“More than 800 mainlanders stranded in Hong Kong.” Can you imagine such a desperate situation?
Welcome to the Memorial Hall of Chinese Cultural Celebrity Rescue. This hall commemorates a pivotal event in history. It is a story of courage, resilience and the preservation of Chinese culture.
In 1941, the Japanese army occupied Hong Kong. This left many intellectuals and patriots in a perilous situation. The Communist Party of China responded. The Dongjiang Column of the Guangdong People’s Anti-Japanese Aggression Guerrilla Force launched a secret rescue operation.
For nearly 200 days, they worked tirelessly. They rescued over 300 cultural figures and patriots. Including international friends and others, they saved over 800 people. This mission was a great success. No one was lost or captured. It was a feat that preserved Chinese culture and intellect.
The Memorial Hall of Chinese Cultural Celebrity Rescue stands as a testament to this operation. It has an exhibition area of 826 square meters. Here you can find maps, projections, cinemas and information screens. The hall has the most complete collection of rescue historical materials.
A Catholic church in Baishilong Village played a crucial role. It served as a stopover for the rescued celebrities. The church welcomed and transferred figures like Mao Dun and Hu Feng.
In 2005, the Bao’an District government built this memorial. In September 2020, it was listed as a National Anti-Japanese War memorial site. It is also a Guangdong Province CPC history education base.
The name plate of the Memorial Hall of Chinese Cultural Celebrity Rescue was inscribed by Zou Jiahua. He was a former member of the Political Bureau of CPC Central Committee.
An 8-year-old guide named Yang Xuanbo once led tours here. His thorough understanding impressed many visitors. This memorial is more than just a building. It’s a symbol of hope. It represents the unwavering spirit of those who risked everything for their beliefs. The Memorial Hall of Chinese Cultural Celebrity Rescue ensures their stories are never forgotten. Take a moment to reflect on their bravery and sacrifice.