The Yan’an Revolutionary Memorial Museum (延安革命纪念馆), established in 1950, is a poignant testament to China’s revolutionary history. Originally situated at the foot of Fenghuang Mountain, it was relocated to Wangjiaping in 1968 and officially opened its doors to the public in 1973. This museum houses an extensive collection of precious historical documents, charts, photographs, and more, systematically depicting the remarkable journey from October 1935 to March 1948. During this period, the Central Red Army arrived in northern Shaanxi, established the anti-Japanese national united front, initiated large-scale production movements, conducted ideological rectification campaigns, and ultimately achieved victory in the Liberation War.
As you enter the museum, you’ll ascend three platforms symbolizing the Communist Party’s three critical phases in Yan’an: land reform, resistance against Japanese aggression, and the starting point for the nationwide victory. Flanking the main hall’s entrance are large sculptures depicting the “Red Army’s Long March Terminus” and the “Starting Point for National Victory,” showcasing Yan’an’s pivotal role in China’s revolutionary history.
The museum’s extensive collection comprises nearly two thousand photographs and artifacts, complemented by models, oil paintings, sculptures, and scene reconstructions. Modern technologies, such as sound, light, and multimedia displays, are employed to enhance the exhibits, offering a dynamic and immersive experience.
The Yan’an Revolutionary Memorial Museum is a place of reverence and reflection, honoring the sacrifices and struggles of the revolutionaries who shaped modern China. It stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Chinese people and their unwavering commitment to the ideals of the Communist Party. Visitors to this museum gain a deep appreciation of the historical significance of Yan’an in the broader narrative of China’s path to liberation and development.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Why Yan’an is Important
- Highlights of Yan’an Revolution Memorial Museum
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Basic Information
| website | http://www.yagmjng.com/ |
| Estimated Length of Tour | About 2 hours |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.00 (1st April – 31st October) 8.00 – 16.00 (1st November – 31st March the next year) |
| Ticket Price | Free |
Location and Transportation
The Yan’an Revolutionary Memorial Museum is located at No. 62, Zaoyuan Road, Baota District, Yan’an City, Shaanxi Province, China. The museum is easily accessible by public transportation, with several bus lines serving the area.
Bus: Take bus 23, 28, 104, K103, K12, K13, K16, K1, K202, K203, K208, K2, K3, K6, K7, or K8 and get off at Yan’an Revolutionary Memorial Museum (延安革命纪念馆).
Why Yan’an is Important
There are several reasons why Yan’an is considered an important location in Chinese revolutionary history:
Safe Haven for the CCP: Yan’an became the headquarters for the CCP during the Chinese Civil War, providing a safe haven for revolutionaries to regroup and strategize after being forced to flee from Nationalist forces. The CCP established its base in Yan’an from 1936 until 1949, and it was during this period that the Party consolidated its power and expanded its influence.
Long March: The CCP’s famous Long March ended in Yan’an, where Mao Zedong and other Party leaders established a stronghold. The Long March was a strategic retreat that lasted over a year and covered more than 8,000 kilometers. The Party’s ability to survive this difficult journey helped to bolster their reputation and support among the Chinese people.
Development of Marxist Theory: The CCP used their time in Yan’an to develop Marxist theory and establish Mao Zedong’s thought as the dominant ideology of the Party. Mao’s theories of revolutionary warfare, guerrilla tactics, and mass mobilization were developed and refined in Yan’an and were later instrumental in the Party’s success in the Chinese Civil War.
Development of Social Programs: The CCP’s time in Yan’an was also marked by the development of social programs aimed at improving the lives of ordinary people. The Party established schools, hospitals, and literacy programs, and implemented land reforms to redistribute land to peasants. These social programs helped to solidify support for the CCP among the Chinese people and contributed to the Party’s eventual victory.
Highlights of Yan’an Revolution Memorial Museum
Lives and Struggles of Revolutionary Leaders
The Yan’an Revolutionary Memorial Museum features exhibits that showcase the lives and struggles of revolutionary leaders, including Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai, and Deng Xiaoping. The exhibits include photographs, documents, and personal items that provide insight into the leaders’ experiences during the Yan’an period. Visitors can learn about Mao Zedong’s theories of revolutionary warfare, Zhou Enlai’s diplomatic efforts to unite the Communist Party, and Deng Xiaoping’s contributions to military strategy. The museum also highlights the role of women in the revolution, with exhibits showcasing the contributions of female revolutionaries such as Kang Keqing and Yang Kaihui.
Displays of Historical Relics
The Yan’an Revolutionary Memorial Museum houses over 80,000 historical relics that provide a glimpse into the Chinese Communist Party’s revolutionary struggles during the Yan’an period. The exhibits include photographs, documents, weapons, and artifacts that were used by revolutionaries during this time. Visitors can see a replica of the famous Long March, a red-star flag carried by revolutionaries, and weapons used in battles. The museum also features personal items of the revolutionary leaders, including Mao Zedong’s military uniform and Zhou Enlai’s typewriter. These historical relics help to bring to life the events of this period and provide insight into the challenges and sacrifices faced by the Chinese Communist Party in their quest for revolution.
Exploration of Ordinary People’s Lives
The Yan’an Revolutionary Memorial Museum not only highlights the lives of revolutionary leaders but also provides insight into the everyday experiences of ordinary people who supported the revolution. Exhibits showcase the living conditions of the people during this period, including the use of communal kitchens and medical clinics. Visitors can also learn about the contributions of the rural population and ethnic minorities in the revolutionary struggle. The museum features exhibits on the role of women in the revolution and the establishment of schools and literacy programs to improve education for the masses. These exhibits offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the people who supported the Chinese Communist Party’s revolutionary efforts and highlight the importance of their contributions to the success of the movement.
Education and Healthcare Achievements
The Yan’an Revolutionary Memorial Museum showcases the achievements of the Chinese Communist Party in education and healthcare during the Yan’an period. Exhibits highlight the establishment of schools and literacy programs, which improved access to education for the masses. The museum also displays medical equipment and documents related to the establishment of medical clinics and hospitals in Yan’an. Visitors can learn about the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to provide basic healthcare to the rural population and the establishment of traditional Chinese medicine schools to train medical practitioners. These exhibits showcase the Party’s commitment to improving the lives of ordinary people and provide insight into the successes and challenges of implementing social programs during the revolutionary period.
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Plan Your Visit Duration: Allocate 1 to 2 hours for your visit to the Yan’an Revolution Memorial Museum. Spending about an hour exploring the museum should be sufficient if you’re short on time or prefer a quick overview.
Free Reservation and ID Requirement: Admission to the museum is free, but it’s advisable to make a reservation in advance. You’ll need to present your ID card for entry. Expect crowds, as the museum is quite popular and significant.
Consider Walking: Yan’an city is relatively small, and if your accommodation is not far from the museum, consider walking instead of taking a taxi.