International students visit historical sites connected with Japan's invasion

Russian student Anna Van, also from Liaoning University, said the experience helped her learn more about the history by "walking in the land of Shenyang, visiting museums and various sites and feeling the blood of the martyrs who defended the mountains and rivers."

Ganguly Debolina Lakshmi Kanta, an Indian student from Shenyang Medical College, said Sept 18 is "not just a date, but also an emotion, a very sad story to reminisce about".

"Ninety years ago, huge destruction struck the heart of Northern China that took lives of hundreds and thousands of people.

"It's amazing to see how, despite all these unfortunate events, China stands strong and positive," she said.

"I'm extremely grateful to be a part of this opportunity, to get to know the history and to be empathetic toward the people who faced the unfortunate situations. It was truly a memorable experience."