The Longhua Martyrs' Cemetery

 

The Entrance Arch articulated in the monumentalist style of architecture where simplified columns and minimal decorations transcend time and space.

The Longhua Memorial Park of Revolutionary Martyrs (Martyrs' Cemetery for short) is located at 180 Longhua West Road, Xuhui District, next to the famous Longhua Pagoda, said to be the oldest in China. The park sits on the site of the notorious Kuomintang Prison where captured Communists activists were imprisoned, tortured and executed. In one infamous episode 24 young members were secretly killed in the night and buried on the grounds. When their remains were unearthed in 1950 a decision was made to build a memorial to their sacrifice for the nation.

The sprawling grounds of the park are laid out with landscaped gardens featuring well manicured lawns and accentuated with shrubs and flowerbeds. Luxuriant trees, palms and bamboo groves provide shade, while huge ponds spouting water features, pavilions and monumental sculptures dot the area, creating an oasis of calm and restfulness. A spacious plaza flanked by beautiful flowerbeds leads to the Memorial Museum which traces the lives of the 24 martyrs and several hundred others who played a role in the Communist revolution. 

From this vantage point you can explore the rest of the Martyrs' Cemetery where some 1700 men and women who died in the line of duty are interred. 

Line dancers work out in the shade.

The forecourt leading to the entrance arch.

The expansive plaza lined with rows of flowerbeds
directs your eyes to the pyramid-shaped Memorial Museum,
the main attraction of the Memorial Park of Revolutionary Martyrs.

Paved walkways lined with topiary, flowers and lawns crisscross the grounds, inviting you to explore and discover.

The Memorial Museum exhibits memorabilia from the life and time of the martyrs and heroes of the revolution in several galleries. Since 2017 the displays have been updated with interactive multimedia  technologies including holograms and commentary apps on mobile devices which should resonate with the younger generation.

Reflective pools and shady trees provide respite from the sun.

A haven of peace and tranquility contrasting with the
bustling high-rise in the distance.

A monumental sculpture depicting the martyrs' sacrifice.
Most of the figures on the grounds are carved in the heroic style
prevalent the 1950s era.

A time for quiet contemplation with the rustle of  
bamboo leaves in the air and dappled sunshine under your feet.

A cosy corner in the midst of nature to while away a lazy afternoon.

A sculpture capturing the role of dance and music
in the course of the revolution.

Heroic marble figures tower over dancers prancing to
the beat from their mobile devices.