Yan Baohang always followed Zhang Xueliang and actively engaged in the anti-Japanese and national salvation movement, making many contributions to the country and nation. In the summer of 1937, when Zhou Enlai arrived in Nanjing to attend the National Defense Conference, one night he came to the Yan family residence in Dayucun and had a long talk with Yan Baohang through the night. During their conversation, Yan Baohang expressed his desire to join the Party.