China is taking significant steps to preserve and promote its revolutionary cultural heritage. A recent conference at the New Fourth Army (NFA) Memorial Hall in Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, emphasized the high-quality development of historical sites related to the Chinese revolution. This initiative is part of a broader effort to leverage China’s revolutionary legacy for patriotic education and to advance the understanding of the nation’s revolutionary culture.
The conference, organized by the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA), brought together representatives from NFA Memorials across China. They discussed strategies to enhance the educational and cultural value of these sites, which are crucial in carrying forward the spirit and history of China’s revolutionary past.
Yancheng, known for being the former site of the NFA’s headquarters, played a significant role during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-45). The NFA, a key contingent of the Communist Party of China during this period, is celebrated as one of the predecessors of today’s People’s Liberation Army. With 112 NFA-themed memorial sites across Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Hubei, and Shandong, there is a rich tapestry of historical locations to preserve and promote.
Luo Wenli, a deputy head of the NCHA, highlighted the role of revolutionary sites in promoting red culture and the spirit of China’s revolution. The conference emphasized using digital technology for the preservation and restoration of these cultural relics. Enhanced exhibitions and in-depth research into historical events and figures are planned to provide a more engaging experience for visitors.
Xiong Kunxin, a professor at Minzu University of China in Beijing, suggested turning these sites into interactive educational spaces. Through immersive experiences like dramas and singing red songs, visitors, especially youth, can learn about the sacrifices and hardships of the Chinese revolution.
The establishment of an NFA revolutionary relics research center is a step towards exploring the contemporary value of these sites. In collaboration with Yancheng Teachers University, the center aims to study the ideological connotations of inheriting the “red gene.”
The NFA Memorial Hall in Yancheng, covering over 9,000 square meters and housing more than 10,000 objects, plays a pivotal role in this initiative. Efforts to collect historical materials from army veterans and themed exhibitions and workshops are underway to bring these stories to the public.
Furthermore, regional efforts to integrate revolutionary sites with tourism are gaining momentum. Notable initiatives include the Yangtze River delta revolutionary cultural relic tour routes and Hunan Province’s revolution relic tour route, enhancing the public’s understanding of the geographical and historical significance of these sites.
These initiatives underscore China’s commitment to preserving its revolutionary heritage. By integrating historical education with cultural tourism, these efforts not only honor the past but also educate future generations, fostering a deeper appreciation of the country’s rich revolutionary history and cultural identity.
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