Yang Shangquan

Yang Jianqiu, born in 1904 with unknown birthplace, is an important figure in modern Chinese history. In 1904, he crossed the Yangtze River to study in Japan, received his education there, and graduated in 1924 from the Department of Economics at Chuo University in Japan. After returning to China, Yang Jianqiu worked at the Commercial Press in Shanghai, engaged in translation and editing work.

In 1913, Yang Jianqiu joined the Chinese Revolutionary Alliance (Tongmenghui) led by Sun Yat-sen and participated in the democratic revolutionary movement. In 1916, during the National Defense Movement, he joined the Guard Army, serving as Commander of the Anti-Yuan Army Corps, opposing Yuan Shikai’s imperial reinstatement plan. In 1917, during the nationwide Provisional Constitution Movement, he served as the guerrilla commander at the Northern Sichuan Headquarters of the Jingguo Army in Sichuan, actively opposing the Beiyang warlord Duan Qirui. After 1924, Yang Jianqiu began to pursue “industrial salvation,” establishing the Lijiang Steamship Company. In 1927, he returned to his hometown.

During the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War, Yang Jianqiu went to Shanghai, both for medical treatment and to participate in anti-Japanese activities. In 1937, with the full-scale outbreak of the war, he continued anti-Japanese work in Shanghai. In the 1940s, Yang gradually withdrew from politics to focus on the war effort but tragically died in Shanghai due to tongue cancer. The exact date of his death is not specified.

Yang Jianqiu’s family lineage traces back to his ancestor Yang Wenxiu, a 26th-generation descendant of Yang Zhen, a Taifu of Eastern Han. His grandfather, Yang Shisui, originally from Huayin, Shaanxi, later settled in Lingling County, Yongzhou Prefecture, Hunan. He accumulated wealth through reclaiming land and salt-merchant activities, gradually becoming a local wealthy merchant. His father, Yang Xuanyong, courtesy name Zuojin, sobriquet Huaiqing, although not having taken official exams, served as a patrol inspector for the Lan Shao candidate. Yang Xuanyong fathered 12 children, including Yang Jianqiu’s brothers.

Among Yang Jianqiu’s brothers:

- Yang Shanglin (1892–1969) studied at Meiji University in Japan, joined the Chinese Communist Party, and served as secretary at the Wuhan representative office of the Kuomintang (leftist faction) in Sichuan.

- Yang Shangshu (1898–1927) was an early revolutionary martyr, distinguished in multiple anti-Yuan campaigns, and died heroically.

- Yang Shanglun (1910–1962) worked in Chengdu’s liberation efforts and later served as Deputy Director of Sichuan Provincial Civil Affairs.

- Yang Shangzhi (born 1911) graduated from Jinan University and served as Director of Taxation.

- Yang Shangzheng (born 1920) served in the Eighth Route Army, holding multiple military positions, and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general in 1958.

- Yang Shangpeng (originally named Yijun) studied at the Sino-French School in Chongqing, joined the Chinese Communist Party, and was affected during the Cultural Revolution.

- Yang Shangyou (born 1908) studied abroad in Shanghai, graduating from Dongya Physical Education School.

- Yang Shangzhi (born 1916) graduated from Shanghai Lixin Accounting School.

- Yang Bailin (born 1922) went to Yan'an in 1938 to participate in the revolution.

Throughout his personal career, Yang Jianqiu actively participated in various national political movements, involving democratic revolution, industrial development, and anti-Japanese resistance, exerting a notable influence on modern Chinese history.