HARBIN, July 24 -- Renovation of the former headquarters for notorious Japanese army unit 731 in northeastern Harbin will conclude by the end of this month.

The site, now the Museum of Evidence of War Crimes by Japanese Army Unit 731, has been closed since November for renovation. It will reopen to the public on August 15 prior to the 70th anniversary of the victory of China's anti-Japanese war, as well as the World Anti-Fascist War, according to museum authorities.

Gao Yubao, director of the museum's protection department, said the renovation is focused on archeological discoveries, testimonies of former Japanese soldiers, historical photos and records. Their goal is to truthfully present the historical reality to visitors.

The 6,300-square-meter building is home to 13 exhibition rooms, a gallery and an exhibition hall.

Unit 731 was a top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base established in Harbin in 1935 as the center of Japan's biological warfare in China and Southeast Asia during WWII.

Retreating Japanese invaders blew up the base when the Soviet Union took Harbin in 1945.

Currently, Harbin has 27 sites related to Unit 731.