

How to get there: buses 6, 10, 16, 27, 65, 122, 233, 72, or 192 and get off at the stop of Huang Hua Gang.

Ticket: RMB 10 yuan

Opening hours: 6:30—20:00

(written by Wang Fei, Liu Yan, Tang Qiting, and Pan Tingting)
(Translated by Helena Zhang and proofread by Alan Devey)