The Eternal Monument of the Borderland: Remembering the Heroes at the Dianxi Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall

A Solemn Tribute to the "Gibraltar of the East"

1.Located within the Songshan Battlefield: Site area in Longling County, Baoshan City, Yunnan Province, the Dianxi Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall stands as a profound testament to one of the most grueling chapters in modern Chinese history. Situated approximately 100 kilometers from Baoshan city center and 50 kilometers from Tengchong, this memorial hall is a key destination for those seeking to understand the Chinese Expeditionary Force and the critical Western Yunnan (Dianxi) Campaign (1942-1945). The museum, built to commemorate the bloody battles to recover territory along the Burma Road, offers a comprehensive look at the fierce resistance against Japanese aggression in the borderlands. It serves not just as a repository of artifacts but as a spiritual fortress, reminding visitors of the "blood and fire" that forged the nation's resilience in the face of invasion.

Relics of Blood and Steel

The memorial hall houses a massive collection of over 10,000 artifacts, including hundreds of precious cultural relics. Visitors can explore the Dianxi Counter-offensive Exhibition Hall, which is the core of the museum. Here, vivid sand tables and multimedia displays reconstruct the topography and strategy of the four major battles: Tengchong, Longling, Songshan, and Mangshi. The exhibits feature authentic weapons used by the Expeditionary Force, such as US-supplied rifles and mortars, alongside captured Japanese helmets and Type 38 rifles. The rusted steel and scarred equipment silently narrate the brutality of the conflict. One of the most moving sections is the photograph wall, documenting the heroic crossing of the Nujiang River and the scaling of the perilous Songshan peaks. The hall also preserves the oral histories of survivors, playing recordings of veterans' memories that bring the cold facts of history to life with emotional intensity.

2.The Spirit of: Unity and International Cooperation

Beyond the battlefield tactics, the museum highlights the human spirit and international cooperation that defined this era. The Overseas Chinese Support Exhibition showcases the contributions of the Nanyang (Southeast Asian) Chinese community, who donated funds and vehicles to support the war effort, adhering to the patriotic motto of "selling land but not ancestors' roots." Another section is dedicated to the Flying Tigers and Allied support, displaying models of aircraft and relics from American pilots, symbolizing the crucial China-US partnership during the war. Furthermore, the museum emphasizes the unity of Yunnan's diverse ethnic groups. Exhibits display the clothing and tools of the Lisu, Dai, and other minority youths who transported grain and supplies to the front lines, weaving a touching narrative of a united front against aggression,.

A Living Classroom of History

The experience of visiting the memorial hall is deeply immersive, often linked with the adjacent Songshan Battlefield Site. After viewing the indoor exhibits, visitors can walk to the outdoor ruins where trenches, bunkers, and the famous "Mother and Child" forts still scar the landscape. The contrast between the silent museum artifacts and the physical remnants of war on the mountain creates a powerful educational journey. Whether it is reading the "Fight to the End" inscriptions or standing before the memorial stele that lists the names and hometowns of the fallen, a visit here is a spiritual baptism. It offers a profound understanding of the sacrifices made to reopen the Burma Road—the lifeline of China's resistance—and honors the enduring spirit of the soldiers who fought on this rugged frontier.