Fragrant memories

Built in 1985, the December 9th Movement Memorial Pavilion is located in Haidian district and consists of three triangular kiosks. It recounts the 1935 patriotic student movement that broke out in Peiping (a former name for Beijing) when the Kuomintang forces suppressed a gathering of about 3,000 students who demonstrated to fight the Japanese invasion and save the nation. The movement later received support from more students in large and medium cities, and patriotic compatriots across the country. It sparked a new surge in the nationwide movement for the resistance against Japan. Visitors can visit the Shuangqing Villa at Fragrant Hills in Xiangshan Park. Mao Zedong and other leaders commanded the battle of crossing the Yangtze River at the villa, and discussed plans to construct the country. A large amount of work was done there for the founding of the People's Republic of China. At the villa, visitors can view the large number of cultural relics, photos and pictures on display detailing Mao's time at the villa. The Fragrant Memorial Hall nearby also helps visitors understand revolutionary history in this area through valuable exhibits, photos and videos.