In late June 2026, the China International Communications Group (CICG) launched a high-profile international delegation to the banks of the Xiang River in Guangxi. This initiative, titled 'Walking the Long March Together,' brought together an eclectic mix of foreign sinologists, ASEAN youth representatives, and overseas think-tank scholars to traverse the historic trails of the Long March. By shifting from digital storytelling to physical pilgrimage, the state-led project seeks to bridge cultural divides through shared 'empathy' and direct engagement with revolutionary landmarks.
The location, specifically Quanzhou and Xing’an counties, holds profound symbolic weight in the annals of the Communist Party of China. It was here in late 1934 that the Battle of the Xiang River took place—the bloodiest conflict of the Long March, where the Red Army suffered massive casualties to break an encirclement. For the visiting delegates, the journey included visits to memorial halls and the Daping Ferry, sites now transformed from desperate escape routes into polished 'red landmarks' designed to evoke a sense of historical resilience.
Foreign participants, such as Dutch sinologist Elsbeth van Paridon and David Ferguson of the Foreign Languages Press, provided the international testimonials that are central to Beijing's outward-facing narrative. Their presence underscores a strategic shift in how China communicates its foundational myths, moving away from rigid ideological lectures toward human-centric stories of perseverance. By framing the Long March spirit as a universal struggle against adversity, the CCP aims to find common ground with international observers who might otherwise be skeptical of traditional propaganda.
Beyond history, the tour highlights the economic evolution of these 'old revolutionary areas.' In Quanzhou, the delegation observed the 'Guangxi Northern Granary,' where local industries have leveraged the revolutionary brand to build a modern rice noodle supply chain. This integration of 'Red History' with 'Rural Revitalization' is a cornerstone of current domestic policy, demonstrating that the legacy of 1934 is being utilized as a functional engine for 2026 economic growth and common prosperity.
The project ultimately serves as a conduit for 'international communication,' a phrase often used by Beijing to describe its efforts to gain discourse power on the global stage. By inviting ASEAN youth and Western experts to walk the 'Red Army paths,' the state is attempting to turn a domestic survival story into a global brand of endurance and development. As these participants share their experiences, the goal is to transform the Long March from a localized historical event into a spiritual bridge that links China’s past struggles with its modern aspirations.