On August 25, the Memorial Museum of the Former Site of the Eighth Route Army Wuhan Office launched a new exhibition titled “Heroic City, Flames of Resistance: Special Exhibition on Wuhan’s War of Resistance History” in its permanent exhibition hall on the first floor, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

“Wuhan has always been a city flowing with heroic blood and bearing the mission of the times. From the ‘united as one, standing together’ spirit of 1938 to today’s call to ‘build a pivotal point and lead as a dragon head,’ the city’s spirit forged in the flames of resistance is always worth remembering and cherishing.” On August 25, the Memorial Museum of the Former Site of the Eighth Route Army Wuhan Office unveiled its newly created permanent exhibition “Heroic City, Flames of Resistance: Special Exhibition on Wuhan’s War of Resistance History.”

The exhibition is divided into four sections: “Answering the Call of the Nation,” “The Mainstay of Resistance,” “The Great River’s Surging Waves,” and “Resistance Behind Enemy Lines.” It uses artifacts, reconstructed scenes, and multimedia interactions to vividly present the flames of war, attracting a large number of visitors.

“This exhibition is the first major update to the permanent exhibition in ten years. It adheres to a correct historical perspective, highlights the central role of the Communist Party of China, and showcases the historical significance of ‘Greater Wuhan in 1938.'” The exhibition clearly demonstrates with indisputable historical facts that the Communist Party of China was the most resolute in defending national independence, the most determined in safeguarding national interests, and the most courageous in resisting foreign aggression.

After viewing the exhibition, a provincial Party history expert stated that in 1938, Wuhan was the de facto wartime capital, the center of the national anti-Japanese salvation movement, one of the key cities where the Communist Party of China maintained the anti-Japanese united front, and a focus of global attention. The exhibition highlights regional characteristics and uses physical evidence to showcase the work done by the CPC Central Committee’s Yangtze River Bureau and the Eighth Route Army Wuhan Office in Wuhan.

The exhibition delves into the museum’s collection, revitalizing its “inventory,” with many previously unseen historical materials and artifacts being displayed for the first time. A docent explained: “The note written by Dong Biwu in 1938, copied by Qian Yuanjing, recommending him to study at the Anti-Japanese Military and Political University, is vivid proof that the Wuhan Office served as a red hub sending patriotic youth to Yan’an.” “Performance song lists and commemorative badges from the Children’s Drama Troupe during the war, the original manuscript of ‘Wartime Lullaby’ composed by Xian Xinghai in Wuhan in 1937, and the song list for ‘Sea Star Choir Team Song’ (carbon copy version) are all being exhibited for the first time.”

In the exhibition hall, Chen De, nephew of anti-Japanese martyr Chen Huaimin, was deeply moved to see the leather suitcase his uncle used at the Jianqiao Aviation School. This relic, witnessing Chen Huaimin’s heroic youth, is being displayed for the first time since being donated to the museum by Chen De.

The exhibition skillfully uses multimedia technology to present scenes such as the “Wuhan Donation Movement,” “War Resistance Expansion Propaganda Week,” “Life Bookstore,” and the “Battle of Zhu Rui Mountain.” Features like “exhibition within an exhibition,” calligraphy displays, pull-out devices, and interactive check-ins enhance the immersive experience for visitors. Young reporters from a modern youth publication transformed into “witnesses of time,” experiencing it firsthand and remarking that they were “deeply educated” and that “history felt more vivid.”

It is reported that this exhibition has been selected for the list of thematic exhibitions recommended to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Memorial Museum of the Former Site of the Eighth Route Army Wuhan Office

The Memorial Museum of the Former Site of the Eighth Route Army Wuhan Office commemorates the critical liaison office of the Chinese Communist Party’s military force during the Second Sino-Japanese War. It was established in 1937 to facilitate cooperation with the Nationalist government and coordinate resistance efforts against the Japanese invasion. The preserved site now serves as a museum showcasing historical artifacts and documents from this pivotal period.

Anti-Japanese Military and Political University

The Anti-Japanese Military and Political University, also known as Kangda, was a crucial institution established by the Chinese Communist Party in 1936 during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Its primary purpose was to train military and political cadres for the Eighth Route Army and New Fourth Army. The university played a significant role in developing leadership for the communist forces throughout the conflict.

Yan’an

Yan’an is a city in Shaanxi province, China, renowned as the endpoint of the Long March and the revolutionary headquarters of the Chinese Communist Party from 1935 to 1948. It served as the center of the communist revolution, where Mao Zedong and other leaders developed their political ideology and military strategies. This period cemented its status as a symbol of the revolution and a sacred site in modern Chinese history.

Children’s Drama Troupe

The Children’s Drama Troupe is a performing arts institution dedicated to producing theater for and by young people. It was historically established to provide creative and educational outlets for children, often using drama to foster imagination, confidence, and social skills. These troupes have become a vital part of cultural education in many communities worldwide.

Jianqiao Aviation School

The Jianqiao Aviation School, established in 1931 in Hangzhou, was the first aviation school of the Republic of China and served as the cradle of its modern air force. It played a crucial role in training pilots and technicians during the Second Sino-Japanese War, with many of its graduates becoming national heroes. Today, its original site is preserved as a memorial museum.

Life Bookstore

Life Bookstore is a well-known independent bookstore chain in China, founded in 1993. It is celebrated for its curated selection of books, cultural events, and its role as a community hub for intellectuals and artists. The brand has expanded to multiple locations and is recognized for promoting reading culture and thoughtful public discourse in urban centers.

Battle of Zhu Rui Mountain

The Battle of Zhu Rui Mountain was a significant military engagement during the Chinese Civil War, where Communist forces successfully defended their mountain stronghold against Nationalist troops. This 1934 battle was a key moment in the early Red Army’s struggle for survival, allowing them to break through an encirclement and continue the Long March. It is remembered as a testament to revolutionary perseverance and military strategy.

Wuhan Donation Movement

The Wuhan Donion Movement refers to a significant patriotic campaign that emerged in Wuhan, China, during the 1911 Revolution to overthrow the Qing Dynasty. It involved widespread fundraising and donations from local citizens to financially support the revolutionary forces. This movement was a crucial element in the success of the Wuchang Uprising, which marked the beginning of the end for imperial rule in China.