Memorial Square of the Anti-Japanese War in Longling County, Baoshan

Memorial Square of the Anti-Japanese War in Longling County, Baoshan
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Longling Anti-Japanese War Memorial Cultural Square (龙陵抗战纪念文化广场): A Journey Through History

📍 Step into a powerful tribute to courage and resilience at the Longling Anti-Japanese War Memorial Cultural Square. This immersive space connects visitors to the pivotal battles fought in Yunnan during World War II.

📍 Location & Access

  • Coordinates: Dongka area, Longling County (龙陵县), Baoshan City (保山市), Yunnan Province. (Navigate to “Longling Kangzhan Jinian Wenhua Guangchang” or “Anti-Japanese War Memorial Cultural Square”).
  • 🚶 Getting There:
    • Just an 8-minute walk from Longling Bus Station.
    • 40 min drive (30 km) from the Songshan Battlefield (松山大战遗址).Memorial Square of the Anti-Japanese War in Longling County, Baoshan

📜 History & Significance

Built from January to October 2004, this nationally significant memorial covers 7.8 acres with an investment of 6.5 million RMB. It vividly chronicles the “Battle of Western Yunnan – Longling Campaign” (滇西抗战·龙陵战役) fought by the Chinese Expeditionary Force and local people against Japanese invaders from 1942-1945. Through authentic artifacts, striking reliefs, preserved ruins, and multimedia displays, it offers a multi-dimensional journey into this crucial chapter of history.

🌟 Must-See Attractions (8 Key Points)

Point What to Experience Photo Tips & Experiences
Central Axis Stairs 88-meter long bluestone staircase, symbolizing the “Eight-Year War of Resistance” (1937-1945). 📸 Use a low-angle wide shot to capture the stairs leading to the Memorial Altar, creating a “tunnel of time” effect.
Memorial Altar Three-tiered white marble platform topped with a bronze relief depicting the “Battle of Longling”. 📸 Climb up for panoramic views. Aerial shots reveal a stunning “concentric circle” composition.
Fountain of Departure (出征泉) Perennial spring symbolizing the unity of soldiers and civilians (“军民一泉”). 📸 Capture reflections of reliefs and the national flag in the water at sunrise. ✨
Original Japanese Bunker Built in 1942 by the Japanese 56th Division (1.2m thick concrete). ✋ Touch the bullet holes! Experience the intensity with VR glasses (simulates bunker assault).
Relief Sculpture Wall 30m long, 4m high wall depicting 6 scenes: Road Building, Occupation, Songshan Battle, Longling Battle, Liberation, Victory. 📱 Scan QR codes for 120-second audio explanations. Great for silhouette portraits against the scenes.
Reflection Pool (怀思池) 800 sqm tranquil pool with a “Dove of Peace” mosaic floor. 📸✨ Stunning night views! Best during lighting hours (19:00-21:30) for magical reflections.
Flag Raising Platform Daily flag-raising ceremony (08:00 weekdays / 09:00 weekends). 🎖️ You can apply in advance to join the honor guard experience!
Eternal Bell (长鸣钟) Automatically chimes 14 times on the hour, commemorating Longling’s Liberation Day (November 3, 1944). 📸 Use slow shutter speed when the bell rings to capture light trails forming a circle.

Memorial Square of the Anti-Japanese War in Longling County, Baoshan

🎯 Immersive Itineraries (Choose Your Pace)

  • 🚩 Red Flash Experience (30-60 min):
    1. Get a “Little Soldier” armband at the entrance.
    2. Collect water from the Fountain of Departure.
    3. Answer quiz questions at the Relief Wall.
    4. Try the Bunker VR Shooting.
    5. Ring the Eternal Bell at the Memorial Altar.
    6. Get your “Little Hero of the Resistance” stamp at the exit!
  • 📚 Study Tour (2 hours):
    1. Exhibition Hall (artifacts, texts, 15-min 4D film).
    2. Guided tour of the square’s key points.
    3. Hands-on activity: Make a rubbing of the “Victory Medal of the Western Yunnan Anti-Japanese War”.

🎭 Annual Events

  • 🕯️ Qingming “Honoring the Fallen” Ceremony: April 3-5.
  • 🏛️ International Museum Day Exhibition: Mid-May.
  • 🎵 Sept 3rd Victory Day “Ode to Peace” Concert: 19:30-21:00.
  • 🕯️ National Memorial Day (Dec 13th) Candlelight Vigil.Memorial Square of the Anti-Japanese War in Longling County, Baoshan

🚉 Practical Information

  • ✈️ By Air: Fly to Baoshan Yunrui Airport (保山云瑞机场) → Airport bus (1.5h) to Longling → Taxi (5min) to Square.
  • 🚄 By Train: High-speed train from Kunming South to Baoshan Station (3.5h) → Bus to Longling (1h).
  • 🚗 By Car: Exit “Longling” off Hangrui Expressway (杭瑞高速) → Drive 3km towards county town.
  • 🎫 Admission: FREE! Open 08:00-22:00. Night Lighting: 19:00-21:30.
  • 🎧 Guided Tours: Free QR code audio guides. Book Human Guides (¥50) at least 1 day in advance.
  • 🅿️ Parking: Free for the first 2 hours in the underground lot.
  • 📍 Nearby Gems:
    • Walk 10 mins to explore Longling Old Street (龙陵老街) & try local specialties: Dabopian (大薄片, thinly sliced pork) & Layancai (辣腌菜, spicy pickled vegetables).
    • Drive 40 mins to Songshan Battlefield (松山大战遗址) (UNESCO Tentative List) & Banglazhang Hot Springs (邦腊掌温泉).

ℹ️ Visitor Etiquette

  • 🚫 Respect boundaries during flag-raising; do not cross lines for photos.
  • ⏱️ VR sessions last 8 minutes; scan QR codes early to queue efficiently.
  • 📸 Avoid shining strong lights directly onto reliefs during night photography.

💎 In a Nutshell

At the Longling Memorial Cultural Square, the ever-flowing Fountain of Departure (出征泉) links the smoke of the Western Yunnan battlefields 80 years ago with the peaceful sunshine of today, creating a tangible corridor through time you can touch, hear, and feel.