Do you like taking pictures at a cemetery? Not everybody likes to visit it or even take pictures there. However, if the cemetery has historical values, I think visiting it would be worth it. Guangzhou is a witness to the development of political revolution of China. One of the remnants of the hard struggling of the Chinese revolution can be seen in the Mausoleum of 72 martyrs. This place might not be attractive enough for foreign visitors, yet if you are into history and things alike, you might want to visit this place to capture some insight of a small fraction of Guangzhou's history.
Located in a serene green park area of 160,000 square meters in Huanghuagang at the south foot of Baiyun Mountain in east of Guangzhou, an imposing building called Mausoleum of 72 Martyrs was built in 1912. Mausoleum of 72 martyrs was constructed to commemorate the unsuccessful Guangzhou uprising in 1911 and was dedicated to the 72 martyrs who died during the revolutionary uprising. It is an appreciation to the martyrs' bravery and sacrifices that represents high spirit of freedom and democracy.
On April 27, 1911, the United League, under the leadership of Mr. Huang Xing and Sun Yat Sen, launched an uprising to overthrow the Qing dynasty and build a new democratic country. A group of 88 revolutionaries marched against the authorities but sadly they were all defeated and killed. Out of so many killed, 72 people were buried in this Mausoleum. In 1912, Sun Yat Sen initiated a fund raise from all overseas Chinese communities to build a monument in memory of these 72 martyrs, which was completely finished in 1921. The 72 martyrs were buried in a place initially called Honghuagang. However, this name was later changed into Huanghuagang in 1935, meaning chrysanthemum, which is a symbol of martyrs. The memorial monument is listed as the national protected important cultural site by State Council in 1961.
The admission ticket is only 10 Yuan. I suggest you to also buy a guide book that costs 2 Yuan to get some background knowledge of the site.
On the arch of the main gate beautifully engraved four Chinese characters saying "Hao Qi Chang Chun" meaning "Eternal Noble Spirit" written by Sun Yat Sen himself. 
This pond is called silent pond might be because it reflects solemnity and deep grieve in memorial to the martyrs 
The arch bridge over the silent pond made of granite stones. The gentle archway of the bridge causes visitors to lower their heads as they walk across it, as if paying silent tribute to the martyrs. 
As I took the left pathway, I came across this peaceful Huanghua garden that is filled with green plantations. 
There are many tombs around the Memorial wall. However, I do not know all their names. 
The statue of Zhongyuan Deng. He joined the Alliance Society in his early years and was given an important position by Sun Yat Sen as the chief of staff and division of Guangzhou army. But he was assassinated at Guangzhou-Jiulong railway station on March 21, 1922. 
Zhongyuan Deng’s Tomb is located behind the Memorial wall 
Mr. Pan Da Wei ever became a reporter once and he was the one who collected the bodies of the 72 martyrs and buried them in Huanghuagang hill. He died of illness in 1929. 
Mr. Feng Ru was the first plane manufacturer and flyer in China. On August 25 1912, he launched his self-made plane, however during the trial, the plane crashed and he died at the age of 29. 
Yang Xian Yi was praised as the father of air force in China 
Hong Tai Fan came from Vietnam
Since the park covers a massive area, there are many routes to reach the central point of the site, which is the Memorial wall itself. From the main entrance, if you take the middle way and continue walking straight along the two-hundred-meter pave way with evergreen cypress trees on your left and right sides, you will find the Martyr's Tomb with a memorial wall made of blocks of stones behind it.
Pave way lined up with evergreen cypress trees 
Tomb of the 72 martyrs was erected in 1921 
On top of the mausoleum are 72 steles with stories about the martyrs engraved on them and a replica of liberty statue with her hand holding high a torch as a symbol of immortal spirit of fighting for freedom and democracy. 
The memorial wall is made up of 72 granite steles with the story about the martyrs engraved on them 
Behind the statue, there are blocks with names and locations of the Chinese communities who contributed to the establishment of the monument.
Near the tomb are pine trees planted by Sun Yat Sen, Lin Shen and Jinlian Wu which until now still stand tall and straight.
The memorandum of Guangzhou revolution stele was erected in 1934 and made of Lianzhou blue stone. It is the biggest existing stele in Guangzhou. It is 3.92 meters high and 1.82 meters wide. On the back of the stele is a list of the names of the martyrs.
Besides the martyrs' tomb, there are also tombs of other revolutionary forerunners including General Dawei Pan. General Zhongyuan Deng, General Xianri Yang, Mr. Ru Feng, Mr. Jianru Shi as stated previously.
Mr. Shi Jian Ru joined China-vitalizing Association in 1899 and since then participated in revolutionary activities. In 1900, he tried to dig a tunnel to assassinate the high ranking officials of Qing dynasty, but his effort failed and he was arrested. He died at the age of 22. 
The dragon pillar was erected in March 1926 
When I was busy taking pictures of the tombs, a friend of mine refused to be photographed near the gravestone for she was afraid of death superstition. But I personally were not worried about it for I believed in God's protection. After about two-hours exploration, we decided to go home. Having seen how beautiful the cemetery is, we should learn from the Chinese of how they appreciated people who sacrificed themselves for the sake of the country's independence. Yes, we indeed have such monument in Indonesia, but unfortunately it is not well maintained like the one in Guangzhou. So, as young generation we need to stand for our country and show to the world that we could appreciate what our predecessors have done to gain independence. Just like how proud the Chinese of their nation is, we too must be proud of being Indonesians.
Sources:
Personal experience and additional information from other online articles
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