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For one Malaysian traveller, a casual stroll in China turned into a deeply personal historical revelation
While exploring Kunming in Yunnan province, Zhang Huiqing unexpectedly came face-to-face with her late grandfather.
His photos and diary entries were displayed on the Nanyang Volunteers History and Culture Wall along Xinwen South Road, honouring overseas Chinese machinists from World War II.
Zhang shared her emotional discovery of her late grandfather's secret but heroic past in a video that quickly amassed one million views online
"I was walking down the street while holding a cup of coffee. Suddenly, I felt someone watching me. I crossed the road and found my grandfather's photos on the wall," Zhang said in the video.
Her grandfather, Kuang Jinyuan, was born in Alor Setar in 1914 and secretly travelled to China in 1939.
Responding to a call for skilled drivers and mechanics, the 25-year-old volunteered to help resist the Japanese invasion by maintaining the crucial Yunnan-Myanmar transport route.
Kuang survived an intense 18-hour siege in 1942 and eventually returned to Malaysia in 1946.
Kuang never spoke of his wartime bravery, and his family only uncovered his history 10 years ago through his hidden diaries and work certificates
"I never expected to encounter my grandfather in this way. I am proud of him. I will cherish this moment forever," Zhang said in her viral video.
The viral social media post has since drawn immense gratitude from Internet users across China.
Internet users flooded the comments section to express their deep appreciation for Kuang's wartime sacrifices
"Thank you for your grandfather's selfless devotion. This is your home. Welcome back!" one user commented.
Zhang shared her relief that China still remembers her grandfather, adding that she plans to visit her family's ancestral village in Guangdong province soon.
