‘Oriental Dunkirk’ revived in immersive night show in Yichang

By Zhou Ziheng.

Yichang 1938, an immersive theatrical performance that dramatizes the historica wartime evacuation known as the “Oriental Dunkirk," premiered on July 24, marking the grand reopening of Xiba Everbright City. Now revamped as a one-stop night economy complex, the venue is set to deliver upgraded cultural and entertainment experiences to Yichang locals and visitors alike.

The revitalization project was a collaboration between Hubei Three Gorges Cultural Tourism Group and Hubei Yangtze River Film Group, created to meet the rising demand for high-quality, experiential nighttime tourism. Guided by the concept “One Everbright City, Half of Yichang’s History,” the upgraded complex aims to become a new hub for cultural consumption.

The play Yichang 1938 received enthusiastic acclaim on opening night. Through passionate performances, holographic projections, and cutting-edge naked-eye 3D visuals, the harrowing scenes of the Yichang Evacuation were strikingly recreated, immersing the audience into this pivotal historic moment.

Dubbed the “Oriental Dunkirk,” the Yichang Evacuation played a decisive role during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. In 1938, as Japanese invading troops pressed on and Wuhan fell, Yichang, strategically positioned as the "Gateway to the Three Gorges" and the "Sichuan-Hubei Gullet," became a key evacuation point. Over just 40 days, approximately 90,000 tons of supplies and 300,000 people were evacuated from Yichang into Sichuan, a monumental feat that preserved China's industrial backbone and human capital for the continued war effort.

Local resident Mr. Li shared: "This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the global fight against fascism. Staging Yichang 1938 is profoundly meaningful for carrying forward the great spirit of the War of Resistance."
Ma Feilong, a Brazilian international student, noted that the drama significantly deepened his understanding of Yichang's history.
 

Beyond the main show, the reopening celebration featured six processional interactive performances that blended tradition with modernity. Highlights included the rugged work songs of the Xiajiang boatmen, modern song and dance, authentic folk performances, and tech-drive light displays.

Through July and August, Xiba Everbright City plans to host a diverse array of events, including a beer music festival, a water carnival, a Chinese animation cosplay showcase, an intangible cultural heritage market, and a food fair. These initiatives aim to offer citizens and tourists richer experiences in "night dining, night shopping, night entertainment, and night tours," injecting fresh vitality into Yichang’s nighttime economy.

(Photos by Fu Beibei, Zhou Zhuoran)