John Rabe house – Ticket Price, Opening Hours, Location, and highlights

Located in Nanjing, China, the John Rabe House (拉贝故居), also known as the John Rabe Memorial Residence (拉贝纪念馆), stands as a powerful testament to the indomitable spirit of compassion and bravery in the face of unspeakable horrors. This unassuming residence, with its red brick facade and quaint garden, holds a remarkable story that resonates with the collective memory of mankind. Named after its former occupant, John Rabe, a German businessman and Nazi party member, the house stands as a living testament to his remarkable actions during the Nanjing Massacre in 1937.

Basic Information

Location and Transportation

The John Rabe House is located within Nanjing University. Specifically, it can be found at No. 1 Xiaofenqiao, Guangzhou Road, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. This address places the house in close proximity to the bustling city center, allowing visitors easy access to this significant historical site. To get there, you can choose the following ways:

Bus: Take bus 6, 48, 65, 91, 160, or 532, get off at Guangzhou Road Zhongshan Road Stop (广州路·中山路站), and you will be standing at the entrance.

Metro: The nearest metro station to the John Rabe House is Zhujiang Road Station (珠江路站) on line 1. After getting out of the station from Exit 1, you will see the house right in front of you.

Stories and Highlights about the House

The Nanjing Massacre, also known as the Rape of Nanjing, remains one of the darkest chapters in human history. As the Japanese Imperial Army invaded Nanjing, the capital of China at the time, a wave of unspeakable violence and brutality engulfed the city. The ensuing months witnessed the indiscriminate slaughter of hundreds of thousands of Chinese civilians and the widespread perpetration of sexual violence, arson, and looting. In the midst of this chaos, John Rabe, a member of the Nazi Party and the head of the Nanjing branch of Siemens, emerged as an unlikely hero.

Rabe’s transformation from an ordinary businessman to a humanitarian can be attributed to his profound sense of empathy and his unwavering commitment to justice. Despite his Nazi affiliation, Rabe was deeply disturbed by the atrocities unfolding around him and resolved to do everything in his power to protect the Chinese people. Using his position in Siemens, he established the International Committee for the Nanking Safety Zone, a refuge for Chinese civilians seeking shelter from the horrors ravaging the city.

The John Rabe House, where Rabe lived during the massacre, became the epicenter of his humanitarian efforts. Within its walls, Rabe coordinated the distribution of food, medical supplies, and shelter for thousands of refugees. Rabe and his colleagues risked their lives daily to shield innocent civilians from the brutality of war. They confronted Japanese soldiers, negotiated with high-ranking officers, and utilized their diplomatic skills to safeguard the safety zone from further harm.

Remarkably, Rabe managed to preserve his neutrality despite the geopolitical tensions of the time. He succeeded in securing the support of both Nazi Germany and the Japanese authorities for the safety zone, leveraging his Nazi party membership and connections to protect the Chinese population. His ability to navigate treacherous waters with tact and diplomacy ensured the survival of countless individuals.

Today, the John Rabe House stands as a museum and memorial to honor Rabe’s remarkable humanitarian efforts. Preserved with meticulous care, the house offers visitors a poignant glimpse into the history of the Nanjing Massacre. Exhibits within the museum document the events of that dark period, displaying photographs, personal testimonies, and artifacts that bear witness to the atrocities committed.

Walking through the John Rabe House, one cannot help but be moved by the courage and compassion that radiated from its walls. It serves as a stark reminder that even in the midst of chaos and despair, humanity has the capacity for empathy, sacrifice, and heroism. The legacy of John Rabe and his unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and compassion continues to inspire and ignite hope in the hearts of visitors from around the world.

In addition to preserving the memory of Rabe’s humanitarian work, the John Rabe House serves as a beacon of peace and reconciliation. It stands as a symbol of the enduring bonds between the German and Chinese people, transcending the scars of history. The house also acts as a platform for educational initiatives, offering workshops, lectures, and exchanges that aim to promote dialogue, understanding, and the prevention of future atrocities.

Conclusion

In a world often plagued by conflicts and suffering, the John Rabe House stands as a testament to the power of individual actions in the face of adversity. It reminds us that the choices we make and the values we uphold can shape the course of history. As visitors step out of the John Rabe House, they carry with them a renewed sense of responsibility to stand up against injustice and a profound belief in the potential of humanity to rise above its darkest moments.