Appropriating Christian History in Fujian: Red Tourism Meets the Cross

Abstract

In the early years of China's Civil War, the Communist army and leadership sought refuge from Nationalist troops in the remote western district of Fujian Province known as Tingzhou. Here, for over three years, the leaders of the fledgling Communist Party, including Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai, occupied the city's Christian hospital and church. Because of the importance of this period in CCP historical lore, these buildings today are national-level protected sites and promoted in ‘red tourism’ junkets that visit sites central to the revolution. Despite its close connection to CCP history, the church building in the county town today is a functioning religious site – the only registered church in the county town – and this has created an interesting dynamic for both the local state and church as both sides hope to capitalise on the historic significance of the Christian property. This article, in providing a brief background on the Tingzhou Church, suggests that this case reflects a new willingness in China to acknowledge and promote Christian history. Furthermore, the article argues that churches are becoming increasingly adept at realising the value the state sees in their heritage and use this in their negotiations with governing authorities.