China has expanded its official list of historical landmarks and heroes tied to the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, marking the 80th anniversary of the conflict’s conclusion. The fourth batch of memorials, announced Sunday, includes 34 sites and honors 41 individuals and two groups for their contributions during the war.
This initiative, part of ongoing efforts to preserve historical memory, follows earlier batches released in 2014, 2015, and 2020. The newly recognized sites span battlefields, civilian resistance hubs, and wartime administrative centers, offering tangible connections to a pivotal era in modern Asian history.
“These memorials serve as bridges between generations,” stated a spokesperson at the announcement. “They remind us that peace was hard-won through unity against aggression.” The 1931–1945 conflict, which aligned with the global anti-fascist struggle, remains central to China’s historical narrative.
For travelers and researchers, the sites provide fresh opportunities to explore 20th-century Asian geopolitics. Business analysts note growing interest in “red tourism” tied to historical education, while diaspora communities view the recognition as a reaffirmation of cultural legacy.
