China Red Tourism Guide — Revolutionary Heritage Sites from Yan'an to Jinggangshan
Trace the footsteps of history across China's most significant revolutionary landmarks. From the cradle of the revolution at Jinggangshan to the turning point at Zunyi and the command center at Yan'an — 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of the Long March victory, making it the most meaningful year to visit.
Why Red Tourism in China?
A journey through the places that shaped modern China
Red tourism (红色旅游, hóngsè lǚyóu) is one of China's fastest-growing travel segments, attracting over 1.4 billion domestic visits in 2025 according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. These journeys take you to the battlefields, meeting halls, and mountain hideouts where the Chinese Communist Party's revolutionary strategy was forged between 1921 and 1949.
For international visitors, red tourism offers a unique window into modern Chinese history that textbooks cannot provide. You can stand in the very room where the Zunyi Conference redirected the Long March, walk the bamboo-clad trails of Jinggangshan where guerrilla warfare doctrine was born, or climb Yan'an's Pagoda Hill for the same panoramic view that greeted Mao Zedong in 1937. In 2026, the 90th anniversary of the Long March victory has triggered a wave of new museum openings, digital immersive experiences, and commemorative events — making this year the most rewarding time to explore these historic sites.
The film "Four Crossings" (《四渡》), released in 2026, has further amplified interest, drawing record crowds to Zunyi and the Chishui River battlefields. Meanwhile, cutting-edge attractions like Guizhou's "Red Ribbon" Digital Art Museum — China's first Long March-themed immersive digital experience — are transforming how visitors engage with revolutionary history, blending VR, holographic projections, and interactive storytelling.
Top 10 Red Tourism Destinations
From the cradle of revolution to the final victory
Zunyi Conference Site
遵义会议会址 — Zūnyì, Guizhou
The pivotal January 1935 meeting where Mao Zedong's military leadership was established, redirecting the entire Long March. The two-story brick building hosts original meeting rooms and extensive exhibits. 2025 saw 8.53 million visitors; July 2026 alone brought 407,386 in the first 16 days, fueled by the film "Four Crossings."
Yan'an Revolutionary Complex
延安革命旧址 — Yán'ān, Shaanxi
The CPC's command center from 1937 to 1948. Key sites include Pagoda Hill (宝塔山) — the symbol of Yan'an — Yangjialing and Zaoyuan revolutionary sites (both free), the Yan'an Revolution Memorial Hall, and Nanniwan (南泥湾), famous for the self-reliance campaign. The immersive show "Back to Yan'an" (《再回延安》) runs daily at the Red Street.
Jinggangshan (Jinggang Mountains)
井冈山 — Jíl's, Jiangxi
The "Cradle of the Chinese Revolution" where Mao Zedong and Zhu De established the first rural revolutionary base in 1927. Approximately 10 million annual visitors explore the Revolution Museum, Huangyangjie battle pass, Five Finger Peak (featured on the ¥100 bill), and Longtan waterfalls. 86% forest coverage makes it a natural wonder as well.
Shaoshan — Mao's Birthplace
韶山 — Xiángtán, Hunan
Chairman Mao Zedong's hometown, featuring his childhood residence, the Mao Zedong Memorial Museum, and the Bronze Statue Square where visitors pay respects. 2026 New Year holidays brought 77,000 visitors (+141.23%) with tourism revenue of ¥25.67 million (+97.94%). The entire town is a pilgrimage site with free admission to most attractions.
Ruijin — The "Red Capital"
瑞金 — Gànzhōu, Jiangxi
The birthplace of the Chinese Soviet Republic (1931). The Republic Cradle Tourism Area comprises four sites: Yeping, Red Well, Second Soviet Congress Hall, and the Soviet Memorial Park. Ruijin has attracted over 93 million visitors in 4 years (2022–2025), with 2,623 million in 2025 alone. 2026 being the 90th anniversary of the Long March departure makes it especially significant.
Yudu — Long March Departure Point
于都 — Gànzhōu, Jiangxi
Where the Central Red Army began the Long March on October 17, 1934. The Central Red Army Long March Departure Memorial Park and the "First Crossing" ferry site are free to visit. The grand Long March Theater stages "The First Crossing of the Long March" (《长征第一渡》) immersive show nightly at ¥158.
Xibaipo — Final Command Post
西柏坡 — Shíjiāzhuāng, Hebei
The CPC Central Committee's last rural headquarters (1948–1949) before entering Beijing. Here, Mao and the leadership directed the three major military campaigns (Liaoshen, Huaihai, Pingjin) and convened the historic 7th Plenary Session. Often called "the place where New China was born." Free admission; about 90 minutes from Shijiazhuang.
Luding Bridge & Dadu River
泸定桥 — Gānzī, Sichuan
The legendary iron-chain bridge over the Dadu River where 22 Red Army soldiers crossed under enemy fire in May 1935 — one of the Long March's most dramatic episodes. The Red Army Flying Capture of Luding Bridge Memorial Hall now features a new immersive light-and-shadow exhibition hall. The bridge itself still stands with its original 13 iron chains.
Liupan Mountain — Long March's End
六盘山 — Gùyuán, Ningxia
The last mountain the Red Army crossed before reaching the final destination in northern Shaanxi (October 1935). Mao Zedong wrote his famous poem "Liupanshan" here. The Liupan Mountain Red Army Long March Memorial features 18 scenes of major Long March events, including the Luding Bridge crossing. Visitors can walk the "Red Army Trail" (红军小道) for an authentic hiking experience.
Guizhou "Red Ribbon" Digital Museum
贵州长征数字艺术馆(红飘带) — Guìyáng, Guizhou
China's first Long March-themed immersive digital experience museum, opened in Guiyang. The building itself resembles a red ribbon. Inside, the "Great Long March" (《伟大远征》) and "Colorful Flight" (《多彩飞越》) productions use holographic projections, motion platforms, and 360-degree screens to transport visitors through the entire Long March. Rated 4.8/5 with 5.0 recent reviews.
The Long March Route (1934–1936)
25,000 li (12,500 km) across 11 provinces — follow the Red Army's path
October 1934 — October 1936 | Three main forces | 11 provinces
Destination Quick Reference
Key info for planning your red tourism journey
| Destination | Province | Key Site | Entry Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zunyi | Guizhou | Conference Site + VR | Free | Turning point of revolution |
| Yan'an | Shaanxi | Pagoda Hill + Cave dwellings | Free | 13-year revolutionary base |
| Jinggangshan | Jiangxi | Museum + 8 scenic areas | ¥160 + ¥80 bus | Cradle + nature hiking |
| Shaoshan | Hunan | Mao's birthplace | Free | Pilgrimage + Hunan food |
| Ruijin | Jiangxi | Soviet Republic sites | Free | Red Capital + Long March start |
| Yudu | Jiangxi | Departure Memorial Park | Free | Long March origin |
| Xibaipo | Hebei | Final command post | Free | Pre-1949 strategy sessions |
| Luding | Sichuan | Iron-chain bridge | ¥10 | Most dramatic battle site |
| Liupan Mt. | Ningxia | Long March Memorial | Free | Final mountain + hiking |
| Red Ribbon | Guizhou | Digital immersive museum | ¥208–268 | Modern tech experience |
2026 Anniversary Highlights
Special events and new experiences for the 90th anniversary
What Makes 2026 Special
- 90th Anniversary of Long March Victory — Convergence of three Red Army forces in Huining, Gansu (October 1936). Nationwide commemorative events throughout 2026.
- Film "Four Crossings" (《四渡》) Driving Tourism — The 2026 blockbuster about the Four Crossings of Chishui River has drawn record crowds to Zunyi. Visitors quote the film as their inspiration, with student groups and families retracing the route.
- VR Long March Experience in Zunyi — Nearly 40,000 visitors have experienced the immersive VR journey through Xiang River, Zunyi Conference, and Loushan Pass battlefields since its opening. Users describe it as "emotionally overwhelming."
- Guizhou "Red Ribbon" Digital Museum — China's first Long March-themed full-immersion digital experience, using holographic projections and motion platforms across a building shaped like a red ribbon.
- "Back to Yan'an" Immersive Show — A walk-through theatrical experience at Yan'an Red Street, rated 4.9/5, running multiple shows daily at ¥238–328.
- Zunyi "Great Turning Point" Live Show — 《伟大转折》stages the Four Crossings of Chishui as an outdoor spectacular, rated 4.8/5, with 27 performances during Spring Festival 2026 alone.
- Red Study Tours (红色研学) — Schools and organizations nationwide are booking themed study tours. At Jinggangshan, visitors can wear Red Army uniforms and walk the 3.2 km "Zhu-Mao Grain Carrying Trail."
- Sichuan's 5 New Red Routes — Launched for 2026: Long March route, Snow Mountain Grassland, Yi Sea Alliance, Sichuan-Shaanxi Soviet, and Two Bombs One Satellite heritage routes.
Practical Tips for International Visitors
Everything you need to know before you go
Bring Your Passport
Most red tourism sites offer free entry but require passport registration at the entrance. Carry it at all times — no photocopies accepted.
Book in Advance
Zunyi Conference Site, Yan'an sites, and Shaoshan require advance reservation via WeChat mini-programs or official websites, especially during holidays and the 90th anniversary period.
English Guides Are Limited
Most museums have Chinese labels with limited English. Hire a local English-speaking guide or use translation apps. Jinggangshan Museum has English labels on main exhibits.
Best Seasons
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–November) offer mild weather. Summer is peak season but hot. Winter is quiet and contemplative but cold, especially in Yan'an and Ningxia.
Transport Between Sites
Distances are vast. High-speed rail connects Guiyang–Zunyi (1 hr), Nanchang–Jinggangshan (2.5 hrs), and Xi'an–Yan'an (2 hrs). For rural sites like Ruijin and Yudu, expect 2–3 hour drives from nearest stations.
Try Red Army Food
Don't miss "red rice and pumpkin soup" (红米饭南瓜汤) at Jinggangshan, Yan'an's millet porridge and date cakes, and Guizhou's sour fish soup near Zunyi. These are historical dishes, not just tourist gimmicks.
Recommended Red Tourism Routes
Four curated itineraries for different interests and timeframes
Guizhou Red Heart
Deep dive into the "Great Turning Point" province. Start at the Red Ribbon digital museum in Guiyang, then Zunyi Conference Site, Loushan Pass, and the Four Crossings of Chishui battlefields.
Guiyang → Zunyi → Loushan Pass → Chishui → Tucheng
Revolutionary Heartland
The classic Beijing–Shanghai–Jinggangshan–Yan'an–Xibaipo route tracing the CPC from founding to victory. High-speed rail and domestic flights connect the dots.
Beijing → Shanghai → Jinggangshan → Yan'an → Xibaipo
Jiangxi Red Circuit
Follow the Long March's origins: Ruijin (Red Capital) → Yudu (departure point) → Jinggangshan (cradle). Three cities, one province, complete origin story.
Nanchang → Ruijin → Yudu → Jinggangshan
Sichuan Long March Trail
The most dramatic and grueling section: Four Crossings of Chishui at Gulin, Luding Bridge, Jiajin Mountain snow pass, and the Grasslands. Combine with Sichuan's 5 new red routes for 2026.
Chengdu → Gulin → Luding → Baoxing (Jiajin Mt.) → Songpan
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers for planning your red tourism journey
Red tourism (红色旅游) refers to travel to sites significant in the Chinese Communist Party's revolutionary history (1921–1949). It is one of China's largest tourism segments, with over 1.4 billion domestic visits in 2025. The government actively promotes it for patriotic education, while many younger visitors are drawn by immersive shows, VR experiences, and the cinematic appeal of recent films like "Four Crossings" (2026).
Yes, absolutely. All major red tourism sites — Zunyi, Yan'an, Jinggangshan, Shaoshan, Ruijin, Xibaipo, Luding Bridge, and the Red Ribbon museum — are open to international visitors. Most are free with passport registration. China's 240-hour transit visa exemption (available to 54 countries) and visa-free policies for many nations make access easier than ever in 2026.
2026 is the 90th anniversary of the Long March victory (October 1936), making it an exceptional year. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the best weather. The October anniversary period will have special commemorative events but also peak crowds. For a quieter experience, visit in late spring or early autumn on weekdays.
English-language support varies. Jinggangshan Revolution Museum has English labels on main exhibits. The Zunyi Conference Site and Yan'an Memorial Hall have limited English signage. We recommend hiring an English-speaking guide through a travel agency, or using translation apps. The Guizhou Red Ribbon digital museum offers the most accessible multimedia experience for non-Chinese speakers.
Most revolutionary sites are free to enter — the main costs are transportation, accommodation, and food. A 5-day Guizhou red route costs approximately ¥3,000–5,000 ($420–700) including hotels, trains, and meals. Jinggangshan is the exception at ¥240 (ticket + bus). Immersive shows add ¥158–328 per performance. Guided tours with private transport run ¥800–1,500 per day.
Wear comfortable walking shoes — many sites involve hiking (Jinggangshan trails, Liupan Mountain Red Army Trail, Yan'an hillside caves). Bring a jacket for mountain areas where temperatures drop significantly. A power bank is essential for the audio guide apps and VR experiences. Photography is allowed at most outdoor sites but prohibited inside some museum exhibition halls.
Jinggangshan: Fly to Jinggangshan Airport (JGS), 65 km from the scenic area, or take a high-speed train to Jinggangshan Station (30 km away). Shuttle buses connect both to Ciping Town.
Yan'an: High-speed train from Xi'an (2 hours) or Beijing (4.5 hours). Yan'an Nanniwan Airport has flights from major cities. Most revolutionary sites are within the city center or a short bus ride away.
The Long March (1934–1936) was a 25,000-li (12,500 km) strategic retreat by the Red Army through 11 provinces, escaping encirclement by Nationalist forces. It began in Yudu, Jiangxi, and concluded with the convergence of forces in Huining, Gansu. The Zunyi Conference during the march established Mao Zedong's leadership. The march's endurance, sacrifice (from 86,000 to ~7,000 soldiers), and strategic brilliance became the founding myth of modern China. 2026 marks its 90th anniversary.
Yes. Throughout 2026, commemorative events include: special exhibitions at Zunyi and Ruijin; the film "Four Crossings" driving cultural interest; expanded VR and immersive shows; Sichuan's 5 new red tourism routes; increased red study tour programs at Jinggangshan; and the main October anniversary celebrations expected at Huining (Gansu), Wuqi (Shaanxi), and Yudu (Jiangxi). Book early for October travel.
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