Marking the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident: A nation remembers

On Sept. 18, 2025, communities across China held solemn commemorations to mark the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident, a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in 1931.

From air-raid siren ceremonies to silent tributes in various venues, citizens paused to remember the sacrifices of those who fought and suffered during Japan’s wartime invasion.

This photo feature captures moments of reflection, education, and remembrance from across the country as China continues to honor its history and promote peace for future generations. 

A soldier stands against the backdrop of a memorial wall during the bell-tolling and siren ceremony held at the 9.18 Historical Museum in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, on Sept. 18. Photos by Xinhua and China News Service

On Sept. 18, drivers join a traffic police officer in solemn tribute on Chongshan Middle Road in Shenyang, Liaoning Province.

Visitors attend a themed recital and concert titled “For National Liberation and World Peace” at the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Beijing on Sept. 18.

People stand in silence outside the Exhibition Hall of Evidence of Crimes Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army as air-raid sirens sound on Sept. 18 in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province.

A moviegoer walks past a poster for “Evil Unbound” at the Changying Cinema in Changchun, Jilin Province. Released nationwide that day, “Evil Unbound” surpassed 257,000 screenings in a single day, setting a record for the highest number of daily screenings in Chinese film history.

Visitors explore recreated film sets, used in the making of “Evil Unbound,” at the former Unit 731 headquarters site in Harbin. A special exhibition on the making of “Evil Unbound” opened at the site Sept. 17. The exhibit features recreated film sets and props — such as a frostbite lab, dissection room, and biological weapons testing station — shedding light on how the film recreates historical horrors and exposing visitors to the truth behind Unit 731.