Tracing the Long March through its historic sites

The Long March, one of the defining episodes in the history of the Communist Party of China (CPC), unfolded across thousands of kilometers from 1934 to 1936.

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March, the places where the Red Army passed through remain important for understanding China's revolutionary history and the values associated with it.

Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, has visited a number of those historic sites during inspection tours across China.

From the Zunyi Meeting site in southwest China's Guizhou Province to Yudu County, the starting point of the Long March in east China's Jiangxi Province, he has repeatedly called for efforts to draw inspiration from Chinese revolutionary history and fine traditions during his visits.

Here are some of the places Xi has visited along the Long March route.

Yudu: Where the epic Long March began In May 2019, Xi traveled to Yudu County in Jiangxi Province, where the Central Red Army gathered before setting out on the Long March in 1934.

At the memorial marking the departure of the Central Red Army, Xi paid tribute to a monument marking the departure of the Long March by the Central Red Army and met families of the Red Army veterans and revolutionary martyrs.

Noting that China is on "a new Long March," he said that the country will depend on firm faith and strong will of the whole Party and all people to overcome major challenges at home and abroad and secure new victories in building socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Battle of Xiangjiang: Remembering sacrifice During an inspection tour in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in April 2021, Xi visited a memorial park dedicated to the Battle of the Xiangjiang River during the Long March, laying a flower basket in tribute to the Red Army soldiers who died in the battle.

The battle in late 1934 was among the most difficult episodes of the Long March, with the Central Red Army suffering heavy casualties.

The force numbered 86,000 when it set out, but just over 30,000 survived the battle.

Noting that the battle was a life-or-death event in China's revolutionary history, Xi stressed the importance of CPC members staying true to their ideals and convictions.

During the tour, Xi urged Party members to draw strength and the power of faith from the CPC's centenary endeavors, maintaining firm resolve and the courage to prevail over major difficulties and challenges.

Zunyi Meeting: C ritical time The heavy losses in the Xiangjiang battle were followed by another pivotal moment during the Long March: the Zunyi Meeting.