As summer arrives, a group of energetic new faces has appeared at the Hengyang War of Resistance Memorial Hall. They are young students from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, who have come from afar with reverence for history and a sense of youthful commitment to undertake a three-day volunteer guide service. On July 11, the first cohort of six students took to the podium for trial presentations.

“Hengyang is the nation’s only City of War of Resistance Memorial. The Battle to Defend Hengyang in 1944 was the most brutal siege defense in the entire history of the War of Resistance…” Standing solemnly in the grand entrance hall, Luo Zilan, a student from Zhiyuan College at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, spoke with a clear, powerful voice and confident, composed gestures. This poise stems from his extensive practical experience and thorough preparation. His fellow students on duty also brought fresh vitality to the memorial with their focused expressions and fluent storytelling.

This initiative was a special social practice program jointly organized by Paris Elite Institute of Technology and Zhiyuan College of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Fourteen students traveled to Hengyang to engage firsthand, deepen their patriotic education, connect with the pulse of history, and inherit the spirit of the War of Resistance. To help them quickly adapt to their roles, on July 10, memorial guide Zhou Qian provided customized pre-service training, covering narration skills, body language, and in-depth interpretation of Hengyang’s tragic chapter in the war. Following Zhou’s guidance, the students carefully studied the museum’s precious artifacts and historical materials. On July 12, memorial staff led the students to Chejiang Town in Hengnan County and to Yanfeng District to visit surviving veterans of the war—an encounter that created a dialogue across time between witnesses of history and its future stewards.

“I am also teaching at a rural summer camp in Yangjia Middle School, Baisha Town, Changning,” Luo Zilan shared in an interview. “As a student guide, I feel a special responsibility to share the stories of those heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation, and to plant seeds of patriotism in the hearts of children.” This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, making this summer particularly meaningful for him.

“When the smoke of war has dissipated, history must never be forgotten—and its spirit must be remembered all the more,” said a representative of the Hengyang War of Resistance Memorial Hall. The memorial will continue to explore the profound spirit embodied in the Battle to Defend Hengyang, developing a professional narration brand anchored in historical artifacts and facts. Through this collaboration with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, they hope that the young generation can touch history here and draw strength in loyalty and dedication from the great spirit of resistance—truly taking up the baton of their times.

Translator: Jing