Location & Transportation

Nanjing University John Rabe And International Safety Zone Memorial Hall sits quietly at No.1 Xiaofen Bridge, Guangzhou Road, within the campus of Nanjing University. It’s easy to reach by taking Metro Line 1 or 4 to Gulou Station, then a short walk through the university’s historic gates. Buses 34, 55, and 201 also stop nearby. The area feels peaceful now, but its walls hold stories of courage and humanity from decades ago.

Historical Significance

This small yellow house was once the home of John Rabe, a German businessman in Nanjing. During the dark days of 1937–1938, when Japanese troops invaded Nanjing, Rabe’s house became part of the International Safety Zone—a refuge for 250,000 civilians. Here, over 600 people found shelter, thanks to Rabe and others who risked their lives to protect them. Rabe documented these horrors in his famous Diaries, which later exposed war crimes to the world.

The memorial hall itself isn’t just a building; it’s a symbol of hope. Rabe, along with foreigners like Miner Beale and Robert Wilson, led efforts to provide food, medical care, and safety. Their work saved countless lives and showed how ordinary people can stand up for justice—even against overwhelming odds.

What to See Inside

Inside the Nanjing University John Rabe And International Safety Zone Memorial Hall, you’ll find old photos, letters, and Rabe’s original diary pages. A short film explains how the safety zone worked: locals turned schools, churches, and homes into makeshift shelters. One room recreates Rabe’s study, where he wrote frantically about日军暴行 (Japanese atrocities).

A timeline spanning 1937–1938 highlights key moments, like the mass sheltering of refugees and Rabe’s negotiations with Japanese officers. There’s even a section about the “Nanjing Academic Community,” where professors from Nanjing University helped care for refugees. It’s a reminder of how knowledge and compassion can unite in crisis.

Emotional & Educational Experience

Visiting the Nanjing University John Rabe And International Safety Zone Memorial Hall feels like stepping back in time. You’ll see faded ID badges of refugees, a child’s drawing thanking Rabe, and a map of the safety zone’s 25 shelters. Guides (or audio tours) share chilling details: how Rabe smuggled food past日军 (Japanese soldiers) or how he used his status as a foreigner to demand respect for refugees.

It’s not just history—it’s a lesson in empathy. Many visitors leave with a mix of sadness and admiration, especially after seeing Rabe’s final entry, where he hoped his diary would “speak for the voiceless.”

Practical Tips

  • Free entry: No tickets needed, but check opening hours (usually 9 AM–5 PM, closed Mondays).
  • Guided tours: Available in English if you book ahead (ask at Nanjing University’s visitor center).
  • Combine with other spots: The memorial hall is near Nanjing University’s main gate and walking distance to Xianhe Bridge (a scenic spot).
  • Respect the space: Photography is allowed, but keep voices low—this was a place of refuge, after all.

Why It’s Worth a Visit

The Nanjing University John Rabe And International Safety Zone Memorial Hall isn’t flashy, but its quiet power sticks with you. It’s a tribute to ordinary heroes—people who chose kindness over safety. For anyone interested in World War II history, humanitarian stories, or Nanjing’s resilience, this spot is a must. Bring a notebook: you’ll want to reflect on Rabe’s words long after you leave.