A team of 110 German tourists kicked off their tour of Nanjing, capital of East China's Jiangsu province on Saturday. But instead of heading for the city's typical scenic spots, the group from afar chose the former residence of John Rabe, a hero to many Chinese.

The German tourists were silent as they toured John Rabe's former house. Some of them even took notes and left their thoughts in the guest book after their visit.

A German tourist said, "I'm deeply touched. Just as I said in the guest book, I think what Mr.John Rabe did during the Nanjing Massacre is something remarkable and heroic. And as a German, I'm very proud of him."

John Rabe was a German businessman who is best known for his efforts to protect Chinese civilians during the 1937 Nanjing Massacre. The film "The Diaries of John Rabe", is a joint production by China, Germany and France, and hit cinemas across China in April. The book on which the film is based discloses the events of the Japanese brutal killings in Nanjing. It was published in Germany in 1996.

In the face of the growing interest in John Rabe and his humanitarian deeds, a local travel agency has tailored a special tour for people wishing to visit John Rabe's former residence and pay their respects.

(CCTV June 11, 2009)