Shanxi Lingqiu Hongshaling Memorial Hall opens- Travel through the time tunnel and feel the power of struggle
On October 9, the Hongsha Ridge Memorial Hall officially opened in Huata Village, Du Yu Township, Lingqiu County, Datong City, Shanxi Province. This memorial hall not only chronicles a remarkable and challenging history of struggle but also serves as a profound reminder and inheritance of the spirit of self-reliance and hard work.
Huata Village, often described as a “hidden paradise” or “fairyland,” was once isolated due to poor transportation. To break this isolation, the villagers equipped with just a hammer, a shovel, and their hands undertook the ambitious task of constructing a tunnel. After ten years of labor, they successfully carved an 827-meter long tunnel in 1985, creating the sole route to the outside world. This remarkable achievement not only opened a door for Huata Village but also showcased the local people’s commitment to self-sufficiency and perseverance.
Zhang Xiuli, a member of the standing committee of the Lingqiu County Party Committee and head of the Publicity Department, indicated that the Hongsha Ridge Tunnel is not only a significant engineering accomplishment but also a valuable spiritual asset. The construction of the memorial hall is aimed at preserving and promoting this spirit.
The Hongsha Ridge Memorial Hall spans a total area of 1,460 square meters, with a building area of 700 square meters and an exhibition area of 450 square meters. The exhibition is divided into three units, vividly illustrating the tunnel’s geographical importance, its construction process, and its historical significance.
Zhang emphasized the importance of drawing wisdom and strength from the entrepreneurial history of the predecessors. She highlighted the need to fully utilize the educational function of the memorial hall, telling the “Hongsha Ridge story” and making it a spiritual sanctuary that nourishes the original intentions and refines the souls of Party members, cadres, and the general public.
Surrounded by mountains, Huata Village offers stunning scenery, clear streams, and winding paths. It features a plethora of fruit trees, including apples, peaches, walnuts, and Sichuan peppercorns, resembling a scene from Tao Yuanming’s “Peach Blossom Spring.” In recent years, Huata Village has garnered several honors, including “National Three-Star Leisure Agriculture and Rural Tourism Zone” and “Fifth Batch of Traditional Chinese Villages.” In 2022, it was even recognized as a National AAA-level Tourist Attraction.
The opening of the Hongsha Ridge Memorial Hall is set to bring new development opportunities to the tourism industry in Lingqiu County, attracting more visitors to experience the storied history of perseverance and the natural beauty of Huata Village.