Communities across China have held a series of commemorative events on the eve of the Qingming Festival to honor revolutionary martyrs and pass on the spirit of revolution to younger generations.
Falling on Sunday this year, the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese festival for honoring the deceased and paying tributes to ancestors.
More than 3,000 people, including students and teachers from two middle schools in Guyuan City in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and other local residents, embarked on a long march to Ren Shanhe Martyrs Cemetery in Pengyang County on Friday. The annual pilgrimage serves as a powerful lesson in perseverance and remembrance.
Upon arrival at the cemetery, participants stood in silence before the monument to the revolutionary martyrs, laid floral baskets, and carefully wiped the gravestones.
"The revolutionary forebears fought on that very road we just trekked. If I ever face difficulties in my studies, thinking about the journey we took today will make those challenges seem like nothing," reflected Kang Xinrui, a student at Guyuan No. 2 Middle School.
In Yibin City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, a memorial ceremony was held at the Zhao Yiman Memorial Hall on Friday. Participants stood in solemn silence before the statue of the heroic martyr and recited poems in her honor, led by a museum guide.
"Learning about Zhao Yiman's story once again today made me truly understand her courage and fearless spirit in the face of danger. We must carry her spirit forward," said Yan Zimo, a student at Yibin No. 2 Middle School. In Xiaogan City, central China's Hubei Province, local primary and secondary school students took part in a "Qingming Tribute to Martyrs" event, listening to revolutionary stories and cleaning the graves of fallen heroes.
"The martyrs lived out their convictions with their youth and lives. As young people in this new era, we must remember history, take responsibility in our daily lives, and ensure the heroic spirit is passed down through generations," said Zha Zhonghang, a primary school student.
In the Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province, students from the Ronghe Jinyuan Primary School visited the Langya Mountain Five Heroes Memorial Hall. Through historical artifacts and immersive displays, they experienced the flames of war and drew inspiration from the heroes' deeds.
China honors revolutionary martyrs with nationwide Qingming commemorations
