Memorial Monument for the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre at Caoxie Xia by the Japanese Invading Army

Memorial Monument for the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre at Caoxie Xia by the Japanese Invading Army

Memorial Monument for the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre at Caoxie Xia by the Japanese Invading Army This monument was erected in August 1985 by the Nanjing Municipal People's Government to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan and to mourn the fellow countrymen who perished here at the hands of the Japanese invaders. It is a national-level cultural relic protection unit, located along Xiayan Road, adjacent to Shangyuan Gate, facing the Yangtze River and backed by Mufu Mountain. The site covers an area of 200 square meters. The entire monument stands 815 centimeters tall, symbolizing August 15th, the day the Japanese invaders surrendered to the Chinese people. The main body of the monument is 600 centimeters high, designed in a multi-tiered castle style that tapers upward with a pure white surface, exuding solemnity and reverence. The first tier is about 350 centimeters high, with four exquisite watchtowers positioned at its four corners, evoking deep imagination. The front features the 19-character inscription of the monument. The second tier is approximately 150 centimeters high, with a wreath about 50 centimeters in diameter suspended on the front, symbolizing the mourning of the entire city. The third tier is a horn-shaped conical spire about 100 centimeters high, majestic and striking in appearance. The base of the monument is square, 215 centimeters high, and dark red in color, merging seamlessly with the similarly dark red, stepped foundation, symbolizing blood-soaked ground. The front of the base is inlaid with a bluestone slab inscribed with text briefly describing the tragic scenes of the massacre that took place here. A few meters behind the monument, a semicircular white railing about 10 meters long and over 1 meter high surrounds the area, supported by ten white pillars, symbolizing the countless white bones left behind.

Inscription on the Monument: On December 13, 1937, after the Japanese invaders captured Nanjing, over 57,000 refugees who had fled and gathered along the riverbanks in Xiaguan waiting to cross, as well as unarmed soldiers, were captured by the Japanese army. They were all rounded up and imprisoned in the villages of Siwusuo near Mufu Mountain. After days of brutal abuse, many died from exposure and starvation. Then, on the night of the 18th, they were all—under guard—transported to Caoxie Xia, where they were machine-gunned to death en masse. The few who survived their injuries were stabbed to death with bayonets. Their bodies were then set on fire, and the remains were dumped into the river. Alas, at that time, wherever the butcher’s blade struck, rivers ran red with blood. What crime had the dead committed to suffer such atrocities? Reflecting on this, how can one not feel profound sorrow? This monument is erected to solemnly commemorate their grief. May it inspire future generations to strive for strength and serve as a timeless lesson for all.