The new semester begins today cross China for millions of students. Some classrooms are welcoming students with a special lesson on the first day, to review the country's bitter history and cherish the hard-won peaceful life of today.

"When I was in grade one in primary school, the school was forced to close because of the Japanese invasion. We were lucky to survive," war veteran Dong Ken said.

"I joined the army when I was 13. Compared with old days, these children are lucky enough as they can study in such a peaceful stable environment. They should understand and cherish the prosperous life, which is hard won."