Exhibition on Nanjing, China Brings to Life Vivid Memory of History

An exhibition titled “My Nanjing: A River of Memory Flowing Through Us Toward the Sea of the Future” has kicked off in Kathmandu.

The exhibition was organized by the Nanjing University ‘Rabe Diary and Peace City’ Team and the China Cultural Center in Nepal with support from the Confucius Institutes at Kathmandu University and Tribhuvan University. The “Rabe’s Diary and the City of Peace” team from Nanjing University is dedicated to telling historical stories and promoting the values of peace, the organizers said.

Minister Counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Kathmandu Zhou Pan inaugurated the exhibition which was attended by Prof. Chen Min of Nanjing University in China, Director of China Cultural Center in Kathmandu Liu Zhanping, Directors of Confucius Institutes in Tribhuvan University and Kathmandu University, among other dignitaries.

Inaugurating the exhibition, Minister Counselor Zhou Pan said that such exhibitions have helped establish Nanjing as an international peace city as well as learn lessons from the past and further strengthen people’s aspirations lasting peace.

He added that this exhibition has deepened the friendly cultural exchanges between Nepal and China, and has provided positive energy to work together for peace and development.

Likewise, Minister Counselor Zhou expressed readiness to join hands together with the Nepali side to move ahead in the path of peaceful development.

On the occasion, Director of China Cultural Center in Kathmandu Liu Zhanping expressed his pleasure for this opportunity to organize the event and welcome people from diverse communities in Kathmandu.

Recalling the history, Director Liu said “Peace is hope, peace is seed, and peace is action” and urged one and all to collaborate for the lasting peace.

He stated that the exhibition serves as a bridge connecting history, culture and the shared vision of a peaceful future between China and Nepal.

Prof Chen Min of Nanjing University said that her team is making efforts to translate the painful memories of the past into practical works and peaceful mind in today’s world through the means of historic interviews, worldwide research, thematic exhibitions, publications and other ways.

She shared that the exhibition is divided into three parts namely Memories of History; Our Actions for Peace and City of Peace: Promise for the Future.

Through storytelling and carefully documented historical materials, the exhibition inspires the visitors to recall history, cherish peace and work together toward a more peaceful future, she added. The exhibition transforms the memory of historical suffering into contemporary reflection and action, inspiring more young people to become guardians of historical memory, advocates for peace, and messengers of friendship, Prof Chen stated.

Prof Chen Min from Nanjing University has led the “Rabe Diary and Peace City” from Nanjing University in this exhibition, which will end this evening.

Likewise, Prof Dr. Zhang Xingnian, Chinese Director, Confucius Institute at Tribhuvan University said that the year 2026 marks the 89th anniversary of the Nanjing Massacre and the 81st anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War adding that commemorative activities are being held around the world on this special year.

He added that this exhibition in Kathmandu is an important part of international commemorative events and it is not only a look back at history but also a cry for peace – because peace is never isolated; it requires resonance and protection across national borders.

“Nanjing, one of China’s four ancient capitals, has witnessed the rise and fall of Chinese civilization, and has become an important coordinate in the history of world peace due to its suffering in 1937. Kathmandu, Nepal’s millennium-old capital, known as the “City of Temples,” has always embodied the spirit of “non-violence” and “inclusiveness” in its cultural core,” he observed.

On the occasion, student representatives from the “Rabe Diary and Peace City” Team of Nanjing University served as exhibition guides through the exhibition’s three thematic sections by sharing the historical background, the stories that inspired the creation, and the expectation for peace.

Featuring more than 70 historical photographs, archival materials and digital interactive displays, the exhibition presents the history of the Nanjing Massacre, highlights the humanitarian efforts of international personalities including John Rabe and others and showcases the peace research and educational initiatives led by Nanjing University. (RSS)