Yunnan-Burma Road History Museum

Yunnan-Burma Road History Museum (滇缅公路历史博物馆) is located in the Chunyu 937 Industrial Heritage Cultural District in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. The museum occupies a three-story renovated industrial building and is adjacent to the historical site of the Yunnan-Burma Road (滇缅公路). It focuses on the construction history of the Yunnan-Burma Road and the contributions of the Overseas Chinese Workers (南侨机工) during the war. The museum systematically presents the historical contributions of more than 3,200 Overseas Chinese workers who participated in transporting strategic supplies between 1939 and 1945.

The museum’s current director, Chen Daya (陈达娅), a descendant of the Overseas Chinese workers, continues to promote research and dissemination of the history of the Overseas Chinese in the War of Resistance Against Japan. Special exhibition areas include the “Overseas Chinese Workers Calligraphy and Painting Garden” (南侨机工书画苑), and cultural activities such as the “Overseas Chinese Theater” (侨剧场) song and drama performances, and “Tales of Overseas Chinese” (说侨) storytelling sessions, all aimed at passing on the patriotic spirit of the Overseas Chinese.

Location and Structure

The museum is located in Kunming, within the Chunyu 937 Industrial Heritage Cultural District, and is housed in a three-story building that has been renovated from an old industrial site. The museum is less than 300 meters from the original route of the Kunming section of the Yunnan-Burma Road. The choice of location not only retains the industrial heritage but also creates a direct connection to the historical site.

Core Exhibitions

The museum’s exhibitions focus on the construction and operation history of the Yunnan-Burma Road from 1937 to 1945, highlighting the role of the Overseas Chinese workers. Key features of the exhibits include:

• History of the Huitong Bridge Construction: This section details how Overseas Chinese worker Liang Jinshan (梁金山) donated to the construction of this important strategic bridge.

• Overseas Chinese Workers Archives: Displays physical artifacts, including the roster and certificates of over 3,200 workers who participated in transporting supplies along the road.

• Transportation Equipment Models: Features replicas of wartime transport vehicles, such as the Dodge truck and Willys jeep, used during the period.

• Film and Documentary Hall: Screens oral history documentaries and historical footage, telling the stories of the Overseas Chinese workers.

Special Exhibition Areas

One of the museum’s unique spaces is the “Overseas Chinese Workers Calligraphy and Painting Garden” (南侨机工书画苑), which collects and displays theme-based works created by artists from both China and abroad. This exhibition area includes notable works such as:

• Oil painting titled “The Yunnan-Burma Lifeline” (滇缅血线).

• Calligraphy scroll titled “Record of Patriotic Achievements” (赤子功勋录).

This area regularly hosts themed calligraphy and painting exhibitions. During the 2022 Spring Festival, the museum also organized a cultural event called “Overseas Chinese Theater”, featuring group songs such as “Ode to the Overseas Chinese” (南侨颂), drama performances, and poetry recitals.

Cultural Heritage and Legacy

During the museum’s renovation in 2022, Director Chen Daya organized and curated a series of cultural activities to preserve and share the legacy of the Overseas Chinese workers:

• Group Song Creation: The song “Ode to the Overseas Chinese” (南侨颂) integrates patriotic songs like “Farewell to Nanyang” (告别南洋) and “Return to Homeland” (归国谣).

• Documentary Drama: The “Nanyang 1939” (南洋1939) is a dramatic play that recreates the scenes where Overseas Chinese workers enlisted in the war.

• Storytelling Sessions: The “Tales of Overseas Chinese” (说侨) invites scholars and experts to give lectures on the history of the Overseas Chinese.

Academic Research

Director Chen Daya has led the publication of several important works, including “Farewell to Nanyang” (再会吧南洋) and “Nanyang 1939” (南洋1939), which compile over 200 oral histories of Overseas Chinese workers. Under her leadership, the Yunnan Overseas Chinese Workers Association (云南南侨机工学会) has published the “Yunnan-Burma Road Transport Archives Compilation” (滇缅公路运输档案汇编), a six-volume collection. The association has also participated in the creation of a memorial sculpture park for the Overseas Chinese workers in Hainan.

The Yunnan-Burma Road History Museum is an essential site for anyone interested in China’s wartime history, especially the crucial role played by the Overseas Chinese workers during the Second Sino-Japanese War. The museum not only preserves the history of the Yunnan-Burma Road, but also honors the patriotic contributions of those who helped maintain this critical supply route.