Hong Kong Museum of History and National Museum of China launch exhibition to commemorate 80th anniversary of Chinese victory in War of Resistance (with photos)
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The exhibition features 183 pieces of War of Resistance relics, including 82 pieces from the collection of the National Museum of China being showcased in Hong Kong. Around 60 exhibits are on display for the first time. Among them, eight exhibits are grade one national treasures. Other exhibits include precious relics on loan from local cultural institutions, museums and private collectors, supplemented by the HKMH's collections and other historical photos and footage.
Addressing the opening ceremony today (August 26), the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, said that each artefact, historical image, photograph, and document in this exhibition serves as a testimony to the history of the War of Resistance, restoring the historical truth of that period. It comprehensively showcases the pivotal role of the Chinese Communist Party during the war and highlights Hong Kong's contributions to the national resistance. It also demonstrates the deep bond between the people of Hong Kong and the nation. Mr Chan said he sincerely invites members of the public, especially young people, to visit this meaningful exhibition, to join hands in commemorating this piece of deeply moving history, cherish the hard-won peace, and work together to create a better future.
Other officiating guests included the Secretary General of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Wang Songmiao; the Deputy Administrator of the National Cultural Heritage Administration Mr Sun Deli; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; the Secretary of the CPC Committee of the National Museum of China, Mr Yang Fan; the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive, Bank of China (Hong Kong), Mr Sun Yu; the Steward of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mrs Ann Kung; the Convenor of the Working Group on Patriotic Education under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee and Legislative Council Member, Dr Starry Lee; the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum; the Chairman of the History Sub-committee of the Museum Advisory Committee, Professor Joshua Mok; and the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan.
The exhibition is divided into seven sections, namely "Japanese Aggression Against China", "National War of Resistance", "Strong Support from Overseas Chinese", "Hong Kong's Joint Resistance", "The Fall of Hong Kong", "Substantial International Support", and "Great Victory", to showcase comprehensively the history of the 14-year arduous resistance against aggression during the War of Resistance. Precious grade-one national treasures including an armband of the Southbound Protest Group from Peking University, and "On Protracted War" by Mao Zedong, disguised as "Wenshi Tongyi" (Comprehensive meaning of literature and historiography) will be exhibited. Other highlight exhibits include an ink painting, "Nanmin Xing" (Refugees' walk), by artist Peng Youren; an iron plate with the commemorative inscription by patriot Huang Yanpei "Tiehua he banban, zhong you zhan shi xue"(The iron is stained with the blood of soldiers), created after the January 28th Incident in Shanghai; a letter of gratitude from representatives of the Eighth Route Army to the Hong Kong Branch of the Bank of China and a watercolour painting "Song of the Pipa" by renowned Chinese painter Xu Beihong for fundraising for the War of Resistance, etc.
The museum also reconstructs the scene of the Marco Polo Bridge signifying the Incident of July 7, 1937, and an internment camp during the fall of Hong Kong in the exhibition. As well, it features a multimedia installation, "Suffering of Hong Kong", artworks by renowned Chinese painter Ye Qianyu, which records atrocities committed by the Japanese army during the occupation of Hong Kong and the suffering endured by the people of Hong Kong. Highly noteworthy are over 20 interactive programmes, from which the audience can learn about the major historical figures and events relating to wartime Hong Kong, and hear the historical speeches delivered after the victory of the War of Resistance.
An interactive zone is set up in the main lobby on the first floor, enabling members of the public, especially students, to have a correct understanding of the history of the War of Resistance through multimedia displays and interactive installations such as a spatial history interactive map.
To tie in with the exhibition, the HKMH will launch a series of free programmes including public lectures, screenings, workshops, field trips, outreach programmes, exhibition guided tours as well as extended exhibitions and activities in collaboration with public libraries. The museum will also provide downloadable worksheets for schools to assist teachers and students in studying the history of the War of Resistance from a cross-subject perspective.
The exhibition is supported by the National Cultural Heritage Administration, jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the National Museum of China, solely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. It is supported by the strategic partner (Hong Kong) of the National Museum of China: Bank of China (Hong Kong), in collaboration with the Chinese Culture Promotion Office, with special thanks to the Hong Kong Chronicles Institute and Bauhinia Culture (Hong Kong) Limited. For details of the exhibition and activities, please visit the HKMH website at hk.history.museum/en/web/mh/exhibition/80awarofresistance.html.
Ends/Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Issued at HKT 22:05
Issued at HKT 22:05
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