Attraction Guide: Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, Nanjing, China

Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall Guide

Remembering History: A Visit to the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall Guide

The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, often simply called the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, is a somber and deeply moving place dedicated to the victims of the Nanjing Massacre, also known as the Rape of Nanjing. This tragic event occurred in 1937 during the Second Sino-Japanese War, when the Imperial Japanese Army occupied Nanjing, then the capital of China, and committed widespread atrocities against civilians. Visiting this memorial is a powerful and important experience, offering a stark reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of peace. The memorial hall was built on one of the mass burial sites of the victims of the massacre. It opened in 1985 and has since been expanded to include a museum, an exhibition hall, and a peace park. The exhibits document the events of the massacre through photographs, artifacts, testimonies, and historical records. The memorial aims to preserve the memory of the victims, educate visitors about the history of the massacre, and promote peace and reconciliation. Visitors can walk through the various sections of the memorial, including the outdoor sculpture garden, the exhibition halls, and the mass burial site. The atmosphere is one of solemnity and respect. The exhibits are often emotionally challenging, but they provide a crucial understanding of the scale and brutality of the massacre. While the memorial focuses on the historical event, there isn't a specific culinary tradition associated with the site. However, Nanjing is known for its duck dishes, particularly Nanjing Salted Duck, which you can find at local restaurants.