A journey of understanding — discovering the spirit still shaping China's path forward

My journey began in Ruijin, often called China's "Red Capital". Historical sites and stories passed down through generations offer glimpses into the lives of those who joined the revolution.

One story that particularly moved me was that of the "Seventeen Pines" in Huawu village. Before the Long March, 17 young men joined the Red Army, each planting a pine tree before leaving home. Their families watched them depart, uncertain whether they would return. None of the 17 survived.

Their stories reminded me that history is not merely about military campaigns or political decisions. It is also about families, communities, and ordinary people making extraordinary choices. Standing there, I found myself thinking about the hopes these young men carried and the loved ones they left behind.

In Shazhou village, Hunan province, I encountered another dimension of the Long March: the relationship between the Red Army and local communities.

The village is known for the story of the "Half a Quilt". According to the account, three female Red Army soldiers, despite having very little themselves, shared their only quilt with an elderly woman, cutting it in half so she could keep a portion.

This simple act of kindness has come to symbolize the CPC's stated commitment to maintaining close ties with the people and putting their interests first. For international audiences, stories like this can offer a perspective often missing from accounts focused primarily on battles and political developments.

My journey then took me to Maotai town in Guizhou province near the Chishui River. During the Long March, the Red Army repeatedly maneuvered across the river while confronting powerful opposing forces.

Standing beside the water, I tried to imagine the uncertainty facing those soldiers. They could not know what challenges awaited them, yet they continued forward. Their determination helped me better understand what is remembered in China as the Long March spirit: perseverance, resilience, and confidence in a shared purpose.

Jiajin Mountain, near Ya'an in Sichuan, presented a different perspective on those hardships. Rising more than 4,000 meters above sea level, its freezing conditions challenged soldiers who often lacked adequate food, clothing and equipment.

Looking toward the mountain peak made the physical demands of the journey easier to comprehend. The Long March was not shaped by one decisive moment, but by countless individual acts of courage and sacrifice.