Site of the Japanese Army's Unit 731

The Exhibition Hall of Evidence of Crimes of Unit 731 of the Japanese Invasion of China is a museum dedicated to the remains of the Unit 731, established in 1933. Operating under various names, including the Ishii Unit, the Togo Unit, and the Kwantung Army's Epidemic Prevention and Water Supply Department, the Unit committed war crimes, including biological warfare and human experimentation. It was destroyed in August 1945, on the eve of Japan's surrender. During its retreat, Unit 731 bombed most of the buildings, leaving behind the present-day structure of the ruins. The Unit 731 Site was the largest bacteriological weapons research, testing, and manufacturing base in world history, and a significant modern historical relic of the Japanese invasion of China.

Located on Xinjiang Street in Harbin's Pingfang District, the site comprises two former Unit 731 headquarters, a guard post at the south gate, a poison gas laboratory, an underground gas storage room, a bacteria testing center (the "Sifang Building"), a special prison, and a thermal power plant. All above-ground and underground facilities were destroyed before the Japanese surrender. The former Unit 731 headquarters remains within the ruins, but only the underground foundations of the Sifang Building remain. To protect the buildings, the entire area is enclosed with steel and glass curtain walls. The site is open to the public free of charge. To the east, the site is adjacent to the Exhibition Hall of Evidence of Crimes of Unit 731, which is open to the public and free of charge. The museum is closed on Mondays.

The 731 Exhibition Hall, officially known as the "Exhibition Hall of Evidence of Crimes of Unit 731 of the Japanese Invaders of China," is located on the former site of Unit 731, the world's largest preserved collection of germ warfare relics and one of the three major war sites of World War II. After more than two decades of conservation and development, it has become one of China's 100 classic red tourism attractions.

The 6.1 million square meter site of Unit 731, a Japanese invasion force, is located in Harbin's Pingfang District. During World War II, the Japanese fascists established the largest bacteriological warfare unit in world war history here, making it one of the world's two most brutal massacres, along with the German Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz. Unit 731, established in 1933, operated under various names, including the Ishii Unit, the Togo Unit, and the Kwantung Army's Epidemic Prevention and Water Supply Department, committing war crimes such as bacteriological warfare and human experimentation. In August 1945, on the eve of Japan's surrender, Unit 731 bombed most of the buildings during its retreat, leaving the site in its current state. This site was the largest bacteriological weapons research, testing, and manufacturing base in world history, and a significant modern historical relic of the Japanese invasion of China.

The Exhibition Hall of Evidence of Crimes of Unit 731, located in the southeast corner of the site, features six sections: Japan's Bacteriological Warfare System, Unit 731, Human Experimentation, Development of Bacteriological Weapons, Use of Bacteriological Warfare, and Postwar Trials. Starting from the exhibition hall entrance, follow the tour route up and down the stairs to view each of the six sections before exiting. The buildings within the Unit 731 site (compound) are also available for viewing (though due to rain, we only visited the exhibition hall and the main building). The exhibition hall is free and takes 1-2 hours. It is open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (last admission at 3:30 PM and closed on Mondays). Transportation: Take Subway Line 1 to Xinjiang Dajie Station and walk 600 meters east.

I heard about this Japanese military designation when I was very young. This time, I was fortunate to be led by a friend, and a gold medal tour guide explained the whole thing.



The design of the new exhibition hall is very similar to that of the Chongqing Academy of Fine Arts, except that the black color creates a more solemn effect. The interior is spacious and the layout is very clear. It allows us to truly understand the deeds of Unit 731 in China.



Germ warfare is so abominable and intolerable. We must never forget this history. Forgetting war will lead to danger.

1. Site → Combat Force Officers' Office Building

The Japanese officers' workplace at the time was split into two floors. I didn't dare go inside, so I left immediately after seeing the corridor, feeling terrified.

2. Ruins → Japanese Military Research Laboratory

There is a bungalow at the entrance of the ruins, which was the bacterial laboratory at that time. Every time I opened a door, it was like opening a heavy history. Seeing those ruins was like seeing the misery of that time and the helplessness and pain of those people. I couldn't control my tears while walking inside, just like now I am writing this history word by word with tears.

3. Next to the ruins → Exhibition Hall:

Next to the ruins is the exhibition hall. After entering, I only took this one photo the entire time. Every row of evidence told the story of the tragedy at that time. For the first time, I cried uncontrollably inside. Every documentary played, every piece of evidence left behind, every memory of the Japanese, and I was shaken. When you see those evidence with your own eyes, you will never forgive Japan for its actions in China. It wasn't just a simple invasion; it was an experiment that completely violated all ethics and morals. Although we now want to face history, and although Japan has apologized at the time, who will bear the pain of those people? No one can bear it, and a mere apology alone can forgive it. I will never forget the evidence I saw in the exhibition hall. I will never forget that history.

4. Tail

I hope you'll be able to visit it someday. It's my top recommendation in Harbin. I've been telling people about it, and some have been skeptical, asking me what the July 31 Incident was. I hope we don't forget history as we move forward, and I also hope our children will remember it.

The Exhibition Room of Evidence of Crimes of Unit 731 tells us that we should not forget the hatreds against our families and our country, and we should strive to become stronger.

This is the location of Unit 731 during the Japanese invasion of China. The unit was primarily engaged in epidemic prevention research (primarily biological warfare and poison gas warfare). In this area, they captured innocent Chinese civilians and persecuted patriotic Chinese revolutionaries, committing heinous crimes against the Chinese people. This museum documents the unit's formation and post-war outcomes, making it a must-see for understanding the cruelty of war and imperialism.

It's very far from the city center and takes 40 to 50 minutes by taxi. I felt very depressed after seeing it in the south of the city.

No tickets are required, there are paid explanations available

I watched Black Sun 731 on the first day, and went to the ruins on the second day. Basically, everything shown in the movie can be found here. After watching it, I really didn't want to go to work because I am an employee of a Japanese company. Let me talk about the disadvantages. The transportation is not good. I mind taking a taxi because the journey is too bumpy if the bus is not in the city.

I have never written a review on China-TravelNote, this is my first time.

I just finished visiting it today. It was so shocking! So heartbreaking!

In addition to the content, I have to say that this is a rare exhibition hall in China with a strong sense of design. I highly recommend it to friends who love design.

Finally, I hope for world peace!

The excavation of Unit 731 site is still ongoing, and piles of bones are still seen, which seem to be accusing the atrocities of the fascists at that time.

The new museum is named "Black Box," a reference to the "black box" of a plane crash, a container that records the truth. From above, the new museum appears as if the black box plunged directly into the ground, collapsing, sinking, and tearing through the site, as if the earth were cut open by a sharp scalpel, leaving indelible scars.

Standing outside the museum, you can already feel a strong sense of depression. The two dry tree trunks at the entrance give me a particularly desolate feeling. I didn't take many photos here, as there is a lot of evidence of the Japanese crimes against the Chinese people on display.

Next to the new exhibition hall is the old building, which also served as the site of the original building. A four-story, dilapidated concrete wall and three massive chimneys are the most striking features. Honestly, I think the exterior of the old building is quite beautiful, with its black gravel, lush, towering trees, and abandoned train tracks. It's a place of tranquility once you enter. However, many tragic events occurred here. Entering the buildings on the old site, you can see the ruins that were later excavated and buried for years. Entering the interior is truly eerie. I was particularly terrified. I learned online that the old building will also have a small number of exhibits, but it was closed on the day we visited.

It is a heavy historical event and I recommend everyone to read it. It speaks louder than patriotic slogans and will make you think more.

After the visit, I felt uneasy for a long time. China is so powerful now, but it is hard to imagine that the Japanese devils did not treat people as human beings at that time.

It is really worth a visit. First go to the Crime Evidence Exhibition Hall and listen to the explanation to gain a deeper understanding of the history of that time and the cruel Japanese army experiments. I feel sorry for the people of that time. Never forget the national humiliation and keep moving forward!

Patriotic education, history that cannot be forgotten, must let children experience it, not bloody, acceptable in primary school

When traveling, we must always remember history and never forget the national humiliation. As long as you go to Harbin, or have enough time, it is still necessary to visit it.

It's quite far from the city center, in a bungalow district. The drive takes over an hour. It's easy to find. The exterior resembles a collapsed chimney. Unlike the spacious and bright lobby of other museums, the interior feels decidedly oppressive. At the entrance, I happened to meet a group from a southern school who had invited a tour guide, so I took the opportunity to listen to a segment. Whether it was the models, the video footage, or the actual artifacts, they were all incredibly impressive. After touring the entire site, I felt a heavy heart. Evidence of a crime cannot be tampered with. Remember history and strengthen yourself.

I went there in winter, and the outside was blanketed in snow. Walking into the corridors, I could feel the pain of the subjects. A highly educated medical team was studying bacteria, a violation of medical ethics, and experimenting on living people. It was a horrific act! Some ordinary medical reports were ironclad evidence! Our blood shed in exchange for their 16-year prison sentence. I'm filled with indignation. Never forget this national humiliation, and let this alarm bell ring!

A very educational place, well worth a visit.

The memorial and the ruins are directly connected. The venue is newly built and well-designed. It wasn't crowded, but not too crowded either. There were no scary photos, so it wasn't scary at all. It's a very meaningful place, and I'll definitely bring my children with me.

Many people came to visit during the National Day holiday, including men, women, young and old.

I don't watch anti-Japanese war dramas, I don't care about history, and I don't like to watch the news, but I really want to go to Unit 731 to take a look. As a Chinese, when you walk around that circle, you will really feel the patriotism. The bloody history is worth our deep reflection and memory. Only by becoming stronger can we prevent such tragedies from happening again.

The attraction is in the bungalow area, more than an hour's bus ride from the city, but it is a good patriotism education base and worth visiting.

I felt extremely depressed after entering. Anyone who offends China will be punished no matter how far away they are!

Never forget the national humiliation. I strongly recommend everyone to watch it. It is very shocking and very infuriating!

Just education just education just education just education just education

After the visit, I deeply felt the grief and indignation of history!

Take the 343 bus from the train station. Pay a ¥1 when you get on and another ¥1 when you get off. Get off at Xinjiang Street. After getting off, walk back until you reach the small railway line where you can see the third picture. Then, turn left and keep walking until you reach a street. It's across the street. Water and lighters are not allowed inside, as there are residential areas around. I'm currently visiting the New Museum. I went as a girl and was a little scared, but I still wanted to see it, so I hired a guide for ¥150. After the tour, I found there were no gory images, so a girl can go boldly and rent an electronic guide. There were relatively few people inside, mostly middle-aged and elderly people. I was actually startled a few times by the silent visitors behind me who were listening to the guide's explanation. I hope everyone will come and visit when they visit Harbin. On the last day of every visit to a city, I always visit a museum or historical exhibition hall to hear the city's story.

A scalpel is used to save lives, but the Japanese used it to harm. They committed so many atrocities, yet only received a sixteen-year prison sentence after trial. Much injustice has been done to us, but I believe truth and justice will prevail. I hope everyone will cherish the present moment, play their best role in their respective fields, and make our country stronger.

If you are driving to Harbin, I recommend you come here to learn about this period of history and how hateful and cruel the Japanese were!

This is a place that all Chinese people must visit. Remember history and never forget national humiliation. The damned people still have the desire to destroy us. Let our descendants remember: those who lag behind will be beaten!

They are just ordinary things like medical laboratory equipment, instruments, reports, etc., but their uses are horrifying.

Some past events cannot be blown away by the wind. ——2016.12.30

This is an integral part of the blood and tears history of the Chinese people. Every Chinese with flesh and blood must read it!

There is no other attraction worth seeing in Harbin‼ ️

I suggest that everyone who comes to Harbin should go and feel the shock and touch of the soul, and the voice deep in the soul is crying out!

The remains of Unit 731, the Japanese Army's invaders, can be visited. Take bus No. 28 from the museum to the Cancer Hospital, then transfer to bus No. 338, but you won't be able to get there. There's also bus No. 371, get off at Shuangyong Road. It consists of an exhibition hall and the remains. There's a message board at the exit of the exhibition hall where you can write down your thoughts and feelings after visiting. It's quite interesting. The remains were largely destroyed, and some were later rebuilt, though some were not. It's a sad sight, and a very heavy heart. We need to remember history:

1. Shiro Ishii, commander of Unit 731 of the Japanese Army that invaded China and promoter, organizer, and commander of Japan’s biological warfare.

2. They called the subjects "Malu Da".

3. The experiments they conducted on Malu Da were all unimaginable, including experiments on bacteria, poison gas, freezing, and live dissection.

Serious violation of ethics!

It's a place worth visiting. Although it is far away and in a bungalow area, the history here will shock you!

A highly recommended place. Although it's over an hour's drive from the city, the moment I saw the museum, I knew it was worth the trip. The museum's design is stunning, and the display of evidence and history is so poignant. It was heartbreaking! I wish for world peace. The surrounding buildings of Unit 731 are still undergoing restoration! A must-see!

It's quite far from the city, but transportation is convenient. I brought my 6-year-old child to learn about patriotism, and after the visit, he even wrote "The Japanese are so bad" in the children's guestbook. The exhibition is truly impressive, with pictures and text recreating the heinous crimes committed by Japan. It's worth a visit. I think the public service could be better. The museum currently closes early, and I didn't see any free tours.

We went on October 7th. We took the subway to Hanan and then a short taxi ride. It's quite remote... After seeing the exhibition hall and the ruins, I was completely stunned. Tears welled up in my eyes the entire time! Most visitors were polite and quiet. While seeing the ruins chilled me, it truly made me cherish the peace we have today. Please stop the pain of war. Remember history while also cherishing the peace of today! Remember those who endured such pain!

In the suburbs of Harbin, I took two buses from the hotel near Central Street and it took more than an hour to get there.

Tickets are free with ID. The moment you enter, you're struck by a chilling feeling. Reading through the exhibits and the seemingly unimaginable cruelties, I gnashed my teeth in hatred for the Japanese atrocities. Thinking of the countless souls who have lost their lives in injustice on this land... It's even more shameful for the Japanese to deny this history on various occasions! The visit wasn't crowded, but everyone was very quiet throughout.

As Chinese people, this period of history should be remembered and commemorated. Only in this way can we clearly understand what we should do now to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

The attraction was practically deserted, and a sense of dread washed over me. The rusty door creaked open. The building was gloomy and dark. Walking through a pitch-black corridor, I arrived at the memorial's exhibition area. It wasn't large, but the images were authentic. The documentary was also terrifying. History must be confronted and cannot be forgotten. I even encountered Japanese people while visiting. For a place like this, there weren't many Chinese people, but I did encounter Japanese. It was an indescribable feeling.

Although this memorial is not big, I think it is worth visiting, and it is worth the more than two-hour drive.

There is nothing now, I am looking forward to the early completion of the 731 site!

The snow scene at the 731 site is very beautiful, a vast expanse of white. Since the ground is open and there are not many tourists, the snow on the ground is very clean and thick. It is soft to step on it, accompanied by a crisp squeaking sound~~~ It is a unique feeling.

This place closes early and many things are under repair so you can't visit. It's best to mute your phone when you come here. It's a sign of respect and also concerns the dignity of the country. (Please don't make loud noises.)

Before going to Harbin, I had decided to go there. Because it is a bit far from the city center, I called in advance to confirm the documents I needed to bring (to get the ticket) and the opening and closing times.

The staff member who answered the phone on Monday when the museum was closed said something that impressed me: As long as there is no set closing time after entering, the museum will wait until the last visitor finishes their visit before closing.

The remains of the invading troops are worth visiting when you are in Harbin. I had mixed feelings when I walked through the memorial corridor for the victims.

The black place, a place that every Chinese person cannot forget!

Although this place is not big, as a Chinese who respects history, I will take a look at it, although it brings you a heavy mood.

I rented an electronic guide and began my tour of the main building. The exhibition hall displayed a wealth of physical evidence, pictures, written evidence, statistics, and videos. After two hours, it was a bit overwhelming. I don't want to elaborate on the brutality of the Japanese (referring only to the Japanese warlords) at the time. During my visit, I also saw Koreans and Japanese visitors. Some of them cursed the Japanese while they were there. To this, I want to say that we come here to learn about history and cultivate patriotism, but we should not inflame hatred. More importantly, we should learn to respect life and cherish peace!

The bacteriological unit established by Unit 731 of the Japanese Army during the invasion of my country committed heinous crimes against the Chinese people. Bacteriological warfare was employed in countless wars. This has certain significance for patriotic education among young people.

The 731 site is quite remote and closed on Mondays, so it was a waste of time. Remember not to go on Mondays!!!

I've noticed there's no recent information, so I'll share some information. The new "Black Box" museum, connected to the ruins, opened in July of this year and covers a large area. Take buses 338, 343, or 220, get off at Shuangyong Road, and turn right along the road to find it. It's easy to find. The new museum is impressive, rich in content, with accompanying explanations. It's divided into several sections, and the evidence is clearly laid out, allowing for a guided tour. It's definitely worth a visit, especially for young people. If we ourselves don't value this history, who are we to be outraged by others' disregard? Never forget our national humiliation, and strive for self-improvement.

We are very interested in going to the 731 site. 731 is free. You can get the ticket with your ID card.

The 731 site is unique to Harbin and was built on the site of the original Unit 731. There is a wealth of graphic and textual materials available for viewing, but it may be a bit depressing for the younger generation.

It is open to the public for free, but it is a bit far from the city center. If you have time, it is still worth a visit to learn about this history and not forget the national humiliation!

As a historical relic, Unit 731 is well worth a visit. As a historical witness, "remember the past and learn from it," and we should learn from it. However, from a human perspective, the Japanese were somewhat cruel. Furthermore, given Japan's current attitude towards our sovereign territory, we must strengthen ourselves to retaliate. The tour will take about three hours, so be sure to rent an audio guide for a more thorough understanding.

Never forget the national humiliation! The facts left over from history will not be buried by time, but it is a little too far from the city.

This was the headquarters of Japan's germ control unit during the Japanese occupation of Northeast China. Admission is free; just show your ID. It's the terminus of bus line 338, a two-minute walk away, and about an hour from the train station. Inside, there are detailed documents and chilling displays of brutal torture instruments. We recommend renting an audio guide or hiring a guide, as simply looking at the exhibits is not enough. Turning off flash photography and refraining from making noise are ways of showing respect for history. In today's booming tourism landscape, we should promote this kind of "Red Tourism," remembering national humiliation and striving for progress to prevent history from repeating itself.

After arriving in Harbin, take bus 343 or 338 from Harbin Railway Station and get off at Xinjiang Street. The ride takes about an hour. Tickets are free at the 731 Site! Tickets are available from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.

Starting from the downtown area of Harbin, take bus 338 or 343 near the train station and get off at Xinjiang Street. Walk back a short distance to reach the ruins. It is very obvious on the roadside and not difficult to find.

The former ogre den was reduced to rubble by bombing during the Japanese retreat in 1945. After decades of historical changes, only the headquarters building and the remnants of the power department's boiler room remain. The guard post at the south gate now serves as the site's ticket office and duty room. We arrived at an unfortunate time, as the site was closed from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM for lunch, so we had to stop by for lunch and wander around.

Bypassing several residential buildings within the original Sifanglou site, you can reach the second site. A restored map of the main site shows the only intact remains of the main site, the first red building in the middle of the map, which is currently used as a memorial hall.

Walking from the front to the back, I found it was overgrown with weeds and a garbage dump. Later, I read that this was once a shantytown, which was completely demolished for the heritage project, but after the demolition, it still looks like this. What difference does it make whether it was demolished or not?

Before I could even enter, I'd been circling the ruins. Not far along the abandoned railway, I looked up and saw it, but the iron gate was locked. It was the former power section boiler room of the headquarters, destroyed by Japanese bombing, leaving only this remnant wall.

I saw the pillars, covered in rebar as thick as my index finger, densely embedded in the concrete. Even though they had been removed, the indentations were still clear, making it easy to imagine the strength of the fortifications back then. The ticket I later received had this background, the same dim grayish-white image, just from a different angle.

The memorial corridor has plaques on the walls commemorating the more than 3,000 victims killed in this headquarters.

I haven't used this switch myself, but it's not unfamiliar. I've seen it a few times in movies, like the Railway Guerrilla, where it's used to cause enemy trains to collide or derail. I tried it a few times, and it wasn't as heavy as I'd imagined; it just felt new. Nowadays, most manual switches are automatic, and I doubt there are many left in China.

The Friendship Monument, which was erected in recent years, has several residential buildings behind it that lie between the ruins of Districts 1 and 2. It is also built on the original site used for live experiments. One can imagine the degree of protection of the ruins.

Those with photos will have them posted next to their names, but the vast majority do not have photos.

The gas masks from decades ago are visibly worn and deformed. Looking through these human-like masks, do they remind you of the horrors of that era? War, bloodshed, casualties, and corpses.

In a corner of the exhibition hall, these gas masks are displayed in a dim light. Looking at them directly, one can't help but feel scared.

After leaving the headquarters building, the former experimental building, the Square Building, no longer exists. The iron gate of the boiler room in the distance is open during the museum's opening hours, so I came here again. There used to be three chimneys, but the middle one has been destroyed.

I walked back and forth several times along a section of abandoned railroad track. I don't usually get to touch railroad tracks, so I was curious. Plus, I was just killing time while waiting for the museum to open. Later, after checking the museum's documentation, I discovered that this track was once the headquarters' dedicated track. Japanese military supplies, including the "road-shaped" test vehicle, traveled along it to this living hell. I'm lucky enough to walk along this track today. If I could go back seventy years, I wonder what a horrific scene this place would have been like.

The red dots on the map are where the Japanese launched chemical warfare, densely packed across most of China. The densely packed red dots naturally represent the locations of intense fighting. Thanks to the red-edition history textbooks taught in elementary and middle schools across our great nation, can you instinctively name the battles where the red dots are concentrated? I admit I can't! The first things that come to mind are the Battle of Taierzhuang and the Victory of Pingxingguan. Then, trying to think of the Battle of Taiyuan, the Battle of Xuzhou, and the Battle of Shanghai, I vaguely recall the Battle of Wuhan and the Battle of Changsha. And I don't know much about these battles.

Register with your ID and receive a ticket to visit the headquarters building, which originally served as an administrative building. The retreating Japanese army only burned down the roof, and after restoration, old photos show it was once used as a school. That it escaped total destruction by the Japanese was a significant achievement, and that it remained a school building is a blessing in disguise. Decades of poor preservation efforts, like the current devastating demolition campaign, have left ruins to build new buildings and occupied buildings for factories. The fact that the headquarters building remains intact is truly remarkable.