The September 18 Incident of 1931 is not just a chapter in history—it is a living memory preserved through historical relics, memorial halls, and monuments across China. These sites, which range from the remains of the Liutiaohu Railway to large-scale memorial museums, serve as important educational tools, helping to pass down the lessons of the incident to future generations. They also honor the memory of those who suffered and fought during the occupation, ensuring that their stories are not forgotten.
One of the most significant historical relics related to the September 18 Incident is the Liutiaohu Railway Site in Shenyang, Liaoning Province. This is where the Japanese Kwantung Army detonated explosives on the night of September 18, 1931, to justify their military attack. Historical records reveal that the explosion was meticulously planned; Japanese military documents from the time, now on display at the site's museum, show detailed blueprints of the sabotage operation and communication logs coordinating the false flag event.
Today, the site has been preserved as a historical monument, with a section of the original railway track, a stone marker indicating the location of the explosion, and a small museum displaying photographs and artifacts from the incident. Visitors to the site can see the exact spot where the explosion occurred, as well as relics such as the tools used by Japanese soldiers to plant the explosives and the remains of a Chinese soldier’s uniform found at the scene. A recently unearthed metal tag from a Chinese soldier's belongings, inscribed with his name and unit number, has been added to the exhibit, offering a poignant personal connection to the victims. The Liutiaohu Railway Site is a powerful reminder of the incident’s origins, helping visitors understand the premeditated nature of Japan’s military action.
Another important site is the September 18 History Museum in Shenyang, which is dedicated to documenting the incident and the subsequent occupation of Northeast China. Opened in 1991, on the 60th anniversary of the incident, the museum covers an area of over 30,000 square meters and includes multiple exhibition halls, outdoor exhibition areas, and a memorial square. The museum’s exhibits are arranged in chronological order, starting with the background of the incident in the early 20th century, moving through the events of September 18, 1931, and the occupation of Northeast China, and ending with the resistance efforts of the Chinese people and the eventual victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan.
The museum’s exhibits include a wide range of artifacts, such as Japanese military uniforms, weapons, and documents; personal items belonging to Chinese civilians and resistance fighters, such as letters, diaries, and clothing; and large-scale dioramas depicting key events, such as the attack on Beidaying Barracks and the formation of volunteer armies. One particularly harrowing display features a reconstructed Japanese interrogation room, complete with replicas of torture devices used during the occupation, based on eyewitness accounts from survivors. One of the most moving exhibits is a wall covered with the names of over 300,000 Chinese civilians and soldiers who died during the occupation of Northeast China. The museum also uses modern technology, such as virtual reality and interactive displays, to make the history more engaging for younger visitors. For example, visitors can use VR headsets to “experience” the night of September 18, 1931, as seen through the eyes of a Chinese civilian living in Shenyang. Additionally, an augmented reality feature allows visitors to scan specific artifacts and watch short video reenactments of historical events related to the item.
Beyond Shenyang, there are numerous other memorials and monuments dedicated to the September 18 Incident across Northeast China. In Changchun, Jilin Province, the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army Memorial Hall honors the soldiers who fought against Japanese occupation as part of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army—a major resistance group formed in the 1930s. The museum displays weapons used by the army, personal items of its leaders, and photographs of their battles. Notably, a handwritten battle strategy map by General Yang Jingyu, the renowned resistance leader, is prominently displayed, providing insight into the tactical brilliance of the anti-Japanese forces. In Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, the September 18 Memorial Square features a large monument with the words “September 18 Incident Memorial” carved into it, as well as a fountain and a garden dedicated to peace. Every year on September 18, a solemn ceremony is held at the square, where residents lay flowers and observe a moment of silence in remembrance.
These historical relics and memorials play a crucial role in passing down historical memory to younger generations. In China, schools often organize field trips to these sites, where students learn about the September 18 Incident through guided tours, lectures, and interactive activities. For example, at the September 18 History Museum, students can participate in “historical reenactments” of resistance activities, such as writing underground newspapers or packing supplies for volunteer armies. These activities help students connect with the history on a personal level, making it more than just a series of dates and events. The museum also hosts annual essay competitions for students, encouraging them to reflect on the significance of the historical events and their relevance today.
The sites also attract a large number of domestic and international tourists each year. In 2023, the September 18 History Museum welcomed over 1.5 million visitors, including tourists from Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Europe. For international visitors, these sites provide an opportunity to learn about a part of history that is often overlooked in Western narratives, helping to promote a more comprehensive understanding of World War II in East Asia. The museum regularly hosts international academic conferences, bringing together historians and researchers to discuss and analyze the events of the September 18 Incident and their global implications.
Preserving these historical relics is not without challenges. Over time, natural wear and tear, as well as human activity, can damage the sites. To address this, the Chinese government has invested significant funds in the restoration and maintenance of September 18 Incident relics. For example, in 2020, the Liutiaohu Railway Site underwent a major restoration project, which included repairing the railway track, upgrading the museum’s exhibits, and improving visitor facilities. The restoration process involved advanced conservation techniques, such as 3D scanning to preserve the original texture of artifacts and environmental monitoring systems to control humidity and temperature in exhibition areas. The government has also worked with local communities and historical organizations to collect and preserve new artifacts related to the incident, ensuring that the exhibits remain up-to-date and comprehensive. Community volunteers often participate in artifact collection drives, interviewing elderly residents to gather oral histories and family heirlooms related to the period.
In addition to physical preservation, there is also a focus on digital preservation. Many museums have created online versions of their exhibits, allowing people around the world to access information about the September 18 Incident from their homes. The September 18 History Museum, for example, has a website and mobile app that features virtual tours, video lectures, and digital archives of artifacts. The digital archives include high-resolution images of rare documents and interactive timelines that users can explore. This digital preservation not only makes the history more accessible but also helps to protect it from being lost or forgotten. The museum has also partnered with international digital platforms to share its content, reaching a wider global audience and fostering cross-cultural understanding of this pivotal historical event.
The role of these historical relics and memorials extends beyond education—they also serve as a reminder of the importance of peace. Many of the sites include exhibits or messages dedicated to promoting peace and preventing war. For example, the September 18 Memorial Square in Harbin has a stone tablet with the words “Remember History, Cherish Peace” carved into it. These messages resonate with visitors from around the world, reminding them that the lessons of the September 18 Incident are not just about the past but also about building a more peaceful future. The museum frequently hosts peace education workshops for youth, where participants engage in discussions on conflict resolution and the importance of international cooperation, using the historical context of the September 18 Incident as a starting point for dialogue.
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