Youth Heading to Yan’an: Patriotic Youth During the War of Resistance

Coming Soon

28.8.2026 – 7.7.2027

Thematic Gallery, Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence

Free Admission

Jointly presented by

Leisure and Cultural Services Department
Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration

Jointly organised by

Chinese Culture Promotion Office
Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence
Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Center
The Memorial Museum of the Eighth Route Army Xi’an Office

In collaboration with

Yan’an Literature and Art Memorial Museum
Fenghuang Mountain Revolutionary Site Management Office, Yan’an (Chinese People’s Anti-Japanese Military and Political University Memorial Hall）

Supported by

Hong Kong Chronicles Institute
Xi’an City Cultural Relics Bureau
Yan’an Revolutionary Memorial Bureau (Yan’an Cultural Relics Bureau)

During the National War of Resistance, countless progressive youths were deeply inspired by the resolute faith, democratic atmosphere and noble aspirations of Yan’an, viewing it as “Revolutionary Holy Land”. Despite severe blockades and material shortages, they overcame heavy obstacles to reach this homeland that carried with it the hope of the nation. These youths came from all corners of the world, among them were students, cultural workers and medical practitioners, including volunteers who travelled up north, patriotic compatriots from overseas who cared deeply about their nation, and international friends who travelled from thousands of miles away to dedicate all their passion to the national salvation movement of China.

This journey across mountains and oceans embodied a profound dialogue between youth and faith. Their footsteps measured their aspirations, and their ideals, forged through perseverance, vividly demonstrated why Yan’an became a spiritual home and how it could consolidate power and become a formidable fortress of the national united front. The northward journey of patriotic youths who travelled to Yan’an via Hong Kong along with the passionate advocacy of ‘Red China’ by international friends, clearly highlighted the enduring appeal of the Yan’an Spirit to the younger generation.

Youths have always brought immense energy to their mission and passionately practised their beliefs, writing the everlasting history of the era. The Yan’an Spirit remained an ever-burning torch during the war, with its youth shining like bright stars, forever guiding today’s generation to march forward with unwavering resolve and bravely shoulder the responsibilities of the nation.

This exhibition illustrates how the Communist Party of China led the resistance during the War of Resistance, offering an overview of the patriotic youths from across the country and international friends who travelled to Yan’an to support the war effort. It also recounts the poignant story of the deep bond between Yan’an and Hong Kong amid the flames of war, reflecting on the past and the present so that the public may remember and honour the historical contributions of the Communist Party of China and the patriotic spirit of these young people.

Bugle used by the Eighth Route Army (Replica)
Collection of Chinese People’s Anti-Japanese Military and Political University Memorial Hall

On the United Front: Our Proposal to Resist Japan and Save the Nation in the Past Year, 1937
Collection of the Memorial Museum of the Eighth Route Army Xi’an Office

Graduation Certificate of the Anti-Japanese Military and Political University, 1940

Piano Sheet Music in German used by Ji Ming
Collection of the Yan’an Literary and Art Memorial Museum

The Eastern Pictorial, 1941
Collection of the Hong Kong Museum of History