Location & Accessibility

The Shuhe Massacre Site Memorial Hall sits quietly in Yuejin Village, Shuxin Town, Chongming District—a rural area on Chongming Island, Shanghai’s northern ecological gem. While central Shanghai buzzes with skyscrapers, this site offers a stark contrast: peaceful farmlands and rivers surround the memorial, making it a quiet spot for reflection. To get here, take the Metro Line 1 to Fujin Road, then transfer to the Chongming Line (Line 17) to Chongming Gongyuan Station. From there, a 30-minute taxi or bus ride (Line Chongmin Line) will drop you at the memorial’s doorstep. If driving, follow signs to Chongming Island and navigate toward Shuxin Town; parking is available on-site.

Natural Surroundings

Chongming Island’s charm lies in its greenery. Near the Shuhe Massacre Site, you’ll find rice paddies, vegetable fields, and winding rivers that attract migratory birds. Unlike bustling city parks, the landscape here feels raw and timeless. Walk along the nearby dirt paths, and you might spot local farmers tending crops or hear frogs croaking by the water. The area’s simplicity amplifies the memorial’s solemn purpose, creating a powerful contrast between nature’s tranquility and the weight of history.

Historical Significance

The Shuhe Massacre Site commemorates a dark chapter during World War II. In 1938, Japanese troops burned down Shuhe Village, killing hundreds of civilians—many of them elderly, women, and children. The memorial hall, divided into six sections, tells this story through photos, survivor testimonies, and artifacts. The exhibit starts with China’s wartime struggles, zooms into Chongming’s resistance, and ends with victory. Visitors leave knowing how ordinary villagers fought back against oppression. Keywords like “resistance,” “atrocity,” and “community resilience” highlight both tragedy and hope.

Exhibition Layout

Inside the Shuhe Massacre Site Memorial Hall, six sections guide your journey:

  1. Entrance Hall: Sets the stage with maps and timelines.
  2. Nationwide War: Explains Japan’s invasion of China.
  3. Chongming’s War: Focuses on the island’s strategic role.
  4. Shuhe Massacre: Heart-wrenching accounts of the 1938 attack.
  5. Victory Hall: Ends with post-war rebuilding efforts.
  6. Conclusion: A reflective space with quotes from survivors.

Each room uses simple English captions, making it accessible for international visitors. Some displays include charred household items salvaged from the massacre, while videos feature interviews with aging survivors.

Facilities for Visitors

The memorial isn’t just about history—it’s designed for comfort too. A small gift shop sells books and souvenirs (think bookmarks, not tacky trinkets). Clean restrooms and a shaded resting area let you pause between exhibits. Guided tours are available in English if you ask staff ahead of time. Though there’s no café, nearby villages offer local snacks like rice cakes and tea. For deeper learning, staff sometimes host talk sessions with historians—check their schedule upon arrival.

Emotional Impact

Visiting the Shuhe Massacre Site isn’t like touring a castle or skyscraper. Here, silence speaks loudest. Many leave feeling grateful for the chance to learn about lesser-known atrocities. The memorial avoids graphic violence but still haunts: a wall etched with victims’ names, children’s drawings from the era, and a looping video of a survivor’s shaky testimony. It’s a place to walk slowly, read carefully, and absorb Chongming’s dual identity—both a paradise lost and a symbol of survival.

Tips for Your Visit

  • Timing: Arrive early (opens at 9 AM) to avoid midday crowds.
  • Respect: No loud voices or flash photography inside exhibits.
  • Combine Trips: After visiting, explore Chongming’s Eastern Heron Resort (wetland park) or Middle Fort (19th-century military site) for contrast.
  • Guided Option: If Chinese isn’t your strong suit, hire a translator for an hour (~100 RMB) to catch nuances.

The Shuhe Massacre Site may lack Shanghai’s glitz, but its quiet power leaves a lasting impression. It’s a reminder that even in pastoral landscapes, history’s echoes linger—and that remembering is a act of respect.