Chongqing cemetery serves as serene Cultural Revolution warning

Lessons of dark chapter from Chinese history risk being lost

20250528N China grave 1

The Red Guards cemetery in Chongqing is open only to direct family members of the dead and only during certain holidays. (Photo obtained by Nikkei)

SHUNSUKE TABETA

CHONGQING -- At a locked cemetery in Chongqing lives the memories of China's Red Guards, paramilitary groups established during the Cultural Revolution. It is said to be the only one of its kind, an important monument to a dark time in the country's history.

The vast cemetery is closed to the public for most of the year. One exception is during Qingming Festival, also known as "tomb-sweeping day." At this year's festival in early April, a man in his late 30s was visiting the cemetery.

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