Yan'an Travel Series (Part 3): Fenghuangshan Revolutionary Site

After the Xi'an Incident on December 12, 1936, the Northeast Army stationed in Fushi County withdrew, leaving only the militia and security forces to defend it. The Central Committee decided to strive for a peaceful takeover, and if that proved impossible, to resort to armed resolution. On December 18, 1936, the Red Army peacefully took over Fushi County and renamed it 'Yan'an City.' The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China moved from Bao'an Town in Zhidan County to Yan'an City.

On January 10, 1937, Chairman Mao left Bao'an and arrived in Yan'an on foot on the afternoon of January 13. At that time, many people came from Ganquan, Ansai, Zichang, Yanchang, and other places to welcome the 'Anti-Japanese Leader.' The scene was very spectacular. Wherever Chairman Mao went, people followed. Surrounded by the people, Mao entered Yan'an through the north gate. On January 14, a grand 'Welcome Ceremony for the Party Central Committee and Chairman Mao's Arrival in Yan'an' was held. Chairman Mao said, 'From now on, we must talk about resisting Japan in everything, even when a husband and wife chat, they should discuss resisting Japan.'

In Yan'an City, Chairman Mao lived in 13 different places. When he first arrived in Yan'an, he stayed in a courtyard house on Erdao Street, Li Jiayao (Fenghuangshan), and Wu Jiayuan. Fenghuangshan Revolutionary Site includes the former Wu Jiayuan. In May 1937, Chairman Mao and He Zizhen moved here from Li Jiayuan.

Fenghuangshan Revolutionary Site is at the foot of Fenghuangshan. From January 13, 1937, to November 20, 1938, it was the seat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. Chairman Mao, Vice Chairman Zhou, and Commander-in-Chief Zhu also lived here. Between Comrade Mao Zedong's former residence and Comrade Zhu De's former residence, there are two courtyards: one is the former site of the General Staff Headquarters of the Red Army, and the other is the former site of the Central Confidential Department. The cave dwellings and bungalows inside the courtyards remain as they were.

During this period, the Central Committee convened many important meetings to prepare for the War of Resistance Against Japan and implement the comprehensive anti-Japanese war line, such as the Luochuan Conference and the Sixth Plenary Session of the Sixth Central Committee.

During his stay here, Chairman Mao wrote sixteen works, including 'On Practice,' 'On Contradiction,' 'On Protracted War,' and 'Combat Liberalism.' He also met with many Chinese and foreign figures, such as Norman Bethune and Wei Lihuang.

At the end of March 1938, Canadian Communist Party member Norman Bethune arrived in Yan'an. The next day, Chairman Mao met with him here and talked for three hours. When he heard that 75% of the wounded could be saved, Chairman Mao urged Bethune to organize a medical rescue team as soon as possible. Bethune was deeply moved by this conversation and kept a detailed record. Bethune said, 'Now I understand why Mao Zedong moves everyone who meets him. This man is a world giant; he is one of the greatest figures in our world.' On November 12, 1939, Bethune passed away. Chairman Mao was deeply saddened and wrote the famous commemorative article 'In Memory of Norman Bethune' on December 21.

On the morning of April 17, 1938, Wei Lihuang, then Deputy Commander of the Second War Zone of the Nationalist Army, secretly went to Yan'an. When the ten trucks of the Second War Zone headquarters reached twenty or thirty li from Yan'an, they found welcome slogans newly posted everywhere. Outside Yan'an City, there were gongs and drums, and slogans rose one after another. Wei Lihuang was very surprised to receive such a grand reception. As soon as Chairman Mao saw Wei Lihuang, he quickly stepped out of the living room and shook hands with him. Wei Lihuang said, 'The Eighth Route Army fights very well. Today, I am honored to have the opportunity to come to Yan'an and learn from you!' Mao Zedong said, 'You are also very formidable; the nickname "Chinese Tiger General" is truly well-deserved.'

On November 20, 1938, Japanese warplanes bombed Yan'an for the first time, causing severe damage to the old city. The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Chairman Mao and other leading comrades immediately moved to Yangjialing, northwest of Yan'an.

Today, Fenghuangshan Revolutionary Site is open to the public free of charge.

(Written by Dasong Wanjun on September 15, 2020)