Ruijin: Cradle of the Chinese Revolution
Ruijin city, also known as China's “red capital,” is the cradle of the Chinese revolution.
Students from Zhengping Center Primary School in the site of the First Soviet Congress, Ruijin City, Jiangxi Province, China, May 26, 2019. /CGTN Photo
Ruijin was the capital of Chinese Soviet Republic, the forerunner of the People's Republic of China (PRC). It was also one of the places of departure during the Red Army's Long March.
Tourists sang the Internationale at the site of the Soviet Congress, Ruijin, Jiangxi Province, China, May 26, 2019. /CGTN Photo
In November 1931, the First National People's Congress of the Soviet Republic of China was held in Ruijin and Mao Zedong was elected as chairman of the Chinese Soviet Republic.
Hu Yawen, the tour guide at Ruijin's revolutionary sites, said that as the red capital, "Ruijin helps us understand the hard-won red political power and our new country."
Hu and the other 40 tour guides make it their job to be familiar with the revolutionary sites, telling stories about the Red Army, and singing revolutionary songs in Ruijin dialects for tourists.
"We help students review history through their study trip, increasing students' patriotism and the love of their hometowns. We hope they love to study and serve the country when they grow up," said Xiao Yong, a teacher at Zhengping Center Primary School.
Xiao Yong, teacher, Zhengping Center Primary School of Xinfeng County. /CGTN Photo
Xu Lixian, staff at Ruijin revolutionary sites, said that she's very honored to grow up on this "red land." "You will be deeply attracted by this land when you step onto it," said Xu.
All students learn a story of a "red well" which is about villagers in Shazhouba who were afraid to dig wells in the drought-hit region due to superstition and poverty, then Chairman Mao led the public in digging a well in 1933.
Tourists fetch water from the 'red well' in Ruijin revolutionary sites, Jiangxi Province, China, May 26, 2019. /CGTN Photo
The well was one of the revolutionary sites in Ruijin. Now many tourists come to the scenic spot, fetching water from the well, inheriting the spirit of the Long March.
Children read the story of the 'red well' beside the well, Ruijin City, Jiangxi Province, China, May 26, 2019. /CGTN Photo
The scenic area also includes the former residence of Mao Zedong, the Monument of Red Army Martyrs, the Temporary Central Government of the Chinese Soviet Republic and so on.
Temporary Central Government of the Chinese Soviet Republic, Ruijin City, Jiangxi Province, China. /CGTN Photo
Jiangxi Province Tourism Planning Research Institute revealed early this year that in 2018 the growth rate of the province's tourist income was 26.6 percent. However the institute said the lack of innovation of tourism creative products may suggest that there's more to do in developing "red tourism."
Ruijin, the cradle of the Chinese revolution. /CGTN Photo
(Cover: Tour guides and local children in front of the Site of the First Soviet Congress, Ruijin, Jiangxi Province, China, May 26, 2019. /CGTN Photo)