Shatanggou Village - Where the Red Spirit Never Dies

The clean stone alleys(Photo by Duan Xuefeng)

Shangtanggou Village in Yanqing gave birth to the very first CPC Party branch in the entire Pingbei area, where 6 CPC members who were ordinary farmers by birth began and led the campaign against the invading Japanese army throughout the region. From then on, Shangtanggou Village has been popularly and affectionately referred to as the foremost Red Village.

The ancient village, perched against the backdrop of lush green mountains, is home to the memorial statue of Bai Yihua, an excellent commander who bravely fought the Japanese during the invasion. As one walks through the Bai Yihua Martyrs Memorial Hall and observes in reverence the list of names of those who sacrificed their lives, one is transported back in time to the era of war and revolution drowned in the roar of guns and cannons.

Now the tranquil village has long bid farewell to warfare and strife. The most typical day at the village consists of elderly villagers sitting about in the cleanly swept streets, chatting on and enjoying their day. Only the horns erected high above are still telling the stories back in that time.

The Red Village has evolved into an important destination in the suburb of Beijing for CPC members to be reminded of the past and honor the martyrs of the country, and for citizens to learn about the history of Pingbei as a crucial battleground in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. Praised as a pearl in the valley, the charm of Shatanggou Village shines graciously through the midst of the lush green mountains.  （Kevin）

The memorial hall(Photo by Duan Xuefeng)

The engraved CPC flag(Photo by Duan Xuefeng)

The list of heroes on the wall(Photo by Dong Jianli)

An ecologically-friendly village(Photo by Duan Xuefeng)

Paying a visit(Photo by Duan Xuefeng)

Leisure time(Photo by Duan Xuefeng)

Looking back in time(Photo by Duan Xuefeng)

Rereading the pledge to join the CPC(Photo by Dong Jianli)