WWII exhibitions hold around China
As Beijing prepares for its spectacular commemorations of World War II's conclusion 70 years ago, exhibitions and events around China are helping to recall eight years of dogged resistance against Japanese military aggression.
The Juyong pass of the Great Wall, 60 kilometers from Beijing, is lined with almost 100 enlargements of photos taken by 14 renowned war-time photographers. Some of the shots, including battlefield scenes, were taken at great risk to their lives.
Wang Yan, daughter of photographer Sha Fei, reflected on her father's work.
"This is one of a set of photos my father shot during the war. They fuse images of Chinese soldiers and the Great Wall, showing how Chinese soldiers were still fighting, resisting, and guarding their country," Wang said.
Titled "History Can't Afford to Forget," the photo exhibition will also soon be held at Lugou Bridge and Beijing's Millennium Monument.
Meanwhile, more than 20 societies in Hong Kong have united to create another exhibition there. It includes documentary video footage, along with pictures and other objects. Among the organizers is Liu Yuxin.
"I deeply know the trauma that war can bring to people. We want to remind today's youngsters in Hong Kong to keep in mind the past pain we underwent and to take on their responsibility for peace and prosperity," Liu said.
Leung Chun-ying, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, addressed the exhibition's opening ceremony.
"Take a look back at history over the past century. We know lagging behind leads to being bullied. Peace is not an absolute thing. It is guaranteed by the nation's power. We should know our Hong Kong citizens, and all Chinese people. We are together," Leung said.
The exhibition runs at Hong Kong's Central Library until December.
