Monument to the Defense of Jiepaiji, 1946

📍 Location: X003 (Station Road), Jieshou City, Fuyang City, Anhui Province
🕰️ Historical Background:
In 1946, during the early stage of the War of Liberation, the Nationalist forces launched a major offensive against the border region of Henan and Anhui in an effort to secure the Jinpu Railway line. Jiepaiji (now within Jieshou City) served as a strategic chokepoint and became a focal point of contention between both sides. In May of the same year, a unit of the Central China Field Army of the People's Liberation Army mounted a determined defense here, defeating a larger enemy force with fewer troops, successfully covering the retreat of main forces. This battle is historically known as the "Defense of Jiepaiji." Though not large in scale, it greatly boosted local morale and marked a significant milestone in the liberation struggle across East China.

🏛️ Architecture and Cultural Relics:
The monument stands beside the original battlefield site, constructed entirely from granite, standing approximately 6 meters tall with a square pyramidal shape. The base features relief carvings depicting scenes of soldiers charging into battle and civilians providing support. The front of the monument bears the inscription "Monument to the Defense of Jiepaiji, 1946," written in bold characters by Chen Yi, former Political Commissar of the East China Military Region (as recorded in local historical records). A brief account of the battle is inscribed on the reverse side, listing participating units and the names of fallen martyrs. In front of the monument stands a bronze incense burner, regularly adorned with flowers by visitors honoring the heroes.

📜 Cultural Significance:
This monument serves as a crucial physical remnant for studying the military situation in the early stages of the War of Liberation in East China, bearing witness to the heroic spirit of the people's army under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, who held their ground and defended the homeland despite extreme hardships. In 2018, it was designated as a Fuyang City Patriotic Education Base and included in the provincial list of protected revolutionary cultural relics.

🎟️ Tourism Information:

• Opening Hours: Open year-round, daily 8:00–17:00
• Admission: Free of charge
• Transportation: Take a bus from Fuyang to Jieshou, get off at "Jiepaiji Station," then walk about 200 meters to reach the site
• Recommended Visit Duration: 30–40 minutes
• Visitor Guidelines: Please maintain solemnity; no loud talking or disruptive behavior; climbing or graffiti is strictly prohibited

🌸 Visitor Tip: During major memorial days such as Qingming Festival and Army Day, government agencies often organize group commemorative ceremonies. Advance reservations are recommended for visits.