Monument to the People’s Heroes 人民英雄纪念碑

Behind the rather large Mausoleum of Mao Zedong was yet another relatively modern monument – the Monument to the People’s Heroes. This was in the shape of an obelisk, normally seen in important locations in China, some examples of these were the ones I have seen in Leifeng Pagoda in Hangzhou, smaller version in Yuefei’s Tomb. This monument was quite tall, as it was around ten storey’s tall. I guess it represents the importance given to the people which the monument was dedicated to. This particular monument is dedicated to the people who has lost their lives in the service of the country – in particular, those which participates in fairly recent uprisings against invaders.

I have known some countries who don’t have concepts of heroes who have died for the sake of their country and frankly, I think it is quite sad. The Chinese are a patriotic lot and a lot of people have died for the sake of the country, Qing dynasty or modern China. The monument is dedicated to these people. Once in a while there will be wreath laying ceremonies at this monument, and it seems to be requirement it is an official coming from communist (or formerly communisty) states. Much of the monument was cordoned off and you can only see it from after. The foot of the monument is carved with the events the monument is dedicated to, but it is too far to see.

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