Martyrs' Cemetery

Introducing Martyrs' Cemetery

Xining Martyrs Cemetery is located at the foot of Phoenix Mountain in Xining City, Qinghai Province. It consists of a group of martyr sculptures, a monument, a martyr's tomb, the Memorial Hall of the West Route Army of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army, etc. The remains of 1,776 martyrs are buried in the park.

Construction began on this cemetery in July 1954 to commemorate the martyrs of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army's West Route Army who died in Qinghai. The cemetery's gatehouse is a two-story, 10-meter-tall pavilion. In front of the gate stands a sculpture of the martyrs of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army's West Route Army. The inscription "The martyrs of the Red Army's West Route Army will live forever in our hearts" is engraved on its base. In the center of the cemetery stands a 10.1-meter-tall martyrs' monument, with the inscription "The revolutionary martyrs will live forever" inscribed on its front in 1958.

The Martyrs' Cemetery within the park contains the remains of 840 Red Army martyrs, including Sun Yuqing, commander of the 9th Army of the West Route Army. Behind the cemetery is a marble wall with four reliefs depicting the Red Army's forcing the Dadu River, skillfully crossing the Jinsha River, climbing snow-capped mountains, and crossing grasslands, recreating the moving historical scene of the Red Army's fearless struggles during the Long March. The Memorial Hall of the West Route Army of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army, added in 1986, consists of an introductory hall and a main hall. The memorial hall showcases the deeds of over 5,600 West Route Army martyrs who sacrificed their lives in Qinghai. Over 280 photographs, 170 large-scale oil paintings, and relics excavated from mass graves vividly recreate the tragic and heroic scenes of the West Route Army's bloody battles. Also on display are numerous precious historical documents and images, as well as inscriptions from central leaders and some of the martyrs' belongings.

Climate and best time to travel

The plateau has a continental climate, making it suitable for travel in all four seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

The place is quite large, with a memorial area, a cemetery, a building for storing the ashes of veteran cadres, a stele forest area, etc.

It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

Open all day

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Most Popular FAQs for Martyrs' Cemetery

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Martyrs' Cemetery in Xining commemorates the soldiers and heroes who sacrificed their lives during various wars in Chinese history, particularly during the Chinese Civil War and the struggles for the founding of the People’s Republic of China. It serves as a place of remembrance and honor for these historical figures.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Martyrs' Cemetery is located in Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province. It is accessible by taxi or public transportation (bus) from the city center. It's about a 15-20 minute taxi ride from downtown Xining.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The cemetery is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are early mornings or late afternoons, when the weather is cooler and the cemetery is less crowded.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

There is no entrance fee for Martyrs' Cemetery. It is free to visit, though donations are welcomed at the entrance.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

No advance booking is required, as the cemetery is free to visit and not usually crowded.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

It typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the cemetery and its surroundings at a leisurely pace.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Must-see areas include:

• The central memorial: The main monument dedicated to the martyrs.
• Statues and plaques: Scattered throughout the cemetery, these offer insights into the lives and sacrifices of those honored here.
• The surrounding park: A serene space for reflection, featuring landscaped gardens and paths.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Chinese. Audio guides are not typically offered, but information plaques around the cemetery provide detailed historical context in Chinese.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Best photography spots include the main memorial, which is the focal point of the cemetery, and the surrounding landscape with its serene gardens and statues, perfect for capturing peaceful moments.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at the main entrance and head towards the central memorial. From there, explore the various statues and plaques dedicated to different martyrs. End your visit with a walk through the park surrounding the cemetery.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits and light shows are not available at Martyrs' Cemetery. However, the cemetery is peaceful and reflective, making it a good location for a quiet evening walk before closing time.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The cemetery is generally not crowded except during national holidays or important dates related to remembrance. The least crowded times are weekday mornings and late afternoons.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Basic facilities include toilets and rest areas. There are no shops or food vendors inside the cemetery, so it’s advisable to bring your own snacks and water.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The cemetery is relatively accessible, with paved paths and flat terrain. It is suitable for elderly visitors and children, but there may be some areas that require walking for longer periods.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is not required as the cemetery is free to visit, and no entrance fee is charged. However, some nearby shops and vendors may accept mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are no restaurants or cafes inside the cemetery. However, nearby Xining offers a variety of restaurants where you can try local Qinghai cuisine, such as Tibetan and Hui Muslim dishes.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Yes, Xining has many vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options, especially in the Muslim quarter of the city.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Nearby hotels include the Xining Hotel and the New Century Hotel Xining, both of which are located in the city center and offer easy access to public transport to the cemetery.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include:

• Dongguan Mosque: A historic mosque in Xining, known for its impressive architecture.
• Qinghai Lake: About a 2-hour drive from Xining, it’s a popular spot for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are no souvenir shops inside the cemetery. However, in the city center of Xining, you can find shops selling local Tibetan crafts, prayer beads, and textiles.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

To continue your trip, taxis or buses are the best options. Xining has a central bus station and train station, offering access to other destinations in Qinghai Province.