ASIA

by Li Zongyuan, Vice Director

The Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression is the only comprehensive, large-scale memorial hall providing a full picture of the War of Resistance Against Japan, as well as an important base for educating the public.

The Museum is located by the Marco Polo Bridge in Beijing, the site where China’s nationwide war of resistance against Japanese aggression broke out. On July 7, 1987, which marked the 50th anniversary of the Lugouqiao Incident, the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was founded.

Deng Xiaoping himself devised the name for the Museum. On July 7, 1997, upon the completion of the second phase of the facility’s construction, Jiang Zemin wrote an inscription to commemorate this work: “Uphold the banner of patriotism to educate people with our history; carry forward the Chinese national spirit to empower our land.” On July 7, 2005, the official inauguration of a large exhibition marking the “60th Anniversary of the Victory of China’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War” was held.

Having experienced several stages of development since its founding, particularly after the relatively large-scale renovation carried out in 2005, the Museum has taken on an entirely new look. In front of the building lies a large square of 8,600 square meters which symbolizes Chinese resistance. At the exact center of this square stands the Awakening Lion. On each side of the square are seven lawns, signifying the site where the July 7 Incident occurred and the Chinese people’s 14-year war of resistance against the Japanese invasion. In the north of the square stands a flagpole made of white marble and standing 14 meters high. The exterior walls of the building, also made of white marble, and the bronze gates inlaid with images of independence and freedom add solemnity and grandeur to the Museum.

The exhibits in the Museum have undergone three renovations and the exhibition floor has increased from 1320 square meters to 6000 square meters. Following extensive research, the content of the exhibitions has become more objective and scientific, with new concepts and technologies incorporated into their design. Using mainly photos and artifacts, along with a variety of other devices, the large exhibition of 2005, entitled “Great Victory,” gave prominence to depicting the historic struggle of the Chinese people, including compatriots from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, and other countries overseas. It included such themes as the powerful role the Chinese Communist Party played in resisting Japanese aggression, the bitter sacrifices and significant contributions the Chinese people made for victory, and the exposure of appalling crimes committed by the Japanese aggressors during their invasion of China.

The Half-Panorama, a display based on the July 7 Incident, is one of the Museum’s permanent exhibits. The first of its kind in China, this exhibit combines an enormous oil painting, models and objects, sound and light, and electronic devices to make viewers feel as if they themselves have stepped onto the battlefield of the Lugouqiao Incident.

Apart from the permanent exhibits, the Museum has also hosted a total of 50 temporary installations since its founding, such as “Crimes Committed by the 731 Unit of Japanese Bacteriological Warfare Aggressors in China,” “Photo Exhibition on Taiwan Compatriots’ Fight Against Japanese Aggressors,” and “History Exhibition of the Allied Air Forces of China, the United States, and the Soviet Union in Resisting Japan in the China War Zone.” These thematic exhibitions have not only served to supplement the permanent exhibits and deepen their impact, they have also played a significant role in strengthening the Museum’s education efforts.

The Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression is also an important channel for people from around the world to learn about the history of the Chinese people’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Since its opening in 1987, the Museum has received many important political figures, including Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, from more than a dozen countries and over 800,000 visitors from some 80 countries and regions. In addition, the Museum has also held a number of exhibitions in other countries and regions, such as Japan, the United States, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao, and these events produced mutual exchange and cooperation. To date, the Museum of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japan has drawn more than 14 million visitors from both home and abroad.

With the support of many, the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression will continue its efforts to serve as an important base for education, a center for research relative to the history of resistance against Japanese aggression, and an important vehicle for China’s exchange activities with foreign countries. By alerting the world to the cruelty of wars of aggression, which have claimed so many victims, the Museum seeks to serve as a bridge between nations.

Address: No.101, Chengneijie Street Marco Polo Bridge, Fengtai, Beijing
Phone: +86-(0)10-83891485
Homepage: http://www.1937china.org.cn
Days closed: Mondays
Admission: Free

(Originally published on February 16, 2009)