Echoes of history still resonate

Poorly equipped, thinly clothed, and armed with a limited number of grenades, the soldiers relied on fierce determination — and shattered the myth of Japanese invincibility. News of the Pingxingguan Victory electrified a nation in despair.

Decades later, Zeng's grandson, Zeng Fusheng, still remembers his grandfather taking him to visit the old battlefield when he was a child.

"My grandfather told me how he and four soldiers hid under a rock as bullets flew overhead," Zeng Fusheng, now 66, recalls. "I often tell these stories to my children and grandchildren — I'm afraid they'll forget."

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and the Pingxingguan Victory Memorial Hall, located in Baiyatai township, Lingqiu county of Datong, is seeing a surge in visitors.

Tour guide Yuan Jing notes that since April, there has been a noticeable increase in student groups, red tourism, and outof-town visitors.

"Many tourists are interested in the details of the battle," Yuan says, "especially the ambush tactics, the troop strength comparison between the two sides, and key moments like the ambush at Qiaogou.

"People often ask how this battle shattered the myth of Japanese invincibility and what impact it had on national morale during the war," Yuan explains. "They also want to know stories about the commanders and the sacrifices of ordinary soldiers."

Among the visitors was 34-year-old Wang Yonggang, a local from Datong. Clearly moved, he shared his thoughts after touring the memorial. "I was especially interested in the captured enemy equipment on display — it shows just how poorly equipped our forces were by comparison, and how difficult this victory really was.

"I had learned about the battle from my father, but seeing the site in person gave me a whole new perspective," Wang adds.