China on the move: Yan'an Spirit thrives today

Watch Video

Play Video

Many Chinese consider the city of Yan'an as the Cradle of Revolution. It served as the endpoint of the Long March and also as a base against Japanese Aggression. Today, the city remains one of the most important symbols of Chinese revolutionary history, with a relevance to life today. Wang Mangmang speaks with people across different generations, to ask them what they think of the Yan'an Spirit.

Starting from 1937, Yan'an was the seat of the CPC Central Committee for ten years. Thousands upon thousands of patriotic youths came to join the revolutionary ranks against Japanese invaders.

The old days are long gone, but traces of that time can still be seen. They hold memories that are closely linked to the fate of the nation.

Mao Guangrong enlisted at thirteen. Now eighty-eight, his recollections are still loud and clear.

And visitors to the landmark Pagoda Hill listen, fascinated.

Mao Guangrong, Red Army soldier, said, "We endured many hardships. Bullets shot through my body. It was a very difficult time. But back then, I wasn't thinking about this. There was a mission and we fought for it. For me, the Yan'an Spirit means endurance, persistence, and to always have hopes."

His hopes became a reality on October 1st, 1949.

Mao said, "We were all very happy to hear the news. We didn't know it until later that day, when the commander held a meeting and told us about the founding of the People's Republic in Beijing. We were cheering, singing, and dancing."

The Red Army soldier has seen all the changes of the city. But some things remain constant.