The Eternal Formation of Heroes: Paying Tribute to the Chinese Expeditionary Force at Guoshang Cemetery

A Solemn Monument to the Chinese Expeditionary Force

1.Located at the foot of Laifeng: Mountain (Laifengshan), just 1 kilometer southwest of Tengchong City in Yunnan Province, Guoshang Cemetery (Guoshang Muyuan) stands as a profound testament to the bravery and sacrifice of the Chinese Expeditionary Force during World War II. Completed in July 1945, this cemetery was built to commemorate the officers and soldiers of the 20th Group Army who perished during the fierce battle to recover Tengchong from Japanese occupation in 1944. It is the largest and best-preserved designated cemetery for Anti-Japanese War martyrs in China. The name "Guoshang" is derived from the "Nine Songs" by the ancient poet Qu Yuan, meaning "casualties of the nation" or "national martyrs," a title bestowed by Li Genyuan, a founding member of the Republic of China and a renowned patriot of Tengchong,.

The Hill of Heroes: Xiaotuanpo

2.The core of the cemetery is: Xiaotuanpo, a small cone-shaped hill that has been transformed into a resting place for the fallen. The design, led by the famous architect Yang Tingbao, follows a strict axis of symmetry that imparts a sense of dignity and order. At the very top of the hill stands a 10-meter-high square limestone Memorial Tower inscribed with the words "National Heroes of the 20th Group Army" and "Guoshang Cemetery". Below the tower, radiating outwards along the slopes, are the graves of the soldiers. There are 3,346 headstones in total, arranged neatly by unit and rank, resembling a combat formation that stands eternally ready for battle. This visual impact is overwhelming, symbolizing that even in death, these soldiers remain a disciplined force guarding their homeland. Among them, there is also a monument dedicated to the 19 fallen soldiers of the Allied forces who fought side by side with the Chinese troops,.

The Zhonglie Shrine and Historical Echoes

Before ascending the hill, visitors pass through the main gate and a long, shaded avenue leading to the Zhonglie Shrine (Martyrs' Shrine). This traditional Chinese hall serves as the ceremonial center of the complex. Inside, a portrait of Sun Yat-sen hangs in the center, flanked by the flag of the Republic of China and tablets honoring the spirits of the martyrs. The walls are adorned with stone inscriptions of the "Will of the Premier" and memorials written by military leaders of the time, recording the tragic and heroic history of the Battle of Tengchong. In 1944, the Expeditionary Force launched a counter-offensive across the Nujiang River. After 42 days of "scorched earth" fighting, they successfully liberated Tengchong, making it the first city in China to be recovered from Japanese control during the war. The cemetery is not just a place of mourning; it is a historical archive carved in stone, documenting the heavy price paid for peace,.

A Site of Pilgrimage and Education

Today, Guoshang Cemetery is a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit and a major Patriotic Education Base. Adjacent to the cemetery is the Dianxi Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall, which houses a vast collection of artifacts, weapons, and photographs (over 100,000 items) that provide a comprehensive context to the events commemorated in the cemetery. The atmosphere within the park is serene and solemn, filled with towering pine and cypress trees that have stood guard for decades. Every year, especially on "Tengchong Recovery Day" (September 14th) and the Qingming Festival, locals and visitors from around the world come to lay flowers and pay their respects. Walking through the rows of moss-covered gravestones, one can almost hear the echoes of the past, offering a powerful lesson on war, peace, and the resilience of the human spirit,.