A Family Trip To China - Part Three: Nanjing

This is the third installment (out of four) in my Family Trip To China series. In this video, we see the sights in Nanjing and take the time to appreciate the beauty and the history of China. China is my favorite place I have ever been and I can't wait to return again and again. Thank you so much for watching. If you enjoy this video and would like to see more, please consider subscribing. It is very helpful and kind!
Part Four will feature scenes from our wedding ceremony in China!!!! Stay tuned!!!! You don't want to miss this!!!

[@seekx2y556]

As a Chinese, this episode moved me. For those who do not know this period of history, I would like to recommend a book The Rape of Nanking, written by Iris Chang. She is a Chinese-American female writer.

[@jayliu6076]

It's a travesty that Iris lost her life at such a young age. She will always be remembered for her service to her people and for her dedication to bringing truth to the world.

[@pjz2007]

Just finished reading the book. Learned a lot more about the Japanese atrocities during that time.

[@brannonkirkhuang]

I've read The Rape of Nanking and can confirm, it is a powerful book. I hope people will read it to learn more about this history!

[@MsOceanstar]

Very Important awareness! Thanks for reminding! I read the book too years ago. Felt her pain- our collective pain!

[@danielwong2333]

If you discard history, you can forget your future

[@ameliah8164]

My grandfather's brother died as a defender of his hometown during the war era when he was only 19 years old. Thank you very much for documenting the history of Nanjing. I offer my highest respect to you. Thank you very much for recording it in this vlog. Wishing you and your family a wonderful journey ahead.

[@brannonkirkhuang]

I'm so sorry for the loss in your family. Thank you for sharing this.

[@maeganoneal]

Visiting the Nanjing Memorial was so impactful. Wish everyone could walk through it just once.

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Absolutely.

[@gliu1431]

In Singapore we also had massacre of Singaporean ethnic Chinese during Japanese occupation because Singaporean Chinese donated huge amount of money (some were collected from ethnic Chinese in other south east asia countries) to China to fight against the Japanese army in China. Someone said before in terms of per capita, we could be worst than China which actually makes sense since we had very small population back then and the estimated number of people being massacred was about 30k to 50k or could be more. There were sent to a beach where they were mass executed by Japanese soldiers. Our first Prime Minister which was our founding father Lee Kuan Yew escaped from it when sensed he will be sent to the beach and he found an excuse to go home to take something but never returned.

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Wow, this is horrific. What a tragedy.

[@randomname931]

china and its people are peaceful in nature and it's absolutely sad and infuriating that the US politicians/media are making them out to be the exact opposite.

[@brannonkirkhuang]

I agree completely! I hope these videos can help some people in the US see through the propaganda.

[@ctourmaline]

Japan, who is still denying its world war II crime, is portrayed as the victims of world war II and a peacemaker. On the contrary, China, at the Nanjing massacre memorial site, instead of calling for revenge, is still promoting peace. Yet China is being portrayed as the troublemaker, the war enthusiast, someone who uses hate education to make their people hostile towards foreigners. The credibility of western medias has totally collapsed for me during recent years.

[@garyevergreen5035]

To everyone on Earth: No more wars, peace!

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Yes, please!!!!

[@ameliah8164]

If someone is a first-time tourist to China/Nanjing, he must not miss the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall. This is the heart wrenching history of this city, the capital of the Republic of China in the 20th century. Although it has hardly been mentioned in the world history of Western education. Everyone knows that Jews have been slaughtered, but few foreigners know that this city has been killed by over 300000 people (only those with names recorded)

[@brannonkirkhuang]

I agree. People around the world need need to know what happened in Nanjing. I'm glad to be able to help raise awareness.

[@LanetteO]

The Nanjing Memorial was so powerful! I was amazed at how respectful everyone was. It was a big crowd, but so silent as they went through the memorial. I wish I could have taken a few pictures. They had so many powerful statements about peace! Remembering the past, but working to keep a peaceful future.

[@CyberPanda-yl1db]

Great episode, "Humanity needs to remember history to avoid repeating mistakes and create peace".

[@lizz7805]

Thank you for visiting the Nanjing Massacre Memorial and educating viewers on this atrocity committed by Imperial Japan. It has been relatively unknown outside of China and is rarely talked about, but we Chinese will never forget it. i hope more people learn about this heinous crime.

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Of course! I am so glad I had the opportunity to go there and I hope this video can help raise awareness.

[@MsOceanstar]

I love the word Communism these days: the more tainted the word Commie is made by China bashing Western corporate media idiots, the more I dig into the deep China soul and history that brought the Chinese communist revolution to power of today! I first visited China as a student in 1981! The minute we were welcome and taken in the bus to the Guangzhou medical college in the bus, my heart throbbed! Bicycles were the mode of transportation and the blue suites were everywhere. In the market, people gathered in front of bulletin boards to read the news of the day! In a small bookstore, i bought a book of goodbye letters written by young revolutionaries to their loved ones knowing they would be executed by the Japanese or the KMT soon! As a young Chinese woman in 1981, i cried for days. Today…communism/socialism/capitalism with a Chinese flavor is in full display- more than thousand flowers have bloomed! How proud the Chinese people must be. Bravo Communist China! the west can have their BS democracy all they want! I can’t wait to visit Nanjing-- so much history! Enjoy. 👍🇨🇳☮️

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I second you in saying, Bravo Communist China!

[@woshisuo]

What many people don’t know is that there used to be a Flying Tigers in the United States that assisted the Chinese government in resisting the Japanese invaders. For this reason, many American soldiers sacrificed their lives and stayed in China forever. The transportation route at that time was called the Hump Route, which is also listed on Wikipedia introduce. The South China Sea area where the United States and China are now in conflict was also the size of the territory that U.S. warships took the Chinese to delineate at that time. At that time, many Southeast Asian countries were still in a colonial state, and China and the United States were still in the honeymoon period. There are no permanent friends or permanent enemies between countries in this world. During the Korean War, China was directly at war with the United States. Of course, China's ruling party changed, and this was also a reason. Then when China and the Soviet Union were at odds, the United States warned the Soviet Union not to allow the use of nuclear weapons against China. Later, after Deng Xiaoping visited the United States, China attacked Vietnam, the younger brother of the Soviet Union at the time. The 10-year war brought down the Soviet Union. China's cooperation with the United States indirectly contributed to the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Then China was allowed to join the WTO, and then the relationship became sour after 2016. Then Trump’s trade war has now listed China as the number one competitor. On the contrary, the relationship between China and Russia has now reached its historical peak. Perhaps one day another country will appear that threatens the United States, and the relationship between China and the United States will soon enter the honeymoon period. Who knows. Thank you for visiting the memorial and introducing this history to many who don’t know.

[@maeganoneal]

This was so interesting to read; thank you for sharing!

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Thank you for sharing this! I hope as time goes by that countries will stop working against each other and start working together!

[@ctourmaline]

The so-called Flying Tigers from the US assisted China quite late, and many of the sacrifices were Chinese military personnel. The earliest air force assistance to China against Japan, including substantial sacrifices of their own, actually came from the Soviet Union. However, this part of history is rarely mentioned, so you might not be aware of it. During the period of conflict between China and the Soviet Union, it is unclear whether the Soviet Union truly considered using nuclear weapons. Yet, during the Korean War involving China, the United States did consider using nuclear weapons. It's not that I am pro-Russian; Russia has not been a good neighbor throughout its history. However, one should not idealize the United States too much either.

[@Distant-Similarity]

Nanjing was the capital of China at that time. Imagine London in the UK and Tokyo in Japan where 300000 people were slaughtered. It's too scary, too tragic. Hope for world peace.😢😢😢❤

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Thank you for sharing this perspective! I hope we can see world peace in our lifetime!

[@minimalisticapprentice2288]

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on that very special place.

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sdfa-uq8hf]

The Red Sign in the Nanjing railway station says “you can call the party member's phone if you have problem”

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Thank you for sharing the real translation! I love those signs!

[@billlee2983]

Around 30 to 40 million Chinese were either killed or died fighting the Japanese in China alone not to mention the number of Chinese in South East Asia who were massacred by the Japanese. If you visit Singapore go to Sentosa island. Theres a museum and memorial hall there as well to remember the brutality of the Japanese imperialist during their rampage thru SE Asia.

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@helorenzo293]

Japan is not only in China, Japan has also carried out the same behavior in Southeast Asia.

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Yes, thank you for saying this! Japan committed atrocities in many places. This history shouldn't be forgotten!

[@grouchypatch9185]

Chinese living in South East Asia where imperial Japanese Army invaded had suffered the most compared to others. The deep hatred and sadistic angst towards Chinese were completely unwarranted. If anyone read Pearl J. Buck's on japanese behaviour of which she had said about the hidden intricate multiple personalities. Politeness on the surface and darkness beneath.

[@YurinKawasumi]

Thank you for featuring the Nanjing Massacre and speaking up for China.

[@brannonkirkhuang]

I am glad that I am able to do this!

[@maneil9297]

Great to learn history, that is the best way to learn who we are present.

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Absolutely.

[@user-gc5cy5js5z]

As a Chinese, I sincerely thank you for visiting the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall. The invasion of Japanese militarism during World War II resulted in the deaths of 60 million Chinese people (I'm sorry I can't remember the exact number of deaths), including the city of Nanjing. As a Chinese, whenever I see this memorial hall, my heart feels like it's being crushed by a big stone and I feel suffocated. The Chinese people are definitely a peace loving race. During World War II, Shanghai and Zhengzhou (my hometown) took in Jewish people who were persecuted by Nazi Germany. The United States once dispatched a flying team called the "Flying Tigers" to help China resist imperialist aggressors. I believe that the people of China and the United States can work together for the future. We have a history of mutual assistance and assistance, and we are all kind ordinary people. Although the US government regards us as enemies and constantly uses powerful media to instill wrong ideas in the American people, I still hope that the people of China and the United States can coexist peacefully, rather than being influenced by politicians and media and becoming hostile towards each other. Due to the humiliating history, we sympathize more with Jews and Palestinians, but I personally hold an opposing attitude towards Zionism. I do not oppose Jews, and I sympathize with their tragic experiences during World War II. However, I personally oppose the Israeli government's long-standing oppression of the Palestinian people. Anyway, I really appreciate you spreading this historical event to the world, because the tragic experiences of China during World War II are not well-known to the people of the world. You are the first foreigner I have seen to visit the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall. You are so great, and on behalf of the Chinese people, I thank you. I also hope that people all over the world will remember history and not repeat the same mistakes. I hope for world peace and that people all over the world can live a dignified and beautiful life.

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Your comment is beautiful and I really appreciate it! I completely agree with what you’re saying. I also am opposed to Zionism because of the way that it is being used to harm and kill tens of thousands of Palestinians. I hope that we live to see world peace!!!

[@hmj1116]

I have this book containing the photos of the atrocities and massacres by the Japanese soldiers, during the Korean War I stayed at Tokyo for 6 months then I was sent to Seoul then to Pusan for nearly two years 1951-53 !

[@brannonkirkhuang]

What was done was truly horrific.

[@YINGZHANG-zh4zj]

you are great，andｉlove your family，hope you have a good time，thank you for embracing Chinas strength and weakness❤

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Thank you so much!

[@user-en3ur7gs7l]

给你的妻子点赞，带你们去纪念馆，让现代社会的人了解中国抗日的历史。我们都要牢记二次世界大战给人们带来的苦难，愿世界永久和平。

[@justanobserver5331]

Thank you, you are truly a kind and righteous person

[@ArthurJason-Constantine]

Miss my time in China last year. I want to visit more places there during the new year.

[@alvinnnliu]

Bro thank you for visiting the memorial and share the footage and your experience. It meant a lot for this city.

[@brannonkirkhuang]

You're welcome! I am so grateful for the opportunity to have gone to Nanjing and share this footage!

[@gliu1431]

There was an American journalist Edgar Snow who lived in China in the beginning late 20s or early 30s for many years. He has a book called Red Star over China which gives you with very good insights of the communist government.

[@brannonkirkhuang]

I have heard of this book! I will have to check it out someday!

[@1616JZ]

ayyy my hometown. Welcome welcome

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Thank you! I love it!

[@devil-uu4gt]

peace and love from China🇨🇳

[@brannonkirkhuang]

❤❤❤

[@derek6311]

旅途愉快！

[@leirpab]

Can’t wait to watch your next video!

[@brannonkirkhuang]

It should hopefully be ready on Tuesday!!!

[@Poe168]

I am laughing everytime you say "What are your thoughts on this" 😄

[@brannonkirkhuang]

I'm glad somebody else thinks its funny! 😇

[@johnzhu5882]

Hi Brannon, well done on the memorial speech!

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Thank you!!

[@JackyRo]

谢谢

[@_Eacho_M55]

wow 🎉

[@weihuashi7069]

4th! Am I right? Welcome to my wife's hometown!

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Wow wow wow wow!!!! Congrats on being the 4th!

[@leo7957]

Thank you very much

[@scarlettlee5009]

Enjoiy your trip 👍

[@hi4806]

Thank you for your knowledge.

[@user-po3bo6ye7b]

I love ❣️😘 najing very much 🎉

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Me too!

[@maeganoneal]

First!!

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Wow!

[@Jessica-hg8bp]

谢谢你❤

[@xuanluo9561]

牛首山风景区很漂亮，可以去游玩

[@guestonearth1274]

Welcome back friends

[@whokiss2035]

THANK YOU！

[@dragisaantic6568]

2017❤❤❤❤❤

[@flarefrenzys3046]

A tiny suggestion, the scene of your video seems to change too fast, its kind of unpleasant to watch, maybe slowing down a bit and not too shaky camera would do better, other than that great content video, please keep it coming 😊😊, enjoy your trip

[@maeganoneal]

Brannon typically is just using his phone to film, which is why the movement isn’t always captured as smoothly! Hopefully he can get some higher quality filming equipment for next time 🥰

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Thank you for the tips! Filming vlogs is something I don't have much experience on, so I wasn't realizing how shaky and abruptly I was filming stuff. Future videos will look better now that I know this!

[@partyhu]

买个稳定器就好多了

[@grouchypatch9185]

I thought it was quite unique and individualistic. I kind of like it. It's not draggy on any particular scene.

[@tengsteel8560]

去南京能安排参观纪念馆,非常有心, 让人尊敬! 给你一个大大的赞 参观南京大屠杀遇难同胞纪念馆, 更容易理解中国人民,中国政府,中国共产党的想法. 一个小小的建议: 纪念馆的全称是: "侵华日军南京大屠杀遇难同胞纪念馆"(The Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders), 可以简称为"南京大屠杀遇难同胞纪念馆", 但最好不要称之为"南京大屠杀纪念馆", 我们纪念遇难同胞而不是大屠杀.

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Thank you for sharing this!!

[@sangtong5550]

Hello we recommend to your went to Zhangjiajie -Tainmen Mountain National Forest Park ( Avatar Mountain ) !

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Avatar Mountain? That sounds amazing!!! I will have to go there next time!

[@user-lt6ke9hg8f]

了解中国最正确的旅游路线。。

[@mattmaggoux9859]

That ending??!

[@cosmoray9750]

This is where the Japanese massacred hundreds of thousands of Chinese. Known as Nanjing Massacre

[@sc8916]

I had visited the Nanjing Memorial once, but I won't visit it again because it was so depressed

[@brannonkirkhuang]

I completely understand what you mean. Seeing what was done to the people of Nanjing made me very sad.

[@PLATO-en5kp]

Plz go to ocean flower artificial island.....🎉

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Ooh, that sounds amazing! I will have to visit there next time!

[@mephisto2812]

Third 😞

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Wow wow wow!!!

[@gigglemonster2013]

second😅

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Wow wow!!

[@Odgin]

Good sister is dreamy sister 😍 but Bad sister got more thoughts 🤣

[@gigglemonster2013]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@brannonkirkhuang]

And of course, her thoughts are amazing - thanks for asking!

[@futo]

I'm Chinese Canadian and i swear when it comes to people in the western world who are absolutely unaware of the Nanjing Masascre. I had an infuriating conversation about this, and the guy was saying these number of deaths is made up by China government, and this is the product of the amount ignorance the western world has just because China isn't align to "democratic" government's view. Then I said because of former Imperialist Japan, a lot of Chinese citizen back then had to flee, and my parents friends fled China when she was a toddler during this time period, because her parents were killed by the imperialist Japanese soldiers. Frankly, I'm not sure i got through to him, because he still thinks Japanese culture is very honorable, well not always if we're talking about the past.

[@brannonkirkhuang]

The amount of anti-China propaganda in the western world has led to an astounding level of ignorance about the country. Sorry you had to deal with a person like that.

[@idofdm7625]

After 3rd videos I watch of yours, one constant is you asking you siblings thoughts without any reply! Almost you're mocking their intelligence or "it's China, you can not give negative answers " kind of thing, No matter! It's quite funny!

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Hahaha, yes, I was just teasing them because they were shy in front of the camera 😇

[@idofdm7625]

Made that comment at the beginning of the video! Thanks for your thoughtful comment at the end of the video! Very few people know that history unless you're Chinese or educated like Julie of "Jiayi and Julie in China ", coincidentally they live in Hangzhou, went to Nanjing and posted the trip! There came your video was recommended! History does need to be taught as those memories faded when older generation die off as my parents and life is too good for this generation to understand my parents generation struggle! Same for every country, like youngsters here in America don't understand why WW2 generation is called greatest generation!

[@jacintochua6885]

Read a bit before visiting. It's helpful .

[@-_-Blang-_bling--blong_--Yet..]

Angade china nomilkon bia kagen ongjaode naga korean banggal English gipin kode rajawajok angade Ba ongjaode á.gilsak ongbagniko agana chanchisranggen .

[@jacintochua6885]

Nanjing is not a new city. It's been around for over 800 yeas. It was the capital for several dynasties.

[@gigglemonster2013]

He meant that it’s a new city that we are visiting 😅

[@brannonkirkhuang]

Hi! I understand what you mean here and I'm sorry for the confusion. At the start of the video when I said we were going to a new city, what I meant was that it was "new to us," because we had never been to Nanjing before. We did know at the time that it was a very old city and that it had been the capital in the past. We were excited to go and see the historical place with our own eyes.

[@yfexl-1584]

great vid. metro, food, hsr, greatwall... that's not all about China. History should be also visited.

[@brannonkirkhuang]

I completely agree.

[@jia03]

Ever visited this Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders. Very sad indeed.

[@hongqingxiang3374]

🙂🙏🙏🙂

[@user-to4og4xt3z]

우주 최고의 도시 짜이나 부럽다😅

[@user-bz9pi4cn8s]

欢迎来到中国，感受不同的文化让我们更能相互了解。

[@brannonkirkhuang]

我同意 ~