In late May 1935, the Central Red Army reached the banks of the Dadu River in Sichuan Province. However, their attempts to cross were severely hampered by the limited number of boats available and the river's swift, turbulent current. Evidently, another way over the river was needed, and so the 4th Regiment was ordered to seize Luding Bridge, 120 kilometers away. Its capture, in a heroic operation, opened the way for the Central Red Army to continue northward.