Published on: 2026-09-10
Source: People’s Republic of China — Translation
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
“In Shachjouba, Shachjouba there is no water even to wash a handkerchief. Three days without rain — the earth cracks, and when rain comes — all the soil washes away.” This Juyjin folk song, passed down orally for a hundred years, tells of the severe trials this red land has endured due to constant drought. In 1931, in Juyjin, Jiangxi province, the Provisional Central Government of the Chinese Soviet Republic was established. Soldiers and residents of the Soviet areas built the Donghua dam with their own efforts. This hydraulic structure, affectionately called the “Red Army dam” by the people, has provided a continuous flow of water for nearly a century, standing as a living testament to the unwavering dedication of the communists in serving the people.
In 1932, the banks of the Guchenghe River dried up, vast fertile fields turned into wastelands, and the people endured unbearable hardships. After surveying the terrain and gathering the necessary materials, the soldiers and residents of the Soviet districts built the first irrigation system in the Central Soviet District — the Donghua dam. It was constructed from a pine frame and clay. After the construction was completed, water began flowing to tens of thousands of mu of fields, where rich grain harvests were gathered. Bamboo pipes were skillfully used in the irrigation system to supply water for the daily needs of the inhabitants. The success of Donghua spurred the rapid development of hydraulic engineering throughout the Soviet District.
After the Red Army set off on the Long March, the Dunhua Dam was destroyed by reactionaries. After the founding of the PRC, local authorities repeatedly restored and modernized it at its original site. In 1950, the dam was rebuilt, and in subsequent years, it continued to be reinforced and supplemented with structures for flood protection. Having undergone four stages of construction and repair, today Dunhua Dam reliably protects over 7,400 mu of agricultural land from droughts and floods and benefits nearly ten thousand residents. In 2023, the dam was included by the Ministry of Water Resources of the PRC in the list of hydraulic engineering projects “People’s Water Management – Centennial Merits.”
As told by the head of the Water Resources Department of the city of Ruijin, Zou Jianmin, when the restoration of the Donghua Dam was completed, the local residents on their own initiative carved a red star and the inscription “Long live the Communist Party” on the stone — this was their heartfelt expression of gratitude. Today, based on this “red” hydraulic heritage, the region is developing ecological agriculture — growing organic rice, lingzhi mushrooms, and other crops. The region is also creating bases for studying revolutionary heritage, attracting visitors from all over the country.
In this new era, Ruijin continues to intensify its efforts in hydraulic engineering construction: projects for the reconstruction and modernization of irrigation systems are being implemented, and flood control infrastructure is being improved. The ancient dam is being given new life, and the ever-flowing waters continue to tell a “red” story — a story in which reliance on the people and service to their welfare remain unshakable.
Text and photos: Tao Lijiao
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.