Liangdang Mutiny Memorial Hall Guide: Gansu Red Tourism | History & Visit

Introduction

The Liangdang Mutiny Memorial Hall (两当兵变纪念馆) stands in Liangdang County, Longnan, Gansu Province, as a dedicated site commemorating the first successful armed uprising led by the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) in Northwest China. Opened on the original grounds of the 1932 mutiny, the memorial complex covers approximately 42 mu (about 2.8 hectares) and is classed as a National Red Tourism Classic Scenic Spot. It preserves the story of a pivotal moment that shaped revolutionary strategy in the rugged western Qinling Mountains.

For travelers interested in modern Chinese history, revolutionary heritage, or the early career of Xi Zhongxun (father of President Xi Jinping), this site offers an authentic, low-key alternative to more commercialized Red Tourism attractions. The memorial combines a modern exhibition hall, a reflective square with bronze sculptures, and the restored headquarters where the uprising was planned. While the exhibits are primarily in Chinese, visual timelines and multimedia displays make the narrative accessible to international visitors.

Historical Context: The 1932 Liangdang Mutiny

The Liangdang Mutiny of April 1932 was a carefully orchestrated revolt by CPC members within the Nationalist (Kuomintang) army stationed in Liangdang County. Under the strategic direction of the CPC Shaanxi Provincial Committee, key leaders Xi Zhongxun, Liu Lin, and others mobilized 136 soldiers to defect from the Nationalist 17th Route Army. The mutiny succeeded without major bloodshed, and the defecting troops formed the "Northwest Pioneer Detachment" (西北先锋队), which later merged with other revolutionary forces.

Historians describe the mutiny as the "spark" that ignited armed revolution across Gansu. It provided critical experience for later uprisings and demonstrated that the CPC could organize military action far from its base areas. Xi Zhongxun, then aged 19, emerged as a capable organizer and went on to become a founding leader of the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia Border Region.

The memorial hall preserves this legacy through a chronological narrative: the oppressive conditions under Nationalist rule, the secret planning within the local garrison, the night of the uprising, and the subsequent march into the Qinling mountains. Authentic weapons, personal letters, propaganda leaflets, and a reconstructed command room bring the story to life.

Memorial Layout and Exhibits

Main Exhibition Hall

The two-story main hall guides visitors through three thematic sections:

• Preface Hall: A large oil painting depicting the moment of uprising, accompanied by a bronze relief of the participants.
• Revolutionary History Gallery: Panels and artifacts detailing the political and economic context of 1932 Gansu, the organization of the mutiny, and the biographies of key figures. Interactive maps show the detachment’s route after the uprising.
• Legacy Gallery: Photographs and documents from later revolutionary periods, including how the spirit of Liangdang influenced subsequent campaigns.

Memorial Square

Outside the hall, a spacious square features heroic bronze sculptures of Xi Zhongxun, Liu Lin, and other leaders, standing atop a granite base. The square is used for commemorative ceremonies and offers a quiet space for reflection. Flanking the square are panels inscribed with the names of the 136 original members.

Restored Mutiny Headquarters

A short walk from the main hall, the original courtyard house where the mutiny was coordinated has been preserved in its 1930s style. Visitors can step into the small meeting room, the sleeping quarters, and the kitchen. Authentic furniture, oil lamps, and a secret radio set are displayed. This intimate setting gives a tangible sense of the conditions under which the planners operated.

Who Should Visit

The Liangdang Mutiny Memorial Hall suits:

• History enthusiasts interested in pre-1949 CPC military operations outside the well-known Yan’an narrative.
• Researchers of Xi Zhongxun’s early career and the generation of revolutionaries from Northwest China.
• Red Tourism travelers looking for a less crowded, more educational site compared to major attractions like the Yan’an Revolutionary Memorial.
• Photographers who appreciate architectural symmetry, bronze sculpture, and rural Gansu landscapes.

Who might skip it:

• Visitors with limited time in Longnan and a preference for natural scenery (e.g., the nearby Gansu Danxia landscapes or the Qinling hiking areas).
• Those not interested in modern Chinese political history may find the exhibit repetitive.
• Travelers requiring comprehensive English audio guides or printed materials should check availability in advance; while some multimedia displays offer English subtitles, the majority of text panels are in Chinese.

Visitor Information

Location and Getting There

The memorial is in the southern part of Liangdang County, Longnan, Gansu. By car, it’s about 20 kilometers from the county seat, approximately 30 minutes. Public buses or taxis from the county center serve the route, but schedules and frequency are not consistently published.

Ticket Price

Admission is free. No ticket purchase is required, but visitors may need to register at the entrance with an ID card or passport.

Suggested Duration

Most visitors spend 1 to 1.5 hours, including the exhibition hall, square, and headquarters. Those reading every panel in detail may need up to 2 hours.

Opening Hours

Source data does not specify operating hours. Many Chinese Red Tourism sites open 8:30–17:00, often closed on Mondays. Verify locally before travel. Contact the Liangdang County Tourism Bureau or check recent traveler reviews.

Best Seasons

Spring (April–May), summer (June–August), and autumn (September–October) are comfortable. Winter can be cold, though the site is open year-round. Summer afternoons can be warm; bring water and sun protection.

Altitude and Safety

The memorial sits at approximately 980 meters (3,215 feet) above sea level. This altitude is not considered high plateau and poses no altitude sickness risk. The terrain is flat within the complex. The surrounding area has typical western Qinling mountain climate; roads may be slippery after rain. No special equipment needed.

Photography Tips

• The bronze sculptures in Memorial Square are best photographed in early morning or late afternoon for dramatic shadows.
• The restored headquarters courtyard has good natural light; avoid using flash inside to preserve the atmosphere.
• The oil paintings in the main hall are behind glass; a polarizing filter can reduce reflections.
• Wide-angle lenses help capture the full scale of the square and the exhibition hall’s central statue.

Nearby Attractions

While in Liangdang County, travelers can also visit:

• Liangdang County Museum – smaller but covers local archaeology and folk culture.
• Qinling Mountain hiking trails – several marked paths for day hikes with views of the western Qinling range.
• Longnan Urban Area – about 80 km north, offering the White Horse Folk Village and the Longnan Revolutionary Memorial Hall (broader scope).

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Liangdang Mutiny Memorial Hall located?
It is located in the southern part of Liangdang County, Longnan, Gansu Province.

Who were the main leaders of the Liangdang Mutiny?
The uprising was primarily led by Xi Zhongxun and Liu Lin.

What is the historical importance of this site?
It marks the first major armed uprising by the CPC in the Northwest and served as a foundational event for the revolution in Gansu.

Does the museum have English guides?
While primarily in Chinese, the museum offers multimedia displays and clear visual timelines that are accessible to international visitors. English-speaking guides are not regularly available; inquiring at the ticket desk is recommended.

Is photography allowed inside?
Photography for personal use is generally permitted. Tripods may require permission. No flash near fragile artifacts.

Are there food and restrooms on site?
The memorial complex has basic restrooms and a small convenience shop. For full meals, visitors typically eat in Liangdang County town.

Final Thoughts

The Liangdang Mutiny Memorial Hall offers a focused, unhurried look at a turning point in Northwest China’s revolutionary history. Its modest scale allows visitors to absorb the details without feeling overwhelmed. For anyone tracing the roots of the CPC’s military success in the region, or simply seeking a meaningful stop on a Gansu road trip, this memorial delivers substance without spectacle.

Plan your visit with local updates on hours and transport, and allow at least an afternoon to also enjoy the surrounding Qinling foothills. The site stands as a genuine, well-preserved window into a formative event that still resonates in China’s political memory.