Dozens gathered in Shanghai on September 3 to walk in the footsteps of China's legendary 'Eight Hundred Warriors,' retracing their 1937 resistance against Japanese invasion forces near the Sihang Warehouse. The event blended historical education with cultural tourism, offering participants a tangible connection to one of the Second Sino-Japanese War's most iconic battles.
The four-day defense of the warehouse – now a museum – has become symbolic of wartime resilience. Organizers emphasized the walk's role in fostering patriotism while showcasing Shanghai's efforts to preserve wartime heritage sites. Participants examined bullet marks still visible on the building's facade and observed moments of silence at key locations.
"Walking this path helps younger generations visualize what soldiers endured to protect our city," said event coordinator Li Wei, noting increased interest in WWII history among Chinese millennials. The September 3 date holds added significance as the anniversary of China's Victory over Japan Day.
Tourism officials confirm a 35% year-on-year increase in visitors to Shanghai's WWII sites since 2022, with curated historical walks becoming a growing niche in China's cultural tourism sector.
