Exhibition shows history is interesting

Part of the English version of Mao Zedong's On Pactice, on whose margin he made notes to learn English.Photo provided to China Daily

For most people, "history" is bad word that brings back painful memories of middle school when a boring teacher explained events and battles to an absent-minded class. However, at a recent exhibition that commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-45), the Central Compilation Bureau displays its unique collection of publications and other documents of the Communist Party of China from that period to prove history can be interesting.

The exhibition is being held in the Cultural Palace of Nationalities in Beijing. On one side of the exhibition hall are displayed three pieces of yellow paper, obviously torn from an English book — the English version of Mao Zedong's On Practice — for preservation. The young Mao was an active English learner, and he carefully read all the three pieces and made notes on the margins.

In the blank space of one of the pieces of paper, Mao has written with a pencil "childish, adj", putting the Chinese translation after it. On another, he has written the word "manifesto".

On a table are displayed some books with "misleading" covers, a ploy used by the CPC publicity departments to escape the press censorship imposed by the then ruling Kuomintang or in the regions occupied by invading Japanese troops. With covers like "Weekly Fashion", they were actually political commentaries and articles advocating resistance against the Japanese invaders.

Wei Haisheng, vice-director of the bureau, said the victory in the war of resistance against Japanese should be cherished by all Chinese people, and the CCB hopes to make that part of history known to more people. By making it interesting, the CCB will encourage more people, especially youngsters, to remember that victory forever.

The other materials on display include old letters, newspapers and other publications from the period. Wang Shaofeng, vice Party chief and district mayor of Xicheng district, Beijing, said there are many ways of cultivating patriotism among the people, and welcomed any creative ideas.

Jia Gaojian, director of CCB, was also present at the opening ceremony of the exhibition. The exhibition will last until late October and entry is free.