NANJING, China, Sept. 24, 2025 — On September 25, the Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders will launch a thematic exhibition titled “World Memory Peaceful Vision” in Athens, Greece. This event marks the initial historical exchange between these two ancient cities.
Nanjing, distinguished as China’s inaugural “International City of Peace,” has consistently championed the principles of peace and advanced international dialogue through concrete initiatives. In the decade since the “Documents of the Nanjing Massacre” were inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the city has continuously sought innovative approaches to integrate historical truth with peace education.
In 2019, Nanjing journeyed to Denmark to honor Bernhard Arp Sindberg’s heroic efforts in protecting tens of thousands of refugees during the Nanjing Massacre, holding a statue unveiling ceremony and a dedicated exhibition. By incorporating traditional Eastern craftsmanship into city gifts and fostering a spirit of co-creation, Nanjing and Denmark strengthened their peaceful alliance. This initiative garnered significant praise from the Queen of Denmark, highlighting Nanjing’s meaningful contribution to international discourse.
Collaborating with UNESCO, Nanjing has furthered peace dissemination by engaging youth. The Nanjing Peace Forum, convened three times consecutively, brought together experts, academics, and young individuals from over 40 countries and regions to explore avenues for achieving sustainable peace. The global “Design for Peace” initiative gathered more than 160 students, including those from Harvard University and Politecnico di Milano, for the “Hongshan International Practice Camp.” Through interdisciplinary storytelling, they advocated for the harmony between humanity and nature. This project received recognition as an exemplary model in the “New Nature Economy Pilot Zone” at the Davos Forum.
The Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders employs multi-platform and multi-format content strategies to ensure historical memory transcends national borders. Annually, on the National Memorial Day for Nanjing Massacre Victims, events such as the Candlelight Vigil and International Peace Assembly resonate both domestically and internationally. To date, the hall has amassed over 106,000 historical artifacts, with an increasing number of donations from international friends and overseas Chinese, including crucial historical evidence like The Diaries of John Rabe and John Magee films. These resources are invaluable for historical research and peace education.
This year observes the 80th anniversary of the triumph of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The photo exhibition “Remembering History, Shaping the Future,” opened in Belarus, showcased 70 significant historical and contemporary images, underscoring the Chinese nation’s contributions to the World Anti-Fascist War and enhancing global awareness of the historical facts of the Nanjing Massacre. On its international social media platform “Nanjing Memorial,” the Memorial Hall features series such as “This Day in WWII” and “Peace Ambassadors,” utilizing video posters, quizzes, and interactive formats to convey historical and peace-related messages to the global community.
Moreover, in addition to the “Multilingual Digital Platform for the Dissemination of Historical Materials on the Nanjing Massacre” which was initiated and developed by the Memorial Hall, Nanjing also formed the Zijin Grass International Volunteer Service Team for Peace. Active involvement in international academic exchanges on peace, coupled with the publication of works like Journey of Peace and the International Cities of Peace Series, has consistently amplified China’s voice in the global conversation on peace.
From enduring historical trauma to envisioning a peaceful future, Nanjing has undertaken practical steps to safeguard humanity’s collective historical memory, transforming it into a force that encourages dialogue, promotes reconciliation, and inspires future generations.
Source: Memorial Hall of the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders
CONTACT: Contact Person: Ms. Ling, Tel: 86-10-63074558
