In early autumn, Yueping Mountain stands verdant with pine and cypress, a perpetual tribute to loyal souls. During the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), the military and civilians in Hengyang stood united against foreign invasion. Their unwavering determination to defend every inch of land and their courageous wisdom in overcoming stronger forces with resilience have become part of China's great spirit of resistance.

The Defense of Hengyang, renowned for its "supreme sacrifice and immense contribution" during the war, etched this heroic city into the world's memory.

Site of fierce battle: Every inch of land soaked with blood
"On Aug 8, 1944, after the fall of Hengyang, Yueping Mountain was still firmly held by the remnants of the 10th Corps. The officers and soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 30th Regiment of the Reserve 10th Division, fought to the last with bayonets and stones despite running out of ammunition and supplies..." explained Zhou Qian, a guide at the Hengyang Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall, as she pointed to a restored scene model depicting this tragic history.

The model, featuring intertwined trenches and bullet scars, recreates the intense battle that once made Yueping Mountain the "last line of defense" in the Defense of Hengyang. Despite its modest height of only 100 meters, the mountain's strategic significance made it a fiercely contested "fortress of flesh and blood" between Chinese and Japanese forces.

Inside the memorial hall, four exhibition sections — "Strategic City, City of Righteousness, Tragic City, and Heroic City" — clearly outline the narrative. Faded battlefield telegrams, rusted rifles, and oral history videos from surviving veterans, combined with immersive projection technology, vividly bring to life the 47-day bloody battle that defined the Defense of Hengyang.

"Hengyang's resistance was not just a local effort but a crucial pillar of the national war against aggression," said Peng Yixia, head of the management department at the memorial hall. A dedicated exhibition area, "Hengyang in the National War of Resistance", uses data and maps to illustrate how Chinese defenders, though outnumbered, held off 100,000 Japanese troops for 47 days, inflicting heavy losses and buying strategic time for the nation. This chapter of history remains a poignant testament to their sacrifice.

Ascending the mountain path from the memorial hall, the main structure of the Hengyang Anti-Japanese War Memorial City comes into view. A 18.16-meter-high memorial tower pierces the sky, adorned with seven gilded characters shining brightly: "Hengyang Anti-Japanese War Memorial City". Restored to its original 1947 inscription during renovations in 2007, the tower stands as a solemn tribute. Nearby, a "Bell of Peace" hangs in a pavilion, engraved with the words "Remember History, Cherish Peace". On important memorial days, citizens and students gather to ring the bell, its echoes reverberating across Yueping Mountain, a reminder to never forget the past.

Cultural and tourism integration: Happiness in the air
"Visiting Yueping Park used to be primarily about reflecting on history, but now it's different. With fitness trails, children's playgrounds, and more, thousands come for morning exercises every day," said Auntie Li, a local resident, smiling as she practiced tai chi with her group. Today, Yueping Park is no longer solely a memorial site. A 260-meter-long cultural wall depicting the Defense of Hengyang now features new green landscaping. Near the ruins of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) "Huayao Temple", the restored "Chunxi Ancient Well" offers stone benches for visitors to rest and enjoy the historical scenery while quenching their thirst.

As a national AAA-level tourist attraction and a classic red tourism site, Yueping Mountain's cultural and tourism industries are thriving. This year, Hengyang launched the "Yueping Mountain Red Study Tour" to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The route connects the memorial hall, the memorial tower, and the cultural wall, offering professional guides and interactive experiences. Students can engage in activities like simulating telegraph transmissions and assembling weapon models, immersing themselves in history.

"By August this year, the number of visitors had reached 150,000, including many out-of-town tourists specifically coming to explore," said Peng. The integration of culture and tourism has not only revitalized red memories but also boosted surrounding industries such as catering and cultural creativity. Over 20 new small businesses have emerged around the Yueping Mountain scenic area in Yanfeng district alone.

Passing on the legacy: From history to the future
Under the autumn sun, Hengyang city, reborn from the trials of blood and fire, now boasts towering buildings and vibrant natural beauty. Yueping Mountain stands as a witness to this transformation from war to prosperity. Every brick and stone here whispers a truth: peace is the greatest comfort to heroes, and development is the finest inheritance of history.

Today, Yueping Mountain is both a "national-level war memorial facility" and a "urban green lung" for daily leisure. Data shows that Yueping Park receives over 1 million visitors annually, more than half of whom are young people drawn to its red culture. "We are compiling more oral historical accounts from veterans and planning to add a 'Digital Heroes Hall' where young people can scan QR codes to learn about heroic stories," revealed Peng. Future plans include collaborating with surrounding communities to launch activities that integrate wartime memories into daily life, ensuring the red legacy becomes part of residents' everyday experiences.