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Located in the Martyrs' Cemetery in the western suburbs of Zhengzhou, Henan Province, the Ji Hongchang Tomb is the burial site of Ji Hongchang, a renowned anti-Japanese patriotic general. Ji Hongchang, a renowned anti-Japanese hero, was executed in Peking on November 24, 1934. His tomb is a rectangular cement mausoleum with a porcelain statue of the martyr inlaid at its head.
Ji Hongchang (1895-1934), courtesy name Shiwu and also known as Hengli, was a native of Lütan Town, Fugou County, Henan Province. Born into poverty, he joined Feng Yuxiang's Northwest Army before the May Fourth Movement, serving as company commander, battalion commander, division commander, garrison commander, army commander, and chairman of the Ningxia Provincial Government. During the Great Revolution of 1925-1927, he served as commander of the 25th Army of the National Revolutionary Army, distinguishing himself in battle. During the Northern Expedition, his troops encountered obstacles, and the famous "late-night boat crossing of Hebei" incident was a tribute to Hongchang's troops. Following the September 18th Incident, which led to the fall of Northeast China, Ji Hongchang advocated resistance against Japan and national salvation, earning Chiang Kai-shek's enmity. In 1931, Chiang Kai-shek dismissed him from his post and funded his overseas trip. Upon his return to China, Ji Hongchang firmly believed that the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army, led by the Communist Party of China, was a truly reliable military force for resisting Japan and saving the nation, and that only under the leadership of the Communist Party of China could the complete liberation of the nation and society be achieved. He joined the Communist Party of China in 1932. In May 1933, the Japanese invaders occupied Shanhaiguan. Ji Hongchang, along with Feng Yuxiang, Fang Zhenwu, and others, formed the Chahar-Suiyuan Anti-Japanese Allied Army in Zhangjiakou, shocking the nation. He served as commander of the Second Army and commander-in-chief of the northern front. However, due to attacks from both Chiang Kai-shek and the Japanese invaders, the Anti-Japanese Allied Army suffered a defeat. After the defeat, Ji Hongchang engaged in anti-Japanese activities in Peking (now Beijing) and Tianjin. In late 1933, Chiang Kai-shek attempted to assassinate Ji Hongchang but failed. He then colluded with French imperialists to arrest Ji Hongchang at the French Concession Hospital in Tianjin and sent him to the Peking Military Police Headquarters. He was executed on November 24, 1934. Before his execution, he wrote the indignant and heroic five-character poem: "I regret not dying fighting the Japanese, leaving behind a shame today. With the country in ruins, why should I cherish my life?" He was only 39 years old when he died.
The temperate monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
A monument and pavilion stand 90 meters from the tomb. Hu Yaobang inscribed the eight characters "Memorial to the Martyr Ji Hongchang" on the monument. Surrounding the tomb are verdant pines and cypresses, creating a solemn and awe-inspiring atmosphere.
Ji Hongchang's tomb was originally located in Fugou, Henan Province, but was relocated to the Zhengzhou Martyrs' Cemetery in 1964. Constructed of white cement, the tomb is rectangular, 3.2 meters long, 1.4 meters wide, and 0.6 meters high. A square white marble tombstone stands in front, 0.95 meters long, 0.23 meters wide, and 1.6 meters high. A photo of the martyr is inlaid in the center of the front, while a brief biography of the martyr and a poem he wrote before his execution are engraved on the back.
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The Tomb of Ji Hongchang is the resting place of Ji Hongchang, a military leader during the late Qing dynasty and early Republic of China period. It holds historical significance as a marker of China's transition between two major political eras, and the tomb reflects the military and cultural aspects of the time.
The Tomb of Ji Hongchang is located in Zhengzhou, Henan Province. It can be reached by taxi or bus from Zhengzhou city center. Public transportation options like buses are available, though it may take longer compared to a taxi ride.
The site is typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For a quieter visit, weekdays or non-holiday periods are recommended.
The entrance fee is approximately 50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the site entrance or online through various ticket platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. A few days in advance should be sufficient.
It typically takes 1 to 2 hours to explore the tomb and its surroundings, depending on your pace and interest in historical details.
Guided tours in Chinese are available. Audio guides in English might be available, though it’s advisable to check in advance.
The best photography spots include the tomb’s entrance, the surrounding landscape, and close-up shots of the tomb’s intricate carvings.
Start by exploring the tomb itself, then take a walk around the perimeter to appreciate the landscape. If available, visit any nearby museums or interpretive centers for more context.
Night visits or light shows are not typically available, but special tours may be organized during peak seasons or festivals.
The tomb tends to be less crowded on weekdays, especially outside of national holidays and summer months.
Basic facilities such as toilets are available at the site. There are no major food outlets, but small kiosks may offer refreshments. Rest areas are available for visitors to relax.
The tomb is relatively accessible for elderly visitors, though the terrain may be challenging in certain areas. Some parts might be difficult for those with mobility issues, so it’s best to check accessibility in advance.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payment methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used at the site, reducing the need for cash.
There are no restaurants directly at the tomb site. However, there are a few local eateries in Zhengzhou city that offer traditional Chinese food.
Vegetarian food options are available at nearby restaurants, but vegan and halal options may be limited. It’s best to inquire at the local eateries.
There are no dedicated souvenir shops at the site, but local markets in Zhengzhou offer traditional Chinese crafts such as silk, jade, and tea sets.
