Historical Exhibition Hall of the Treaty of Nanking

Historical Exhibition Hall of the Treaty of Nanking

The Historical Exhibition Hall of the Treaty of Nanking serves as a patriotic education base.

The Historical Exhibition Hall of the Treaty of Nanking is located on the ruins of the ancient Jinghai Temple at the western foot of Lion Mountain in Nanjing. The exhibition hall features over 130 pictures, historical documents, and artifacts across four exhibition rooms.

The Historical Exhibition Hall of the Treaty of Nanking presents to the public the humiliating chapter in modern Chinese history when British imperialism invaded China, and the corrupt Qing government submitted to peace, ceded territory, and paid indemnities. The newly added Treaty Exhibition Room displays over 1,100 treaties signed between China and foreign governments in modern times (up to 1949), most of which were unequal treaties. It educates people not to forget national humiliation and to revitalize China.

The exhibition, themed “A Century of Turmoil, Never Forget National Humiliation,” is divided into four exhibition rooms, taking visitors through a century of time to witness the Chinese nation’s journey from humiliation to strength. The first section, “British Invasion,” mainly introduces the historical background of the outbreak of the Opium War and a brief account of the war process. The second section, “Unequal Treaty Under Duress,” focuses on the process of the creation of the Treaty of Nanking. The third section, “National Sovereignty Lost and Humiliation Endured,” highlights the profound impact of the Treaty of Nanking on Chinese society. The fourth section, “Hong Kong’s Return,” primarily uses photographic materials to illustrate the historical process of Hong Kong’s return, demonstrating the relentless efforts made by the Chinese people and the three generations of Chinese leaders—Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, and Jiang Zemin—to reclaim Hong Kong.

Jinghai Temple, located in the Xiaguan District of Nanjing, was the negotiation site of the Treaty of Nanking. As one of the “Hundred Patriotic Education Demonstration Bases” nationwide, it once bore the weight of historical humiliation and sorrow. Today, shedding the dust of the past, it stands before the world with its unique historical significance, educational value, and renewed appearance, telling the stories of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.