Exhibition on war against Japanese aggression draws numerous visitors

BEIJING - An exhibition on the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression 70 years ago has attracted 217,000 visitors since opening to the public on July 8.

The number of visitors each day is around 10,000, much higher than the limit of 6,000, said Li Zongyuan, vice curator of the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance against Japanese Aggression in Beijing.

The free exhibition is open to the public every day except Monday, the day off for the museum, or days with special receptions.

"Individual visitors account for 60 to 70 percent of the total, exceeding the number of groups. It shows the public's strong interest in the exhibition," he said.

A total of 1,170 pictures and 2,834 artifacts are on show at the museum near Lugou Bridge, also known as Marco Polo Bridge.

Japanese troops attacked Chinese troops on July 7, 1937 at the bridge, marking the start of Japan's full-scale invasion. Japan invaded northeast China in September 1931.

"I felt greatly astounded to see such terrible atrocities of Japanese troops," said Fan Luyao, a 20-year-old freshman at Beijing University of Science and Technology.

"The display is very helpful for us to know more about the history," she said after visiting the museum on Thursday.

Many visitors, including veterans, students and tourists, wrote down their feelings on a special notebook after their visit.

"I was sad to come here as my father died in the war," wrote Chen Jingyun, a 76-year-old woman. "We should keep the war history in mind forever, cherish peace and contribute to the great rejuvenation of the nation."

The exhibition, "Great Victory, Historical Contributions", is part of the country's commemoration events in the run up to the 70th anniversary of the victory of the anti-Japanese aggression war and the victory of World War II (WWII), which will culminate in a military parade on Sept. 3 in Beijing.

Some of the displayed items were donated from individuals, including overseas Chinese. Some were purchased from collectors, according to Li, the museum's vice curator.

Since the exhibit began, visitors have donated 40 to 50 war-related articles to the museum, he said. The museum is preparing a special exhibit on the anti-Japanese invasion history for Taiwan compatriots.

More than 35 million Chinese were killed or injured in the war of resistance against Japanese aggression, accounting for one-third of the total casualties of all countries during WWII, according to incomplete official statistics.