In 1984, painters Wang Yingchun and Yang Lizhou created the Chinese painting "Iron Wall of Taihang Mountain."

The painting depicts the Eighth Route Army led by the Communist Party of China fighting against Japanese aggression in the Taihang Mountains.

It also shows the stories of local residents and soldiers of the Eighth Route Army helping each other.

The Taihang Mountain range passes through the areas of Hebei, Shanxi, and Henan provinces and Beijing, extending 400 kilometers (249 miles) from north to south.

The Taihang Mountains are in a strategic location, like a natural barrier, dividing the land of North China in two parts. It's a place of advantage in warfare.

In 1937, Japan launched a full-scale war of aggression against China. The Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army was reorganized as the Eighth Route Army of the national Revolutionary Army and marched to the front.

The 129th Division drove deep into the rear of the Japanese-occupied areas, established itself in the Taihang Mountains and guerrilla bases in rural and remote areas. 

The Eighth Route Army was at a disadvantage in both weapons and soldiers, and it fought a long struggle against the enemy.

It achieved many victories including the Battle of Pingxing Pass and the Hundred Regiments Offensive.

In 1941, Japanese troops focused their attacks on North China. They adopted the policy of "burn all, kill all, loot all," building a network of blockhouses to encircle the army and people of the base areas, leaving the Eighth Route Army in a difficult situation.

Many local people joined the Eighth Route Army to fight against the Japanese army.

The establishment of several anti-Japanese base areas centered on the Taihang Mountains, like a strong ”iron wall," became an important strategic moment of the war in North China.

In 1945, the Chinese people won their War of Resistance against Japanese aggression, marking the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.

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