Xifeng Concentration Camp Revolutionary History Memorial Hall

Guiyang, Guizhou Province

The University of Steel and Blood: A Solemn Visit to Xifeng Concentration Camp Memorial Hall

📸Photography

Altitude

1,180m

Best Time

🌸 🍂

Ticket

Free

ℹ️

About This Attraction

1.Xifeng Concentration Camp Memorial: Hall, located in Yanglangba, Xifeng County, about 66 kilometers north of Guiyang, Guizhou Province, is a site of profound historical significance and solemnity. Established in 1938 during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, this facility was the largest and highest-level secret prison set up by the Kuomintang (KMT) Military Statistics Bureau (Juntong). Within the grim hierarchy of the KMT's prison system, Xifeng was infamously known internally as the "University," while the notorious Baigongguan and Zhazidong in Chongqing were referred to merely as the "Middle School" and "Primary School" respectively, indicating the high status and importance of the political prisoners detained here.

The camp was not just a prison but a formidable fortress surrounded by mountains and rivers, designed to break the spirits of those held within through a mix of "reform" and brutal suppression. Over its eight years of operation from 1938 to 1946, more than 1,200 revolutionaries and patriots were detained here, including the famous General Yang Hucheng, the communist leader Luo Shiwen, and Song Zhenzhong, affectionately known as "Little Radish" (China's youngest martyr). Tragically, over 600 of these individuals were executed or tortured to death, disappearing into history within these walls.

2.The scenic area is primarily composed of two parts: the Camp Headquarters (Benbu) and the Xuantian Cave (Xuantian Dong) detention site. The headquarters features the original prison cells, which were uniquely named after traditional Confucian virtues—Ren (Benevolence), Yi (Righteousness), Li (Propriety), Zhi (Wisdom), and Xin (Trust)—a cruel irony given the harsh realities inside. One of the most chilling sites is the "Cat Cave" (Mao Dong), a small, damp natural karst cave used for solitary confinement and brutal torture, where screams were swallowed by the earth.

About 8 kilometers away from the main camp lies Xuantian Cave, a natural cavern high on a cliff that served as the secret detention place for General Yang Hucheng and his family for eight years. Today, the memorial hall serves as a National Red Tourism Classic Scenic Spot and a base for patriotic education. Visitors can walk through the restored cells, view historical photographs and relics, and stand before the poignant "Loyal Soul Song" sculpture to pay tribute to the indomitable spirit of the martyrs who fought for their beliefs in the darkest of times.

✨ Why Visit Xifeng Concentration Camp Revolutionary History Memorial Hall

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A preserved former Nationalist secret prison complex from the 1930s-40s, now a memorial site

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Original prison blocks and interrogation rooms showcasing harsh historical conditions

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Extensive historical exhibits detailing the lives and struggles of political prisoners held here

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A key site for understanding China's modern revolutionary history and wartime resistance

Location & Nearby

📍 Guiyang, Guizhou Province • 🏔️ 1180m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Xifeng Concentration Camp Revolutionary History Memorial Hall Travel Guide

Where is the Xifeng Concentration Camp located?

It is located in Yanglangba, Xifeng County, Guizhou Province, approximately 66 kilometers north of the provincial capital, Guiyang.

Why was it called the "University"? It was a code name used internally by the KMT secret service. Because it held higher-ranking and more "important" political prisoners compared to Baigongguan ("Middle School") and Zhazidong ("Primary School"), it was dubbed the "University".

Is there an entrance fee? No, admission to the memorial hall is free, but visitors usually need to register with a valid ID.

What are the opening hours? It is generally open all day, from 8:00 to 18:00 (closed on Mondays in some contexts, so it is best to check before visiting).

How do I get there from Guiyang? You can take a bus or train to Xifeng County and then transfer to a local bus or taxi to the memorial hall. It is about a 1.5-hour drive from Guiyang.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Xifeng Concentration Camp Revolutionary History Memorial Hall?

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.