Title: From Feng Da Dao to Feng Director: A New Chapter in Ninghua County’s Red and Green Landscape
Ninghua County, Fujian Province, China – September 1, 2024
In the serene village of Xiaocao in Ninghua County, the legacy of the Long March lives on through the tales of heroism and sacrifice. As the Marching on the Long March to Learn Party History Fujian team listens intently, a descendant of a revolutionary hero recounts a stirring story of courage and cunning.
The local militia was holed up in a mud fort, equipped with heavy machine guns. The Red Army had been attacking for a long time but couldn’t break through. As night fell, what could be done? asks Feng Guomin, a descendant of the renowned warrior Feng Yilong.
Feng Yilong, born in 1909 in Sanhuang Village, Ninghua County, was a celebrated martial arts master in the Red Army. His journey from a poor family to a hero of the revolution is a testament to his indomitable spirit and bravery.
The Rise of Feng Da Dao
Feng Yilong’s story began in humble circumstances. His family, struggling with poverty, sent him to study the craft of making barrels in Liancheng County. However, instead of mastering the trade, he secretly trained in martial arts. His prowess soon became evident, and he was appointed the head of the local children’s security team during the revolution’s early days.
My grandfather not only had exceptional martial arts skills but was also incredibly smart, Feng Guomin told the采访团. In battles at Qingliu, Tianyuan, and Tiankou, he led the charge, capturing enemy weapons and ammunition, and was duly recognized for his contributions.
In 1933, at a military martial arts competition held in Liancheng by the Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army Fujian Military Region, Feng Yilong won first prizes in both shooting and bayonet fighting. His skill with a large dao (Chinese sword) earned him the nickname Feng Da Dao, and he was later assigned to the First Army Corps as a martial arts instructor.
The Long March and Beyond
Feng Yilong’s journey took a significant turn when he embarked on the epic Long March. He participated in famous battles such as the Four Crossings of the赤水 River, the Capture of Zunyi, and the Skillful Crossing of the Jinsha River. Throughout the march, he demonstrated exceptional valor.
In the defense of Zunyi’s Jinding Mountain, his unit was up against an enemy division and almost completely wiped out. Only he and a platoon leader survived on the mountain, Feng Guomin recounted. When the enemy shouted that the Red Army was out of ammunition, my grandfather fearlessly threw a grenade into their ranks and, along with the platoon leader, rolled down the mountain with a heavy machine gun.
After the Long March, Feng Yilong continued to serve in the revolutionary cause, participating in the War of Resistance Against Japan and the Chinese Civil War. Following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, he transferred to local government work in Ningxia.
A Life of Service
After retiring in 1983, Feng Yilong returned to Ninghua. Tragically, he passed away in a car accident in 1986, leaving behind a legacy of service and sacrifice.
My grandfather was a man of great character. He had a strong body, a loud voice, and piercing eyes. But he was also very approachable, with a gentle demeanor and a love for children, said Feng Guomin.
Today, the spirit of Feng Yilong and his fellow comrades-in-arms continues to inspire the people of Ninghua County. The county has embraced both the red history of the Long March and the green landscape of modern development, creating a new chapter in its story.
As the Marching on the Long March to Learn Party History Fujian team listens to these stories, they are reminded of the enduring legacy of the Long March and the heroes who shaped China’s history.
About the Author: This article was written by Liu Yue, a member of the Marching on the Long March to Learn Party History Fujian team, with contributions from Feng Guomin, a descendant of the revolutionary hero Feng Yilong.
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