The last headquarters of former New Fourth Army (led by the Chinese Communist Party during the War of Resistance Against Japan, 1937-1945) is under restoration in Linyi City of east China's Shandong Province.

During the War, the New Fourth Army set up its last headquarters in Qianhewan village, Hedong District of Linyi City. It's also the home of the East China Field Army. Famous marshals like Chen Yi and Su Yu fought and lived there. The historic headquarters became the patriotism education base of Shandong Province and important tourist attraction in 2004. In 2005 it became a key cultural relic under provincial protection.

This restoration is aimed at giving the military headquarters back its original look of 60 years ago. The 5 million yuan (US$62,000) project will be completed in two steps. The first phase is the restoration of old premises which started in August 2005. It will cover approximately 3,000 square meters.

The second phase, which includes the building of a New Fourth Army Museum, a military square and a battlefield hospital, is currently being researched.

To ensure its completion before the Army Day, the Linyi municipal government has collected 116 historic items and cultural relics relating to the New Fourth Army from local residents.

(China.org.cn by Li Shen, April 27, 2006)