Location & Accessibility

The Memorial Hall Of The Victims In Nanjing Massacre By Japanese Invaders sits at No. 418 Shuiximen Street in Jianye District, Nanjing. It’s easy to reach by metro—take Line 2 to Yunjin Road Station (Exit 1) and walk 10 minutes. Taxis or ride-sharing apps like Didi are also convenient, especially if you’re coming from downtown Nanjing or the airport. The area feels quiet and solemn, surrounded by trees, which adds to the memorial’s heavy atmosphere.

Historical Heart: A Site of Remembrance

This memorial isn’t just a museum—it’s built on one of the original massacre sites, near the “Mass Grave” where tens of thousands of victims were buried. The building itself is designed to feel like a half-buried tomb, with a flat roof and subdued architecture. Inside, every exhibit screams truth: survivor testimonies, Japanese soldiers’ diaries, and bloodstained uniforms used during the 1937-38 atrocity. These aren’t just old artifacts—they’re raw proof of humanity’s darkest hours.

What to See: Raw Truth in Every Room

The Exhibition Halls

In the historical archives hall, you’ll find chilling photos of Nanjing’s streets piled with bodies, along with lists of survivors who risked everything to share their stories. Don’t miss the military items section, where actual weapons, flags, and documents show how organized the violence was.

The Bone Chamber

One of the most haunting parts is the Relic Bone Exhibition Hall, shaped like a coffin. Here, you’ll see skeletal remains dug up from the Mass Grave. It’s a gut-wrenching reminder that these weren’t just numbers—they were real people.

Film Screenings

Several media halls loop documentaries and survivor interviews. Some films include graphic footage, so be prepared. They’re powerful but not exploitative—just raw, necessary truth.

The “12 Seconds” Memorial

A meteor sculpture drops a “star” every 12 seconds, representing the 300,000 lives lost in six weeks (one death every 12 seconds). It’s simple but crushing. Locals often pause here, lost in thought.

Facilities for Reflective Visits

The memorial has clear signage in English, which is rare for historical sites in China. There’s a visitor center with free maps and headphones for audio guides. Strollers and wheelchairs are available too, though the mood might make it hard to fully explore. Parking is easy, but the area gets crowded on December 13th (the National Day of Mourning), so plan ahead.

How to Experience It Respectfully

Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to walk through all exhibits. Start with the archives, then move to the bone chamber—it’s emotionally taxing, so save that for later. The film rooms let you sit, but be warned: some end with images of victims’ faces, which hits hard.

If you visit on December 13th, expect a national ceremony with candle-lighting and speeches. It’s deeply moving but packed, so come early. On regular days, the space is quiet—people whisper, and kids are rarely seen here.

Why It Matters

This isn’t a “tourist attraction” in the usual sense. It’s a place to learn about WWII’s least-told story and honor those lost. The Japanese government’s limited acknowledgment makes the memorial all the more important. Come with an open heart, and you’ll leave with a heavier soul—but also a deeper understanding of history.

(Note: The memorial closes weekly on Mondays and during national holidays. Check timings online before you go.)