An exhibit honoring veterans at the Shanxi Feng Huo War Memorial Hall in Taiyuan, Shanxi province. [Photo by Zhu Xingxin/For chinadaily.com.cn]
An exhibit at the Shanxi Feng Huo War Memorial Hall in Xinghualing district of Taiyuan, Shanxi province, features 80 posters depicting the heroic deeds of veterans of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45).
Guided by the Taiyuan Garrison Command and designed by the Xinghualing District People's Armed Forces Department, the exhibition uses high-definition restored photos, AI video reconstructions, and poster displays to vividly present the revolutionary heroics.
As of May 2025, only six surviving war veterans remain in the district. In preparation for the 80th anniversary of China's victory in the war, efforts were made to collect and verify precious information on 80 veterans.
This initiative originated from the wish of surviving veteran Wei Rongbin, who expressed a desire to ensure the deeds of his comrades are not forgotten. Materials and photos of the veterans were collected and used as inspiration for the posters and AI videos over the course of nearly six months.
An exhibit honoring veterans at the Shanxi Feng Huo War Memorial Hall in Taiyuan, Shanxi province. [Photo by Zhu Xingxin/For chinadaily.com.cn]
Utilizing AI technology, the photos were restored to high-definition standards and synthesized into videos. By integrating Taiyuan landmarks into the scenes, the veterans are transported to the present era, conveying the message "We are fortunate to have you, the mountains and rivers remain unharmed".
Fang Yumeng, a senior student from the Central University of Finance and Economics, came to Shanxi for her graduation trip. Seeing the exhibition bring history to life with AI, Fang emphasized the importance of honoring history, passing down the revolutionary spirit, and striving for a prosperous future.
Fang said the efforts and sacrifices of veterans who fought in the war have paved the way for the present generation's better life and encourages youth to continue contributing to the nation's prosperity.
According to Colonel Wu Jianqiang, the political commissar of the People's Armed Forces Department in Xinghualing district, the goal of the exhibit is to enable viewers to achieve the educational effect of viewing a poster, clicking on a video, learning about a hero, stepping into a piece of history, and experiencing a baptism.
Colonel Zhou Zhijun, the director of the Political Work Department of the Taiyuan Garrison Command, emphasized the importance of honoring history and inspiring future generations through initiatives like this one.