An exhibition is being held in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, using cultural relics and modern technology to enable visitors to learn about history in an engaging way.
Held at the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing, the exhibition features 1,525 photographs and 3,237 artifacts in eight sections.
The exhibition traces the 14-year war of resistance against Japanese aggression from 1931 to 1945, highlighting how the Chinese people, under the Communist Party of China (CPC)-led national united front, fought for survival, national revival, and a broader struggle for human justice. "I'm from Chongqing and now traveling in Beijing with my child. I bring her to see these scenes, and feel something different. We walk, talk, and imagine what life was like at that time, and how today's life come about," said Ms. Wang, a mother.
"Under difficult conditions at that time, the Communist Party of China always stood at the forefront of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and played a pivotal role. I will never forget the efforts and sacrifices of our ancestors," said Xu Jia, a student of Capital Normal University.
The exhibition employs a range of modern display techniques to bring history to life, combining rare artifacts, archival documents, historical footage, artworks, and immersive recreations of key moments.
It not only remakes historical scenes, but also uses holographic images, see-through display, interactive AI and other technologies to allow visitors to learn history in an engaging way.
"The exhibition hall restores the real scene of a tunnel. So, visitors can go through the tunnel to learn about the wisdom of the people at that time in an immersive way," said Xu Ying, a docent of the Museum of War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
The museum also launched various kinds of activities designed for students of different ages.
"We have launched various educational activities for students and for parents and children. The exhibition tells many stories, such as those of Norman Bethune, Zhao Yiman, and Yang Jingyu. By sharing these stories, we help the young generation understand the spiritual world of the heroes and heroines," said Luo Cunkang, the curator of the Museum of War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
Bethune was a Canadian surgeon who died of blood poisoning at the age of 49 on Nov. 12, 1939 in China while aiding the Chinese people in their fight against Japanese aggression. Both Zhao and Yang were pivotal figures in northeast China's anti-Japanese resistance.
Exhibition opens to mark 80th anniversary of victory against Japanese aggression, fascism
