Nanqiao Jigong: The Extraordinary Story of Nanyang Drivers and Mechanics Who Returned to China During the Sino-Japanese War

1939. The Sino-Japanese War was at a critical stage. Most of China’s port cities including Shanghai and Amoy had fallen into the hands of the invading Japanese forces. When Canton was captured in October 1938, China found its shipping routes almost completely cut off. China’s last hope was the treacherous 1,146-km Yunnan-Burma Road, which allowed it access to the outside world via Rangoon. However, as large numbers of experienced drivers and mechanics were required to keep this lifeline open, the Chinese government looked towards Nanyang (Southeast Asia) for help. Within days of the enlistment in Nanyang, some 2,300 volunteers came forward. Between February and August 1939, some 3,200 volunteers from various parts of Nanyang returned to China. One-third of them eventually died in the line of duty.

These volunteers displayed exemplary values: perseverance in the face of harsh conditions, courage and creativity in life-or-death situations and above all, a deep sense of rootedness. Although living and working in Nanyang where the threat of war was distant, they were determined to contribute directly to China’s resistance efforts, putting their own lives in danger to ensure war supplies reached the Chinese troops defending their homeland.

The travelling exhibition is now available for booking. To enquire, please contact Assistant Manager (Outreach Services) at nhb_nasreg@nhb.gov.sg or call Tel: 6332 7900.