A statue of Yang Jingjuan is seen in Dinghai district, Zhoushan. [Photo/Dinghai District Media Convergence Center]

As today marks the 94th anniversary of the September 18 Incident — the start of China's war of resistance against Japanese aggression, it is worth remembering how teachers in Zhejiang province stood firm in the darkest hour, passing on knowledge and hope with their words, actions, courage, and sacrifice.

Yang Jingjuan (1924-41), a native of Dinghai district in Zhoushan, joined the anti-Japanese resistance shortly after the occupation of her hometown in June 1939. She became the head of a women's literacy night school, traveling across regions to teach while spreading patriotic messages.

In early 1941, she was captured while covering the retreat of fellow resistance members. Tortured and stabbed dozens of times by Japanese soldiers, she died heroically at just 17 years old. Today, a white statue of Yang stands surrounded by flowers in Haishan Park, Ma'ao subdistrict. Locals and tourists gather on special occasions to pay their respects at her memorial.