🇨🇳 Nanjing Memorial: Sad but Hopeful

Okay, so if you're heading to Nanjing, there's one place that pretty much everyone knows about, and it's the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. Honestly, the name "Nanjing" itself often brings to mind the horrific events of 1937, and this memorial really brings that history to the forefront. It's a seriously solemn place, so just a heads-up, you'll probably want to mentally prepare yourself a bit before going in. One really important tip I picked up is that you absolutely need to book your tickets in advance. Trust me on this, you don't want to show up and be turned away. The easiest way to do it, and what most locals seem to use, is through WeChat. If you've got it set up, definitely book your slot through there – it was super straightforward. I actually ended up visiting the day after the 87th anniversary of the massacre, which made the experience feel even more significant and poignant. Despite the heavy subject matter, the memorial actually left me with a sense of hope, which might sound surprising. You hear so many incredibly inspiring stories of resilience and humanity, like the actions of John Rabe. It's a powerful reminder of the depths of both cruelty and compassion that humans are capable of. Honestly, if you're ever in Nanjing, making a visit to this memorial is crucial. It's an important place to reflect and, ultimately, to hold onto hope for a better world. #china #nanjing