Footsteps of martyrs
At the Yuanmingyuan Ruins in Haidian district, visitors can visit the mausoleum in memory of 47 martyrs killed on March 18, 1926, during a confrontation against armed military police ordered by Duan Qirui's warlord-led Beiyang government. Led by Li Dazhao, the demonstrators called for an end to all unequal treaties signed between China and foreign powers, in addition to expelling foreign ambassadors who issued an ultimatum demanding the Duan government destroy all defense establishments on the Taku Forts, which a Japanese warship bombed on March 12,1926. Worried that the situation would get out of hand, the Duan government ordered the oppression of the protesters.
After visiting the mausoleum, visitors can continue to follow the footsteps of more heroes and martyrs during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression at the Heishanhu memorial park. Located at the Baiwang Mountain Forest Park, it was built to commemorate the martyrs who died during the battle of Heishanhu in 1937. The memorial park covers an area of more than 600 square meters and features inscriptions, sculptures and commemorative walls. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, the lush forest and fresh air at the Baiwang Mountain.
