The sculpture is thematically derived from the 1927 recovery of the British Concession in Hankou (associated with the historical “January 3rd Massacre”). It is prominently situated in the historic riverfront district of Hankou, Wuhan, specifically near the Jianghanguan Customs House and the former site of the British Concession.
On January 3, 1927, workers, students, and citizens of Wuhan rose in protest against British imperialist atrocities, igniting a powerful anti-imperialist patriotic movement. Through a unified and resolute struggle, the people successfully reclaimed the Hankou British Concession—the first foreign concession to be recovered in modern China—establishing a monumental milestone in the nation’s anti-imperialist history.
The ensemble meticulously depicts five representative social groups: male workers, female factory laborers, dock porters, and impoverished citizens. It masterfully recreates the stirring and heroic scene of a united populace rising in collective resistance, immortalizing the indomitable spirit of that historic era.
Overall Composition
The monument utilizes a pyramidal triangular composition, featuring a centrally prominent figure at the apex. Flanking figures are arranged in staggered, tiered levels that are seamlessly integrated with the monolithic rockwork base. This creates a visually stable and majestic presence, perfectly capturing the powerful aura of collective unity and resolute resistance. The design is engineered for 360-degree narrative continuity, offering a complete storytelling experience from every vantage point.
Primary Components (Figures & Rockwork Base): Cast Tin Bronze
Fabricated from high-performance, outdoor-grade Tin Bronze, the sculpture is specifically engineered for environmental resilience within the high-humidity and high-precipitation environment of the Yangtze riverfront. The surface features an antique black-green verdigris finish. Hand-buffed bronze highlights are applied to raised musculature and garment edges, while recessed folds are treated with deep black-green patination to replicate the profound historical gravitas and weathered character of the era.
Commemorative Plaque
A premium black granite plaque featuring gold-inlaid typography, providing a concise historical overview of the “Recovery of the British Concession (1927).”