The crack of rifle fire in Jiangqiao, Tailai County, in Heilongjiang Province on the Chinese mainland marked one of the earliest organized military responses to escalating Japanese aggression. Commanded by General Ma Zhanshan, local forces stepped into the world's spotlight in November 1931 when they fired the first shot against the Kwantung Army—an army long believed invincible.
This act shattered a narrative of Japanese military supremacy, igniting hope among communities from Harbin to Qiqihar. Within days, news dispatches spoke of a regional wave of defiance, with villagers and volunteers rallying around the banner of national dignity.
Fast-forward to today, and Jiangqiao remains a wellspring of living history. Local resident Zhang Shuming has spent decades collecting battlefield fragments and rare newspaper editions, each artifact carrying the silent testimony of sacrifice. His collection now includes dozens of personal items—buttons, letters and shrapnel—that map a deeply human side of wartime courage. In recent years, he's collaborated with volunteer tech teams to digitize newspaper scans and create 3D models of relics, turning his micro-museum into an immersive online exhibit for history buffs worldwide.
For Zhang, these relics are more than objects; they are a bridge to the past. "Passing these stories to new generations is how we keep history alive," he says, hosting small tours at his home-turned-micro-museum. Travelers and digital nomads seeking immersive experiences can trace the battle route, visit memorial sites and connect with local guides who weave personal anecdotes into the grand narrative of resistance.
Today's young global citizens can draw inspiration from Jiangqiao's legacy: the power of collective action, the importance of preserving shared memory and the ways small communities can shape broader movements. As we explore these historic landscapes, we're reminded that every relic has a story waiting to be heard—and every step through these fields is a testament to resilience and hope.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
