The Long March: Why it matters, what it means today

"An odyssey unequalled in modern times." That was how American journalist Edgar Snow described the Long March. In 1934, tens of thousands of Red Army soldiers set out from southeastern China on what began as a strategic retreat. They faced hunger, exhaustion, bitter cold and relentless pursuit. Many would never make it to the end. Yet this extraordinary journey helped reshape the Communist Party of China, build its support and change the course of modern Chinese history. This year, 2026, marks the 90th anniversary of the Long March's victory. CGTN's Tian Wei came to Yudu County in Jiangxi Province, one of the key starting points of the journey, to ask three questions: How did it begin? Why did it matter? And what does it mean to people today? 00:00 - Yudu, where the tough journey began 01:49 - Red Army tailor 'armed' with sewing machine 05:24 - One of Time magazine's most influential moments in world history 07:48 - Yudu now a modern garment and textile hub 09:39 - The Long March spirit today 11:47 - Cutting-edge generations of battery power storage 15:18 - Chinese EV industry's 'Long March' 16:12 - Hi-tech underwater robots on display 19:38 - Larger third-generation underwater drones 22:16 - Search-and-rescue uses for underwater drones 24:29 - China's enduring legacy from the Long March 📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel and stay updated with our latest analysis and interviews:👇 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgrNz-aDmcr2uuto8_DL2jg 👈 Download our APP on Apple Store (iOS): https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cctvnews-app/id922456579?l=zh&ls=1&mt=8 Download our APP on Google Play (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.imib.cctv For more: https://www.cgtn.com/video Most watched videos: Impossible Challenge: 30 seconds to count banknotes BLINDFOLDED https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmP_Ybj-jws Impossible Challenge: Gymnastics Boy Arat Hosseini from Iran! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sxX--U4c8w Impossible Challenge: How to calm babies in 5 seconds? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kR3q9sXM7WA