Lüshun Naval Port Opens to the Public for the First Time: A Century-Old Fortress Witnesses the Rise of the Navy

During this year's naval ship open day, the Lüshun military port was opened to the public for the first time. In this century-old military port, modern ships such as the Navy's Zheng He and Ordos stand majestically, paying tribute to history while showcasing the glorious achievements of the People's Navy over the past 77 years.

Located at the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula, Lüshunkou is bordered by the Bohai Sea to the west and the Yellow Sea to the south, making it a natural ice-free harbor and a historically contested area. The Diyan Battery is situated on the southern slope of Golden Mountain in Lüshunkou, echoing with 12 other batteries in the area, collectively guarding the gateway to the Bohai Sea against maritime invasions. However, during the First Sino-Japanese War in 1894, due to the corruption and incompetence of the Qing government and improper defense by the Qing army, this once-promising maritime fortress was captured by the Japanese army. After the defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War, China's national strength gradually declined. This once vital coastal defense area became a battleground for great powers. After years of foreign occupation and control, Lüshunkou finally returned to the embrace of the motherland in 1955.

Naval Unit of the Northern Theater Command, Song Zhipeng: Now, this battery is here; it is not only a historical site but also serves as a lively and engaging national defense education lesson. It helps everyone who comes here understand that a strong maritime defense is the bottom line for national security, and remembering this history is essential for safeguarding a better peace.

The Wan Zhong Tomb Memorial Hall is the burial site for more than 20,000 Lüshun compatriots who were brutally killed by the Japanese army during the First Sino-Japanese War. On November 21, 1894, after the Japanese army captured Lüshunkou, they carried out a massacre that lasted for four days and three nights, with only 36 people spared because they were ordered to bury their fellow countrymen's bodies. In 1896, the Qing government erected a monument and built a tomb for the victims, and since then, the three characters "Wan Zhong Tomb" have become a permanent memorial to this painful history.

Lüshun Wan Zhong Tomb Memorial Hall, Li Yuyang: The Lüshun Massacre is one of the most brutal incidents during the First Sino-Japanese War. All the oil paintings on this wall depict the situation after the Japanese army invaded the Lüshun market. They serve as a warning to future generations not to forget this history, to cherish the current peace, and to understand the importance of a strong nation and national rejuvenation. Only when the country is strong can it protect its people and prevent such tragedies from happening again.

This century-old military port will be open to the public for the first time, with modern warships such as missile frigates and ocean training ships arrayed majestically and docked, allowing the people to personally experience the development and growth of the People's Navy and witness its grand journey from shallow waters to deep blue seas. On April 25 and 26, the People's Navy's first ocean-going training ship, the Zheng He, the 054A-class missile frigate Ordos, and the 081-class mine countermeasure ship Qingzhou will be open for public visits.

Naval Unit of the Northern Theater Command, Wang Qixiang: Lüshun, as an important node in China's modern coastal defense, organizing a ship open day here is both a tribute to history and a showcase of the achievements in the construction and development of the People's Navy over the past 77 years. The opening of various types of ships is intended to let the public directly feel that the People's Navy is increasingly well-equipped and its combat power is growing stronger, achieving leapfrog development from nearshore defense to deep-sea escort, and from single service to multi-service coordination. Protecting the country's vast maritime territory and ensuring the safety of the people is the responsibility and commitment of every naval officer and soldier. This open day also aims to help more people understand and love the navy, allowing everyone to more vividly experience the spirit and style of the People's Navy in the new era.