Tan Wei-hang, a 37-year-old from Macao, embarked on his first journey to Shanxi province, where he gained a profound understanding of the history of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45).

"We must promote the spirit of the war and actively contribute to the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area upon our return to Macao," Tan said.

Tan was a participant of the "Macao youth exploring the motherland" activity held in Shanxi from June 25 to 29. The event was held to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Tan said that despite the difficult living conditions, lack of medicine, and inferior weapons and equipment, the Eighth Route Army tenaciously fought against the Japanese invaders and ultimately emerged victorious, filling them with pride.

Shanxi was one of the main battlefields of the war, serving as the headquarters of the Eighth Route Army and harbored several major revolutionary base areas.

Zhao Jing, chairman of the Shanxi Provincial Youth Federation, said, "Gathering in Shanxi to learn about the history of the war against Japanese aggression and rekindling its spirit is of great significance in promoting patriotism and enhancing exchanges and cooperation between the youth of Shanxi and Macao."

Zhao said Macao is a charming city — a model of successful implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" policy — where Chinese and Western cultures blend harmoniously. "We hope this event will serve as a platform to establish regular exchanges between the youth of the two regions, deepen cooperation in cultural heritage, innovation, entrepreneurship, volunteer services, and foster mutual understanding and growth through joint efforts," Zhao said.

Calvin Fong, a 33-year-old from Macao, said, "Although Macao also has historical sites related to the revolution, visiting the former sites of the Eighth Route Army headquarters in Shanxi gave me a different feeling."

Zhao Yuan, another youth from Macao, said, "Shanxi is a renowned revolutionary base, a land steeped in revolutionary fervor." She mentioned that the mainland TV series Drawing Sword is widely popular among the people of Macao, with many of its plotlines adapted from the history of the war in Shanxi.

"Listening to the story of Zuo Quan, I was nearly moved to tears. The young generation back then sacrificed their families for the country, fought for national independence, a spirit that is worth emulating," said Leong Chi-hang, another Macao participant, during a discussion among the young representatives of Shanxi and Macao.

Zuo Quan was the highest-ranking commander of the Eighth Route Army who sacrificed his life on the battlefield against Japanese aggression. On May 25, 1942, at the age of only 37, he was killed near Matian in Liaoxian county (later renamed Zuoquan county).

During the event, 25 youths from various sectors in Macao visited the Eighth Route Army Taihang Memorial Hall in Wuxiang county, the former site of the Eighth Route Army headquarters at Wangjiayu, the former site of the Lu Xun Art School in Xiaobeizhang, as well as the Shanxi Guomin Normal University Former Site Revolution Activity Memorial Hall in the provincial capital of Taiyuan, paying respects to the revolutionary martyrs through on-site visits.

Wong Ka-ki, deputy director of the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region government, said that stepping into the Eighth Route Army Taihang Memorial Hall felt like being transported back to the tumultuous years of the war.

The rich historical artifacts and detailed documentary materials vividly portrayed the brave deeds of the Eighth Route Army soldiers who fought valiantly in the Taihang Mountains to defend their homes and country, showcasing the national spirit of the Chinese people uniting against foreign invaders.

He added, "We deeply realize the hard-won nature of peace and are inspired by the selfless dedication of our predecessors to national independence and liberation. This spirit is a precious asset that the younger generation should inherit and promote when faced with difficulties and challenges."

Contact the writers at zhuxingxin@chinadaily.com.cn