Description Built by four banks, the Si Hang warehouse was one of the largest in the city. Built with unusually thick walls, it was chosen by retreating Chinese soldiers during the October 1937 Japanese invasion of the city as a stronghold. A small force of a few hundred soldiers defended the warehouse against a Japanese force of tens of thousands to cover the retreat of the main Chinese army.
For four days the troops defended the warehouse against increasing Japanese attacks that culminated with aerial bombing and gas attacks. On October 30th, with the withdrawal of the main army complete, the soldiers defending the warehouse were given orders to retreat to the British concession in Shanghai. While the plan was for them to rejoin the rest of the army, Japanese threats to invade the British concession led to them being held as prisoners of war.
The battle inspired the song known as either "800 Heroes" or "China Will be Strong" as well as films.
Today, the historic building is both a memorial as well as a retail center.
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