On the afternoon of the 15th, President Xi Jinping visited the Gu Wenchang Memorial Hall in Dongshan County, Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province, to gain insights into local efforts to preserve and pass on the red gene legacy.

When Gu Wenchang arrived in Dongshan with the People’s Liberation Army in 1950, he found a desolate and storm-stricken island. Folklore from that time included the saying, “In spring and summer, drought strikes; in autumn and winter, sandstorms devastate. Every season brings its own disaster.”

In 1955, while serving as the County Party Secretary, Gu Wenchang passionately declared, “What good is the Communist Party if we don’t rescue the people from suffering?” He vowed that “if I can’t subdue the sands, then let the sands bury me.” Gu tirelessly climbed over 400 hills and walked more than 30 kilometers of beach, eventually leading the people of Dongshan to successfully experiment with planting casuarina trees. By the end of 1963, he had helped stabilize 80% of the drifting sands through methods such as building sand barriers, planting vegetation, and reforesting the area.

To address the water scarcity for both people and livestock, Gu led the construction of 22 reservoirs and 705 permanent water management projects. As a result, Dongshan thrived with abundant water resources, alleviating its previous drought issues.

Gu Wenchang passed away on January 30, 1981, leaving behind a final wish to be laid to rest in Dongshan. In 1987, his ashes were interred beside the casuarina trees at the Chi Mountain Forest Farm that he himself had established.

Even after his passing, the people of Dongshan continue to remember Gu Wenchang’s contributions. During festivals, they bring flower baskets and incense to honor this devoted leader who dedicated his life to the welfare of the people. It has become customary to first pay respects to Gu before honoring their ancestors, a testament to his lasting impact.

Gu Wenchang has become a symbol of the Communist Party’s commitment to serving the people, firmly rooted in the hearts of the citizens of Dongshan.

Reporters: Wang Cheng, Wu Jianfeng
Visuals: Tan Muxiao, Zhang Shuzhi
Produced by the Domestic Division and Fujian Branch of Xinhua News Agency【Editor: Wang Qin】