What Is the Route of the Red Army\'s Long March?
The route of the Red Army\'s Long March mainly refers to the journey of the Central Red Army (First Front Army) from October 1934 to October 1935, plus the later marches of the Second and Fourth Front Armies that concluded in 1936.
The Central Red Army started its march from the Central Soviet Area centered on Ruijin, Jiangxi. Moving westward, it passed through southern Jiangxi, western Fujian, northern Guangdong, and northern Guangxi, where it fought the fierce Battle of Xiangjiang and suffered heavy casualties. From there, the army entered Guizhou Province, and in January 1935, held the Zunyi Conference—a key turning point in the Long March.
Leaving Zunyi, the Red Army crossed the Wujiang River and carried out the Four Crossings of the Chishui River, a brilliant maneuver that confused and eluded the enemy. It then moved into Yunnan Province, crossing the Jinsha River to shake off persistent pursuit. Entering Sichuan, the army faced the Dadu River; in May 1935, soldiers braved enemy fire to cross the Luding Bridge, a suspension bridge with most planks removed.
Next, the Red Army climbed Jiajin Mountain, the first major snow-capped mountain on the route, in June 1935. Then it entered the treacherous Zhangguozhou Grassland, a vast marshland where soldiers endured extreme cold, hunger, and disease, with many losing their lives. Emerging from the grassland, the army moved into Gansu Province, crossing the dangerous Lazikou Pass after a fierce battle.
In October 1935, the Central Red Army arrived at Wuqi Town in northern Shaanxi, joining forces with local Red Army units. For the Second and Fourth Front Armies, their routes covered Hunan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Sichuan, and Qinghai. In October 1936, the three main Red Army fronts finally converged in Huining, Gansu Province, marking the successful completion of the entire Long March.
The Second Front Army (formed from the Second and Sixth Army Groups) marched from western Hunan to Guizhou, then Yunnan, crossing the Jinsha River and joining the Fourth Front Army in Sichuan. The Fourth Front Army had a more winding path, including going back and forth in Sichuan and crossing snow mountains and grasslands multiple times before moving north to Gansu. Together, the three fronts’ marches spanned over 10 provinces, crossing countless rivers, mountains, and harsh terrains, embodying the Red Army’s indomitable spirit.
This route not only represents a great military expedition but also a testament to the Red Army’s perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds. Each stop along the way carries historical significance, reflecting the challenges and triumphs of the Long March.