At center of China's WWII memory, history lives on

BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Nothing surprised me more than seeing people enjoying a cup of coffee in Wanping Town in Beijing, capital of China.

When I first arrived, the scene felt almost surreal. Just steps away stood the ancient walls scarred by Japanese artillery fire during the July 7th Incident in 1937, which marked the start of China's whole-nation resistance against Japanese aggression. Yet visitors sat chatting in cafes, savoring a quiet afternoon.

In the summer breeze, tourists leaned against cafe windows overlooking the historic walls. Children ran across the nearby Lugou Bridge, weaving among its famous stone lions. Life unfolded peacefully against a backdrop once marked by war and sacrifice.

Nearly nine decades after the July 7th Incident, I found myself wondering whether the passage of time had softened people's connection to the town's painful past. Had history gradually faded from public memory? Or had peace become so deeply woven into daily life that its hard-won origins were no longer immediately visible?

Those questions did not stay with me for long.

"Our heroes and their sacrifices are never forgotten," said Liu Xiucheng, a 62-year-old shop owner whose family has lived in Wanping for generations.

"They gave us everything we cherish today," he said.

Liu grew up listening to stories from his grandfather about the Chinese soldiers who defended Wanping against Japanese invaders.

"My grandfather often told me they were brave men who cared deeply about local residents," Liu recalled. "He even brought food to their barracks several times to show his appreciation."

After the war, however, Wanping gradually faded into relative obscurity.

As China entered a period of peace and reconstruction following the founding of the People's Republic of China, new roads and railways reduced the town's role as a transportation hub. Limited economic resources also meant that preservation efforts remained modest, with only a few small museums serving as reminders of its wartime history.

"Life was simple back then," Liu said. "But we never forgot the soldiers. We could still see the damaged walls and occasionally find old cartridge cases. We also learned about their sacrifices in school."

A turning point came in 1987 with the establishment of the Museum of the War of the Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Wanping and the systematic collection and preservation of historical artifacts and documents.

Over the years, the museum has become one of China's most important sites for remembering the war.

Liu said he is encouraged to see growing public interest in the town's history.

"Last year, local authorities launched a major project to preserve the town walls, improve public facilities and revitalize Wanping as a cultural destination," he said. "More visitors are coming, and local businesses have benefited as well."

Shen Jin, a manager with the local culture and tourism group, said about 1 billion yuan (about 147.06 million U.S. dollars) has been invested in the renovation project. Since its reopening in July last year, the town has welcomed more than seven million visitors.

"We hope visitors can see that the peace our predecessors fought and sacrificed for has become a reality," Shen said. "The thriving neighborhood surrounding the museum is itself a tribute to those who defended this town."

His words stayed with me.

Later, I came across a display featuring a letter written by an unnamed Chinese soldier shortly before the July 7th Incident.

It read:

"My comrades and I have taken up arms to defend Wanping against the Japanese invaders. Please take care of my family. My greatest wish is to be reunited with them after our homeland is free from aggression."

The message was simple, yet profoundly moving.

The soldiers who defended Wanping were sons, brothers and fathers. They fought not for recognition, but for the hope that future generations could live in peace and dignity.

This year marks the 81st anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Eight decades on, standing on Wanping's lively streets today, surrounded by families, students and travelers, I found the answer to the questions that had accompanied me at the beginning of my visit.

History here has not been forgotten.

It lives on in museums and memorials, in stories passed down through generations, and in the quiet confidence of people going about their daily lives.

The laughter of children, the bustle of visitors and even the aroma of coffee drifting through the old town all testify to something those soldiers once fought to protect: a peaceful future.

And perhaps that is the most powerful remembrance of all.