In late November 1934, the Central Red Army reached the banks of the Xiangjiang in Southern China. There they faced a powerful Kuomintang blockade. After five days of fierce fighting, the Red Army succeeded in crossing the river. However, the price they paid was heavy. From over 86,000 at the start of the Long March, their numbers had dwindled to just over 30,000. (Image source: The Red Ribbon on the Earth by Shen Yaoyi)