Summary of the Core Content
During her trip to explore the popular tourist spots in Chongqing, the author stumbled upon the Memorial Hall of the Shiba Ti Air-Defense Tunnel, which unexpectedly revealed the city's tragic history of being subjected to six years and ten months of strategic bombing by the Japanese forces. Through the exhibits, she was inspired by the spirit of the Chongqing people, who managed to survive, continue production, and resist the bombings with resilience. This spirit is not only embodied in the ruins from that time but also lives on to this day, as evidenced by the courage shown during the mountain fires. Finally, by comparing the past and present of the Liberation Monument, the author felt the city's enduring strength and its rich historical heritage.
1. A Historical Corner Bordered by the Noise of Internet Trends: The Unexpected Discovery of the Air-Defense Tunnel
At first, the author was immersed in the popular tourist activities in Chongqing—she took the river cable car, watched the Li Zi Ba light rail pass through buildings, and explored the Hong Ya Cave. It was only when she turned at Shiba Ti that she came across an unassuming entrance to an air-defense tunnel. Inside, the four characters “Yu Zha Yu Qiang” (meaning “The More Bombed, the Stronger”) on the ruined walls struck her deeply. She learned that Chongqing had been bombed for a period longer than her four-year friendship with her Chongqing friend. This contrast between the city's modern vitality and its painful past made her realize how we are often drawn to its modern charm while overlooking its history of suffering.
2. “Yu Zha Yu Qiang” Is Not Just a Slogan: The Chongqing People's Resilience in Everyday Actions
The exhibition focused more on the everyday lives of ordinary people:
- Life Goes On: After the sirens stopped, shops reopened the next day, and children went to school as if the bombings had never happened.
- Production Uninterrupted: Factories moved into the air-defense tunnels to produce military supplies; in 1941, they produced 526 cannons and over 600,000 shells, providing vital support for the front lines.
- Mutual Assistance: More than 8,000 citizens formed a volunteer fire brigade (including shop clerks and students), and even monks organized rescue teams during emergencies.
- Optimistic Resistance: Despite the bombings, people still celebrated with dragon dances and songs, and they created a slogan to mock the Japanese: “We’re not afraid of your attacks… We will eventually launch a counterattack!”
These were not earth-shattering acts of heroism; rather, they were everyday actions that thwarted the enemy’s attempt to destroy the Chongqing people’s will to resist.
3. A Spirit That Never Fades: From the Bombings to the Mountain Fires
This resilience is not a thing of the past but is deeply ingrained in the Chongqing people:
- Family Memories: The author’s friend mentioned that her grandmother often ran to hide during the bombings but rarely talked about it, choosing to keep the hardships to herself.
- Proven in the Face of Disaster: During last year’s mountain fire, Chongqing residents delivered supplies by motorcycle, and volunteers bravely went up the mountains to help. This spirit of resilience was seen by people all over the country.
- Cultural Legacy: The “Chongqing Frog” radio station, which was part of China International Broadcasting Station, survived the bombings and continued to broadcast from the air-defense tunnels, even breaking the news of Japan’s surrender first. This spirit of resilience has endured to this day.
4. The Liberation Monument: A Symbol of the City’s Spirit
The transformation of the Liberation Monument reflects the spirit of Chongqing:
- In 1941, it was built as a symbol of resistance; after the bombings, it stood as a testament to the people’s unyielding spirit.
- Later, it became a monument to the victory of the war and is now a popular tourist attraction, attracting many visitors who enjoy the lively atmosphere.
- At night, from the top of the monument, one can see the city’s lights and the bridge spanning the river—this is the result of the Chongqing people’s resilience and determination to build a better future.
Chongqing is worth visiting not only for its delicious food and fun activities but also because every brick and every light in the city reflects the resilience and perseverance of its people.
(The entire text is written in plain language, avoiding technical jargon, making it accessible to non-financial readers who want to understand the spirit and resilience of the city behind its history.)