The Eternal Flame on the Western Horizon: Honoring the Heroes at Shiquanhe Martyrs Cemetery

A Solemn Landmark on the Roof of the World

Situated on the northern mountain slope of Shiquanhe Town (Gar County), the administrative center of the Ali (Ngari) Prefecture in Tibet, the Shiquanhe Martyrs Cemetery stands as a profound symbol of sacrifice and dedication. At an altitude of 4,300 meters, this site is not merely a resting place for the departed but a spiritual highland that overlooks the modern town of Shiquanhe below. It serves as a key "Red Tourism" site in Tibet, preserving the memory of those who dedicated their lives to the liberation and construction of this remote frontier. Unlike the natural wonders of the plateau, this cemetery offers a somber, human narrative, telling the story of the "Old Tibetan Spirit" of endurance and selflessness in one of the world's harshest environments.

The Epic of the Vanguard Company

The cemetery's history is deeply rooted in the liberation of Tibet. In 1950, the "Into-Tibet Vanguard Company" (Jin Zang Xian Qian Lian), consisting of 136 soldiers from 7 different ethnic groups, embarked on a perilous journey from Xinjiang to Ali. They traversed the formidable Kunlun Mountains and the desolate Changtang No-Man's Land, facing extreme cold, altitude sickness, and starvation without adequate maps or supplies. By the time they reached their destination in Ali in 1951 and successfully planted the red flag, 63 soldiers, including their commander, had sacrificed their lives. Their remains and the memory of their heroic march are enshrined here, marking the cemetery as a testament to their iron will and loyalty,.

The Resting Place of Kong Fanyu

A significant feature of the cemetery is the tomb of Kong Fanyu (Kong Fansen), a model cadre who is revered across China for his dedication to the people of Ali. Kong Fanyu served in Tibet for two periods and tragically died in the line of duty. His tomb is a focal point for visitors, representing the spirit of public service and love for the Tibetan land and its people. The presence of his grave adds a layer of contemporary historical significance to the site, linking the early revolutionary struggles with the modern development of the region. Local residents and travelers alike come here to pay their respects to this figure who is seen as a symbol of the "Ali Spirit".

Architecture and Atmosphere

The cemetery complex is structured around a central Revolutionary Martyrs Monument, which towers towards the blue Tibetan sky, inscribed with calligraphy commemorating the heroes. Surrounding the monument are the neatly arranged graves of the Vanguard Company soldiers and other martyrs. The atmosphere is one of profound silence and dignity, contrasted against the rugged, barren mountains that surround the town. Standing at the cemetery, visitors can gaze down at the bustling Shiquanhe Town and the winding Shiquanhe River (Lion Spring River), witnessing the peace and prosperity that these martyrs fought to secure. It is a place for reflection, where the history of the plateau is etched in stone and spirit.