Veteran American "Flying Tiger" pilots left Guilin for Nanjing in east China's Jiangsu Province on Tuesday to continue their reminiscent journey to the former battlegrounds where they helped Chinese fight Japanese invaders during World War II.

They paid a three-day visit to Guilin City in southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, where the renowned American Volunteer Group known as the "Flying Tigers," organized by Claire Lee Chennault, was stationed when fighting Japanese military planes and warships 60 years ago.

While in Guilin, they visited the then Yangtang airport located15 kilometers away from Guilin and went specially to see Lin Zhihong, aged 89, who served as an interpreter for the pilots during the wartime.

One of the veterans, Leonardo, is 82 year-old now. He joined the group to fight in Guilin when he was only 19 years old.

After the visit, Leonardo said he was very pleased to note that the local government has set up a monument to commemorate the meritorious service made by American soldiers in their united fight with Chinese resistance army during the World War II.

Shanghai will be the last leg of their trip.

(Xinhua News Agency August 24, 2005)