Lu Haodong (Chinese: 陆皓东; 1868 – 22 October 1895) was a Chinese revolutionary and early member of the Revive China Society (興中會). He is notable for his participation in anti‑Qing activities during the late Qing dynasty and for designing the flag known as the "Blue Sky with a White Sun," which later became a central element of the flag of the Republic of China.
Early life and education
Lu was born in 1868 in Guangdong province, Qing China. Details regarding his family background and early education are limited; available sources indicate that he received a classical education typical of the region and era.
Revolutionary activity
In the early 1890s, Lu became acquainted with Sun Yat‑sen and joined the Revive China Society, an organization dedicated to overthrowing the Qing dynasty and establishing a republic. He participated in planning armed uprisings, including the failed Guangzhou uprising of 1895. During this period, Lu designed the "Blue Sky with a White Sun" emblem, intended to symbolize a new republican government.
Capture and execution
Following the suppression of the Guangzhou uprising, Lu was captured by Qing authorities. He was tried for treason and executed by beheading on 22 October 1895 in Guangzhou.
Legacy
The flag designed by Lu Haodong was later adopted, in modified form, as part of the national flag of the Republic of China. He is remembered in Chinese historiography as an early martyr of the republican revolutionary movement.
