Sites and songs related to Jing'an's Red history celebrated

Jing’an District has recognized local efforts to promote “Red” revolutionary history and culture.

The flag-raising ceremony held at the memorial site of the Communist Party’s Second National Congress was among the ten events recognized on Friday.

Since 2009, every National Day, hundreds of people have come to the site to attend the ceremony, wielding national flags and singing national themes, together with special guests such as Zhang Shihua, nephew of Zhang Renya, an early Party member, who protected the first Party constitution.

The Peking Opera class offered by the Zhabei No. 1 Central Primary School was also recognized.

The school has taught students to sing popular episodes of “Sha Jia Bang,” “The Red Lantern” and “The Taking of Tiger Mountain,” which all tell stories of brave and fearless Party members.

Others being recognized included restoration and immersive interactive experiences at “Red” sites.

Individuals include Wu Qing, superintendent of Chairman Mao's former residence on Maoming Road N.

The site, where Mao spent his longest time in the city, first opened to the public in December 1999 as a memorial. It was closed in 2015 for renovations, and reopened to the public in January 2018 with a restored look and new exhibits. 

Wu’s relation with the site dates back to her high school when she was a volunteer. She became a guide  in 2009. Since then, she has read many archives so she can tell “Red” stories in a lively way.

“Many people don't know Jing’an has many ‘Red’ sites and it witnessed the early footsteps of the Party,” Wu said. “My duty is to let more people know about Jing’an’s ‘Red’ DNA.”

Dong Yasha was recognized in acknowledge of her involvement in repairing and restoring old “Red” sites such as the former residence of Mao Zedong and memorial site of the Communist Party’s Second National Congress.

“Every time I walk to these sites I can feel the power of belief beyond time,” she said.