Nanking Safety Zone

The Nanking Safety Zone was a designated area in Nanking (now Nanjing), China, during the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937-1938. Established by foreign diplomats and residents, it aimed to protect Chinese civilians from the violence and atrocities committed by Japanese troops during the Nanking Massacre. The zone provided refuge for thousands, offering food, shelter, and safety amid widespread killings and rapes. Notable figures included John Rabe, a German businessman who led the effort, and Minnie Vautrin, an American educator, both of whom worked tirelessly to save lives during this harrowing period in history.