The Xi'an branch of the Eighth Route Army museum, on Wednesday held an activity to help promote patriotism among the city's primary school students.
 
During the activity, called "I'm an Eighth Route Army soldier", students from Houzaimen primary school dressed themselves in soldiers' uniforms and undertook activities to experience life as a war time soldier. They were taught how to use guns and understand military information. On a lighter note, they also learnt how to spin yarn and sing various soldier songs.

The Eighth Route Army, or Balujun in Chinese, was one of the main military forces for the Communist Party of China, active during the Chinese Civil War and the Anti-Japanese War of Resistance. The two main Communist forces at that time were the New Fourth Army and the Eighth Route Army.

On Wednesday, May 16 Students from the Houzaimen primary school in Xi'an city, Shaanxi province, learn how to shoot a gun as part of the cities efforts to promote patriotism among young students.

(CRIENGLISH.com May 18, 2007)