This is Beijing from yesterday
As the morning light fell upon the ancient central axis
The hustle and bustle of life rose through the streets and alleys
The city welcomed a special day
Yesterday
China held the highest state ceremony
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
The troops stood ready for inspection
Soldiers stood tall like pine trees
Their eyes shining, spirits high
The steel tide on Chang’an Avenue
Is the power of justice
A strong shield protecting peace
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Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China, with a history spanning over 3,000 years. It served as the imperial capital for several dynasties, most notably the Ming and Qing, and is home to profound cultural sites like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Today, it is a major global city that blends ancient architecture with modern development.
центральная ось
“Central Axis” refers to the historic north-south line that organizes the layout of Beijing, a planning concept with roots in traditional Chinese urban design and cosmology. It is most famously embodied by the 7.8-kilometer stretch that runs through the heart of the city, connecting significant sites like the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. This axis, which represents the political and cultural core of ancient China, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2023.
Китайская война сопротивления японским захватчикам
This refers to the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945), a major theater of World War II where China resisted a full-scale invasion by Imperial Japan. The conflict, which merged with the Chinese Civil War, was marked by immense Chinese civilian and military casualties and widespread destruction. It concluded with Japan’s surrender in 1945, but it left a deep and lasting legacy of nationalism and trauma in modern Chinese historical memory.
Вторая мировая война
“Вторая мировая война” (World War II) is not a place but the Russian name for the Second World War (1939–1945), a global military conflict. It was the deadliest war in history, involving most of the world’s nations and resulting in widespread devastation and the Holocaust. Its history is marked by major events such as the invasion of Poland, the Battle of Stalingrad, and ended with the dropping of atomic bombs on Japan.
Чанъаньцзе
Chang’an Avenue is a major thoroughfare in Beijing, China, historically significant as the central axis of the city. It runs east-west through the heart of Beijing, passing iconic landmarks like Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Its name, meaning “Eternal Peace Street,” originates from the ancient Chinese capital of Chang’an.
