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).

? 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. |

? Immersive Itineraries (Choose Your Pace)
- ? Red Flash Experience (30-60 min):
- Get a "Little Soldier" armband at the entrance.
- Collect water from the Fountain of Departure.
- Answer quiz questions at the Relief Wall.
- Try the Bunker VR Shooting.
- Ring the Eternal Bell at the Memorial Altar.
- Get your "Little Hero of the Resistance" stamp at the exit!
- ? Study Tour (2 hours):
- Exhibition Hall (artifacts, texts, 15-min 4D film).
- Guided tour of the square's key points.
- 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.

? 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.