Location & Transportation

Xiangjiang Battle Memorial Park lies in Xing’an County, Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It’s nestled on Lion Hill, just 1 kilometer southwest of the county center, near a kindergarten (a local landmark for directions). To reach here:

  • By car: Drive along G72 Expressway, exit at Xing’an, then follow signs to the memorial park.
  • By bus: Take a direct bus from Guilin Bus Station to Xing’an, then a short taxi ride.
  • By train: Alight at Xing’an Train Station, about 2 km away (a 30-minute walk or 10-minute taxi ride).

Natural Scenery

Lion Hill, where the park sits, is a low hill covered in lush greenery. The area feels peaceful, with winding paths and views of the Xiangjiang River in the distance. Though not a traditional “natural attraction,” the hill’s gentle slopes and quiet atmosphere make it a reflective spot. The park blends history with nature—many visitors pause on the hill’s terraces to absorb both the scenery and the stories.

Cultural & Historical Highlights

The Grand Monument

At the heart of Xiangjiang Battle Memorial Park stands a massive 34-meter-tall main monument, shaped like three rifles pointing skyward. This symbolizes the Red Army’s motto: “Power comes from the barrel of a gun”. Below, a circular archway honors the soldiers who fought here. Climbing the 201 steep marble steps connecting the monument to the sculpture below feels symbolic—each step represents the hardships faced during the Xiangjiang Battle in 1934.

The Epic Sculpture

A 46-meter-long, 11-meter-high granite relief dominates the lower hill. Carved in gray stone, it depicts four giant Red Army soldier heads and five scenes of battle. This is one of China’s largest revolutionary-themed sculptures, showing soldiers breaking through enemy lines. Even non-Chinese speakers can feel the raw emotion—faces carved in determination, muscles straining, and tiny details like bullet shells scattered across the rock.

The Memorial Hall

At the base of Lion Hill, the memorial hall displays maps, old photos, and military models. One exhibit recreates the Three-Frontier Blockade (new villages, Jiaoshanpu, Guanghuapu) where the Red Army fought fiercely. Another shows the Long March route through Guangxi. Leaders’ calligraphy praises the soldiers’ courage. A glass case holds fragments of uniforms, rusted weapons, and diary pages—quiet reminders of the 30,000 lives lost here.

Facilities for Visitors

  • Parking: A free lot near the entrance.
  • Guides: Rent audio devices (English available) for historical context.
  • Rest areas: Benches along pathways and a small café selling tea and snacks.
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly paths, though the monument’s stairs are steep.

Immersive Experience

Visiting Xiangjiang Battle Memorial Park is about more than sightseeing—it’s a journey into China’s revolutionary past. Start at the sculpture, touch the cold granite, and imagine the chaos of battle. Climb the steps to the monument, pausing to catch your breath (literally and metaphorically). Inside the hall, read the English captions to understand why this battle mattered: it was the Red Army’s darkest hour, yet a turning point.

Locals often bring children here for history lessons. Many leave chrysanthemums or silent tributes by the monument. If you visit on a clear day, the view from the top—hills, rivers, and Guilin’s iconic karst peaks in the distance—adds a layer of quiet beauty to the solemnity.

Tip: Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Wear comfy shoes for the climb, and bring water—there’s no shade on the upper steps.