Journalist Retraces Long March Route on 90th Anniversary

BEIJING, Sept. 23, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- In the summer of 2026, journalist Zhavier J. Harris retraced the historic route of the Long March, marking the 90th anniversary of its completion. This journey, which Harris had previously undertaken a decade earlier, offered a profound reflection on the enduring spirit of resilience and unity that defined the Chinese Communist Party's struggle.

Harris, now a marketing and communications manager for the Springfield Urban League in Illinois, embarked on this journey as someone who had grown both personally and professionally. His first visit to the Long March route in 2016 had been a formative experience, but this second journey revealed a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices and unity that characterized the Red Army's historic trek.

The Long March, a military maneuver carried out by the Communist Party of China-led Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army, involved marching through treacherous terrain, including raging rivers, snowy mountains, and marshy grasslands. The soldiers covered approximately 12,500 kilometers, enduring extreme conditions that tested their physical and mental fortitude. This epic journey, one of history's greatest feats of human resilience, has left an indelible mark on Chinese history and culture.

Harris's second journey took him to Sichuan Province, where he experienced the region through multiple perspectives, from the history and culture of the Red Army to the concept of "green culture," which emphasizes the deep connection between the people, agriculture, nature, and the preservation of the land. His time in Sichuan's provincial capital, Chengdu, was particularly memorable. There, he spent an entire day at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, learning about the conservation efforts for these iconic animals.

The journey also involved climbing more than 600 steps to reach the victory monument at the Red Army Long March Monument Memorial Park, an experience that highlighted the physical challenges faced by the Red Army soldiers. Harris also hiked through Jiajin Mountain, reaching elevations approaching 4,000 meters, where the thin air made it difficult to breathe. These experiences deepened his understanding of the sacrifices and hardships endured by the soldiers.

Harris's encounters with Tibetan people were among his favorite moments. He was welcomed with open arms, shared yak meat and traditional milk tea, and experienced their culture firsthand. These interactions underscored the openness and hospitality of the Chinese people, who continue to preserve and pass forward their rich history and culture.

The journey also brought Harris closer to the giant panda, one of China's most recognizable treasures. At the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, he spoke with visitors from around the world, highlighting the universal appeal of these animals. This experience reinforced the idea that history, nature, and human connection are interwoven in a way that transcends borders.

Reflecting on the Long March spirit, Harris emphasized its significance as a symbol of perseverance, determination, sacrifice, and human resilience. He noted that even during the most difficult moments in history, people are capable of extraordinary courage when united by a common purpose. Harris also highlighted the broader message that every human life has value, and that dignity, opportunity, and hope are universal aspirations.

The Long March, Harris concluded, is not just a chapter of Chinese history but a reminder to all of humanity that perseverance, unity, compassion, and hope have the power to transform nations and change the future. This journey, Harris said, reinforced his belief that the spirit of the Long March is a universal message of hope that transcends borders and cultures.