A force to be reckoned with

In 1941, during a large-scale Japanese sweep, Wang and her classmates were ambushed while moving northwest toward Yancheng. Surrounded, they fought with unflinching courage until they fell. Wang was just 17.

In 1986, her family donated the cheongsam that she had worn, along with a ring inlaid with her photograph, to the New Fourth Army Memorial Hall in tribute to her bravery and sacrifice.

The cheongsam has been one of the most popular artifacts in the museum's collection, thanks to the subsequent restoration efforts, Qiu notes.

"After extensive research on the fabric's structure and design, the restoration process involved numerous steps, including drawing, small-scale trials, medium-scale tests, and large-scale fabric production," he says.

Under the meticulous craftsmanship of a renowned artisan, the precious artifact was revived, not only preserving its elegance but also reigniting the spirit of sacrifice and patriotism of the New Fourth Army's brave youth, he adds.

Additionally, efforts have been made to scan and model Wang's cheongsam using 3D technology as part of an immersive theatrical experience that allows visitors to engage more deeply with the past.

"All of it ensures that their legacy continues to shine brightly," Qiu says.

The memorial hall aims to move from mere preservation to active use and transmission. This includes adopting creative protection methods, increasing the collection of significant historical artifacts, and establishing detailed cataloging systems, Qiu explains.

In the last three years alone, the museum has expanded its collection by 1,069 artifacts, which include personal items, letters, and items from World War II, such as flags and weapons, each telling the story of sacrifice and resilience.

Furthermore, the memorial hall has embraced digital innovation and established a red culture service platform, which provides online access to collections and promotes educational initiatives related to the New Fourth Army's legacy.