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Nanjing Massacre Memorial and Museum

The site of the Memorial of the Nanjing Massacre (datusha jinianguan) is the location of the massacre by Japanese invaders in 1937, and the mass grave of the Chinese who were killed during the atrocities. The Memorial, built in 1985, is an imposing and solemn construction. The Museum documents the Japanese invasion via graphic pictures, a viewing hall and a display of the furniture that was used during the signing of the Japanese surrender.

The Museum is a somber and depressing place but also provides an insight into the atrocities of 1937. The exhibition ends on a more positive note, documenting the Sino Japanese reconciliation talks in 1945. However, recent developments regarding right wing Japanese groups claiming that the severity of the massacre is exaggerated, may change this optimistic outlook. Nanjing residents greeted the Japanese claims with great dismay and distress and regard them as a personal affront.