Baigongguan
Baigongguan Museum, a former Kuomintang secret prison, stands as a haunting memorial to the Communist Party of China’s (CPC) martyrs during the Second Sino-Japanese War and Chinese Civil War. Built in 1939 as a luxury villa for banker Luo Yichang, it was commandeered in 1943 by the Kuomintang’s Military Statistics Bureau to detain over 500 revolutionaries, including novelist Luo Guangbin. Designated a National Patriotism Education Base in 1997, it now houses a museum with interrogation tools, prisoner diaries, and a holographic theater recreating daring escapes
Historical Overview
Constructed in 1939, the villa became notorious under Kuomintang official Dai Li, who transformed it into a high-security prison. Its inmates included “Little Revolutionary” Yang Cheng武 (executed at age 14) and CPC leader Ye Ting, whose 1946 prison memoir exposed torture methods. The site’s darkest chapter came in 1949 when 32 inmates were buried alive during a breakout attempt. Post-1949, it served as a memorial, with key events including the 1983 discovery of a hidden mass grave and 2019’s VR exhibit on prisoner resistance.
Structural Layout
The site’s 3-hectare area includes:Villa Main Building: Three floors with 1940s-style furniture, a “Tiger Chair” torture device display, and a reconstructed prison cell.
Courtyard: Original watchtowers, a “Water Cave” dungeon, and a 1949 Liberation Monument.
Memorial Hall: Chronicles the resistance through letters, shackles, and a 15-minute documentary Echoes of the Cage.
Martyrs’ Gallery: Portraits and biographies of 200 prisoners, including 18-year-old poet Cai Mengwei.
Major Attractions
Ye Ting’s Cell: Replica of his 2m² quarters with his handwritten poem “Prison Is My University” etched into the wall.
Torture Instruments Exhibition: Rusted chains, electroshock devices, and a replica “Iron Virgin” cage.
Secret Tunnel: AR reconstruction of inmates’ 1947 escape route via underground sewers.
Liberation Diorama: Life-sized figures depicting the 1949 raid by the People’s Liberation Army.
Oath Wall: Visitors leave messages on digital tablets projecting onto a 12m-wide mural of the CPC flag.
Children’s Prison: A reconstructed cellblock for young activists, featuring a 1945 school ledger.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (1.5 hrs): Entrance → Villa Main Building → Courtyard → Memorial Hall → Martyrs’ Gallery.
Deep Dive (2.5 hrs): Secret Tunnel → Children’s Prison → Torture Exhibition → Oath Wall.
Educational Tour (3.5 hrs): Combine routes 1–2 with a 10:30 AM guided lecture (English available at 11:30 AM).
Ticket Purchase
Online: Free entry; book via official WeChat “红岩联线” (Hongyan United Front) up to 7 days in advance.
On-Site: Scan QR codes for instant admission (queues peak 9–11 AM).
Prices: Free; VR headsets ¥25/hour (¥15 students).
Transportation
Subway: Line 1, Yanggongqiao Station (Exit 1), transfer to Bus 210 or 821.
Bus: Routes 209, 210, 215, 248, or 821 to Baigongguan Stop.
Taxi: Direct to “白公馆” (Baigongguan); avoid rush hour (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM).
Self-Drive: Parking available (¥5/hour; free for electric vehicles).
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit Monday–Thursday (weekends host 40% more tourists).
Weather: Indoor exhibits suitable year-round; courtyard best in spring/fall.
- Essentials:
Bring ID for free tickets.
Use free Wi-Fi for audio guides (English/Chinese).
Respectful attire required (no tank tops/shorts).
Prohibited: Smoking, loud voices, and flash photography in galleries.
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