After the founding of New China, in 1955, the China People's Liberation Army implemented the rank system for the first time, and 55 generals were awarded the rank of general. 1956 and 1958, two more senior generals were awarded the rank of general. These 57 generals made great contributions to the establishment of People's Republic of China (PRC), so they were called "Founding Generals". They are:

Xiao Ke, Li Da, Zhang Zongxun, Li Kenong, Xu, Deng Hua, Peng, Zhang Aiping, Yang Chengwu, Han Xianchu, Fu, Wang Ping, Lu, Fu Zhong, Xiaohua, Gan Siqi, Song Renqiong, Lai Chuanzhu, Hong Xuezhi, Zhou Shidi, Guo, Zhou Chunquan and Yang Zhicheng. Ye Fei, Yang Dezhi, Wang Xinting, Huang Yongsheng, Li Tianyou, Chen Mingren, He, Yan Hongyan, Xie Fuzhi, Tao Zhiyue, Wu, Yong Yang, Li Zhimin, Zhao Erlu, Wang Jian 'an and Li Jukui.