Qiandongnan, Guizhou Province

Turning the Tide: A Visit to the Historic Liping Conference Site

📸Photography 🏯Old Towns 🛤️Highland Aesthetics(高原美学)

Altitude

580m

Best Time

🌸 🍂

Ticket

Paid

ℹ️

About This Attraction

1.The Liping Conference: Site is a landmark of profound historical significance, located at No. 52, Defeng Street (formerly Qiao Street) in Defeng Town, Liping County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province. Nestled within the Defeng Ancient Town, which boasts a history of over 500 years, this site is a designated National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit and a classic "Red Tourism" destination. Unlike the natural splendor of nearby waterfalls or ethnic villages, this site offers a solemn journey into a pivotal moment in Chinese history, often referred to as the "Dawn of the Great Turning Point" before the famous Zunyi Conference.

The site itself is a sprawling late Qing Dynasty residential complex covering approximately 800 square meters. Originally a merchant's residence known as the Qiao Family Courtyard, the architecture features characteristic fire-sealing walls (Matou walls), exquisite wooden doors and windows, and a layout of courtyards that reflects the traditional style of eastern Guizhou. Walking through the ancient wooden gates, visitors are transported back to December 18, 1934, when the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China held a crucial meeting here. At a time when the Red Army was facing critical danger after the Battle of Xiangjiang River, this conference rejected the original plan to move towards western Hunan and instead adopted the strategic decision to advance into northern Guizhou, centered around Zunyi. This bold shift saved the Red Army from encirclement and laid the groundwork for the eventual victory of the Long March,.

Inside the complex, the Conference Room has been meticulously restored to its 1934 appearance. A simple square wooden table, a few long benches, and a kerosene lamp recreate the tense atmosphere where leaders like Zhou Enlai, Zhu De, and Mao Zedong debated the army's future. The living quarters of these leaders are also preserved, featuring humble furnishings like beds made of door planks and straw mats, illustrating the hardships faced during the campaign. Adjacent to the historic buildings is the Liping Conference Memorial Museum, which houses a vast collection of historical photos, documents, and relics. Among the most touching exhibits are the Red Army slogans written on wooden door panels by soldiers, such as "Only the Red Army loves the poor," which survived due to the protection of local people.

Beyond the walls of the conference site lies the vibrant Defeng Ancient Town. The street known as "Qiaojie" (Pickpole Street), lined with ancient shops and flagged with stone slabs, offers a glimpse into the commercial past of this border town connecting Guizhou, Hunan, and Guangxi. The coexistence of this deep "Red Culture" with the rich, indigenous Dong ethnic culture of the region makes a visit to the Liping Conference Site a multi-layered experience of history, architecture, and local life,.

✨ Why Visit Liping Conference Site

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The Conference Hall

Stand in the very room where the historic Liping Conference took place, featuring original-style furnishings that witnessed the strategic shift of the Red Army.

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Qiao Family Courtyard Architecture

Admire the well-preserved late Qing Dynasty residential architecture, characterized by its distinctive fire-sealing walls, courtyards, and intricate wood carvings.

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Leaders' Living Quarters

Visit the humble rooms once occupied by Zhou Enlai, Zhu De, and other leaders, offering an intimate look at their austere living conditions during the Long March.

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Red Army Slogans

See the authentic slogans written by Red Army soldiers on wooden boards, preserved by locals, which serve as a testament to the relationship between the army and the people.

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Defeng Ancient Town

Explore the surrounding 500-year-old ancient town, particularly the historic Qiaojie street, which blends the solemn history of the conference with the lively atmosphere of a traditional Dong town.

Location & Nearby

📍 Qiandongnan, Guizhou Province • 🏔️ 580m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Liping Conference Site Travel Guide

Where is the Liping Conference Site located?

It is located at No. 52, Defeng Street, Defeng Town, Liping County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province.

What happened at the Liping Conference? Held on December 18, 1934, it was the first Politburo meeting after the Red Army entered Guizhou. It adopted a resolution to abandon the plan to go to western Hunan and instead move towards Zunyi in northern Guizhou, a decision that was crucial for the Red Army's survival.

What can I see at the site? You can see the restored conference room, the living quarters of historical figures, a memorial museum with relics and documents, and the traditional architecture of the Qiao Family Courtyard,.

Is there an entrance fee? It is generally free to the public as a patriotism education base, but visitors usually need to register with ID. (Specific policies may vary, checking locally is recommended).

What is the best time to visit? The best times are typically spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild. Mornings (9:00-11:00) and afternoons (14:00-16:00) offer good lighting for photography.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Liping Conference Site?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.