The Cradle of the Red Army Commander: Zhu De's Hometown and the Spirit of Linlang Mountain

The Birthplace of a Military Legend

1.Located in Linlang: Village, Ma'an Town, Yilong County, Nanchong City, Sichuan Province, Zhu De's Hometown (Zhu De Guli) stands as a hallowed site dedicated to one of the most significant figures in modern Chinese history. Situated approximately 80 kilometers from Nanchong and 300 kilometers from Chengdu, this National 5A Tourist Attraction sits at an altitude of about 500 meters among the rolling hills of northern Sichuan. It is the birthplace and childhood home of Zhu De, the founder of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and the first of the Ten Marshals. Unlike many solemn memorials, this scenic area is a vibrant, living landscape covering over 200 mu (about 13 hectares) within a larger protection zone. It preserves the authentic "Northern Sichuan Farmhouse" atmosphere where Zhu De was born in 1886 and spent his formative years. Surrounded by the verdant Linlang Mountain and dotted with lotus ponds and cypress trees, the site offers a profound glimpse into the humble beginnings that shaped a military genius who would go on to command the Long March and play a pivotal role in the founding of the People's Republic of China.

A Testament to "Diligence and Frugality"

2.The core of the scenic area is: Zhu De's Former Residence, a beautifully preserved structure that reflects the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty. The residence is a typical "Sanheyuan" (three-section compound) featuring green tiles, white walls, and intricate wood-carved doors and windows. It was here that Zhu De's ancestors, who migrated from Guangdong during the Qing Dynasty, settled and cultivated the land. The layout is compact and warm, with the central room serving as the place of Zhu De's birth. Visitors can walk through the rooms furnished with original-style wooden beds, tables, and daily utensils like teacups and pipes, vividly reconstructing the scene of a hard-working farming family. The family motto of "Diligence and Frugality" (Qinjian Jieyue) permeates the site. Stories of Zhu De herding cattle, reading books, and laboring in the fields as a boy are palpable here, offering a stark and moving contrast between this modest rural life and his later monumental achievements. The residence is embraced by orchards and a lotus pond, which legends say was Zhu De’s childhood playground, symbolizing his noble character of "rising from the mud unsullied".

The Chronicle of a Revolutionary Life

3.Adjacent to the historic residence is the Zhu: De Memorial Hall, a grand modern facility that serves as an educational hub. Through extensive displays of precious photographs, manuscripts, military uniforms, and relics, the museum chronicles Zhu De's extraordinary journey. It traces his path from a student at the Yunnan Military Academy to his participation in the Revolution of 1911, his travels to Europe to find communism, and his critical leadership during the Nanchang Uprising and the Jinggangshan convergence with Mao Zedong. The exhibits vividly showcase his military philosophy of "Unity between Officers and Soldiers" and his strategic brilliance during the Anti-Japanese War and the War of Liberation. Standing in the Bronze Statue Square, where a towering statue of a kindly Zhu De gazes into the distance, visitors are surrounded by a solemn atmosphere of remembrance, often witnessing flower-laying ceremonies and patriotic education activities.

Feng Shui Legends and Folk Culture

The cultural depth of the area extends beyond revolutionary history into local folklore and Hakka traditions. The village is nestled in a unique terrain believed by locals to possess excellent Feng Shui, described as the "Five Horses" formation, with legends claiming the "Wen and Wu Stars" of Linlang Mountain descended to bless the Zhu family with talent in both literature and martial arts. The area is rich in Hakka culture, owing to the family's migration history, and preserves traditional customs such as the Dragon Boat Festival and lantern celebrations. During festivals, the area comes alive with lion dances and parades, sometimes echoing the torch festival traditions of neighboring ethnic groups. Visitors can also explore the Yilong Guest House and ancient streets nearby to taste authentic Northern Sichuan cuisine, such as the famous "Three Treasures of Yilong"—Zhang Fei Beef, Liangfen (bean jelly), and Bean Curd—while listening to elders recount anecdotes of Zhu De’s return visits and his unpretentious love for "Big Bowl Tea". Whether hiking the ecological trails of Linlang Mountain or contemplating history by the quiet lotus pond, a visit to Zhu De's Hometown is a journey into the soul of the "Red Army's Father" and the enduring spirit of the Chinese peasantry.