August 1st Nanchang Uprising Monument, Jiangxi, China

4SOH KIEN PENG 5:00 PM Sep 9, 2018

In search of an utopian idealistic state
The success of the Russian Revolution led by Lenin in 1917 deeply influenced the growth of communism in China. Communism was seen as an ideological antidote to China's technological inferiority to the West and a formula to relieve poverty among the masses. But Chiang Kai Sheik felt his position threatened by this growing formidable force and began the persecution and extermination of all leftist elements within Kuomintang. The massacre and civil wars bring China's economy to a state of stagnation and chaos. I wonder would China be economically better now if Chiang had not try to eradicate the communists. Or must China undergoes great upheaval, civil wars and revolutions before peace and prosperity can settle down and the lives of the peasants change for the betterment. Those who perished during this Nanchang uprising sacrificed their lives for an ideological cause that they think would be a cure for China's poverty and backwardness. But that was in an era when communism was seen as a great political formula. In today's context, few champion for such a cause to bring about prosperity and peace for a nation. Communism seem to me an ideology of the past though it continues to be a philosophical glue to cement the unification of China. As I stand in front of the monument and gazed at the Square surrounding this monument, I felt identified with the minds of those who perished in this Nanchang Uprising. Their sacrifice was a struggle for a formula to bring back the great glory of this nation and because there are millions of these like-minded people, the nation continues to surge forward for betterment and prosperity. This great nation was once crowned as the `Sick Man of the East'. Yet it is the gathering of the many like-minded intellectuals and the patriotic determination of these great heroes who perished and laid down the foundation that we see light and progress in this nation of 5000 years of civilization. My Salute to these heroes!

3jfwilder 5:00 PM May 30, 2012

In the middle of everything in Nanchang
Having visited Nanchang a number of times now and knowing it well, this monument is pretty much in the center of Nanchang in a rather large square. The square has lots of activities always going on and you can walk around, fly a kite, grab some street food...all sorts of things. Unfortunately, Wal-Mart decided to plop themselves down at the edge of the park...but aside from that, it gives you a good slice of history. It's a short walk to all the pottery/porcelain shops along "porcelain row" where you can get some really fine porcelain made locally or at least within JiangXi provence. Haggle....a lot...lots of good restaurants around the area, lots of great shops all around, getting around in a taxi is easy. If you're in the area visit the monument and stay around for the food and shopping.