For nearly four decades, Zhuang Yuejiang, former deputy editor-in-chief of Quzhou Daily, has chased whispers of history. His mission: to trace the city's hidden connection to the Doolittle Raid—America's first air strike on Japan during WWII—and bring this forgotten chapter back into the global conversation.
In 1985, Zhuang stumbled upon archival notes hinting at Quzhou's 13th Air Force Station, where the U.S. 17th Bombardment Group refueled and re-armed before daring flights over Tokyo. Alarmed that the site was fading from memory, he began interviewing more than 30 veterans and local residents, unearthed dozens of rare photographs, and published a series of eye-opening articles.
Thanks to his grassroots campaign and partnerships with local authorities, the entire air station—hangars, runways, and even the control tower—was preserved as a living museum. Today, its weathered tarmac and restored buildings stand as a testament to China's role in the global fight against fascism.
Beyond bricks and mortar, Zhuang's work has sparked a digital archiving project, inviting young global citizens and tech enthusiasts to digitize war diaries, maps, and oral histories. This collaborative initiative has already gathered over 500 digital records, making the Quzhou station a case study in sustainable heritage preservation.
For travelers and history buffs alike, the Quzhou Air Force Station offers an immersive experience: guided tours led by descendants of WWII pilots, interactive exhibits powered by augmented reality, and community events that bridge generations. It's a reminder that even in an age of rapid change, your backyard can hold keys to global stories.
As Zhuang likes to say, 'History isn't just in textbooks—it lives in the ground beneath our feet.' His decades-long pursuit underscores how dedicated individuals can restore forgotten narratives, ensuring that the vital links of our shared past remain unbroken.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
