On October 15, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited the Gu Wenchang Memorial Hall in Dongshan County, Fujian, where he reflected on the inspiring life of Gu Wenchang and engaged in warm conversations with representatives from the Gu Wenchang Cadre College. “We must admire his achievements and aspire to emulate him. Serving the public and bringing benefits to the community is the righteous path we should follow,” Xi emphasized.
This visit marked a decade since Xi’s previous trip to Fujian, during which he spoke of Gu Wenchang as a pivotal figure among the many notable individuals from the region. His decision to visit the memorial this time holds deep significance.
Gu Wenchang, originally from Linzhou, Henan, made extraordinary contributions during the War of Resistance Against Japan and the Liberation War, helping to lay the foundation for the new China. In 1950, he moved south with the troops to Dongshan, an area then characterized by harsh sandstorms and dire living conditions.
“What is the purpose of the Communist Party if not to rescue the people from suffering?” Gu Wenchang, serving as the county party secretary, led the residents of Dongshan in transforming their environment, establishing green spaces, and combating the relentless sands.
Over his 14 years of service in Dongshan, including a decade as county party secretary, Gu oversaw the planting of over 73,000 acres of trees and the construction of protective forest belts that stabilized 80% of the region’s drifting sands. Additionally, he spearheaded the construction of 22 reservoirs and 705 permanent water conservation projects.
Under his stewardship, the barren island was transformed into a flourishing land, earning Gu Wenchang the revered status of a “green monument” in the hearts of the Dongshan people.
After Gu passed away in 1981, his ashes were buried next to the Casuarina trees he had planted at the Chi Mountain Forest Farm he founded. It became customary for locals to honor him before paying respects to their ancestors during festivals.
In January 2005, Xi Jinping recognized Gu in a column titled “‘Silent Achievements’ vs. ‘Visible Achievements’” in which he remarked on Gu’s dedication: “He didn’t seek ostentation but made profound contributions quietly. By leading local cadres and residents through years of dedicated work, he established a protective forest beneficial for generations to come—a monument in the hearts of the people. This silent achievement is indeed the greatest visible success.”
Xi also noted, “We often say that the reputation among the people outweighs any accolades or awards—a sentiment underscoring the importance of serving the public.”
“Serving with the intention of benefiting the community” is a principle Xi has consistently highlighted in various forums. In his poem reminiscing about Jiao Yulu, he articulated, “Who doesn’t love a good official? When tears transform into rain,” celebrating those committed to serving the public.
During discussions with students from the Central Party School, Xi encouraged them to approach their duties with passion and commitment, warning against those who desire power without responsibility or recognition without effort.
At the National People’s Congress, he reiterated the Party’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the people as the key metric for success, insisting that officials must shun vanity and focus on tangible outcomes.
In his discourse, Xi conveys a profound dedication to serving the people, emphasizing the need for a correct understanding of power, achievements, and responsibilities.
