This year marks the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March. The 25,000-li Long March was an extraordinary journey in the history of the Chinese revolution. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Red Army broke through successive blockades and overcame tremendous hardships, creating an enduring legacy of courage and determination. Forged during this journey, the spirit of the Long March—selfless sacrifice, perseverance, solidarity, and resolve—transcends time and national borders. It offers an important window into understanding the CPC and the development path of contemporary China.

To advance international students’ understanding of China and help them gain a fuller appreciation of the CPC’s struggles and founding mission, the Joint Party Branch for International Student Affairs and the Training Base for International Chinese Language Promotion through Wushu at the School of International Education and Exchange, Beijing Sport University, organized a themed learning activity on the Long March. International students from across the university were invited to explore this chapter of history and reflect on the contemporary significance of its spirit.

The event was hosted by Cao Dingke, a student counselor at the School of International Education and Exchange. Faculty members and students watched “Crossing the Chishui River Four Times,” an episode of CCTV’s 12-part historical documentary Across Mountains and Rivers. Through the documentary, participants revisited those arduous years, gaining a vivid understanding of the challenges faced by the Red Army and the unwavering convictions of the revolutionary pioneers.

Following the screening, international students shared their reflections and connected what they had learned with their studies and daily lives at Beijing Sport University.

Yang Ming (Turkmenistan):

“Today, we watched a film about the Red Army’s Long March together, and I was deeply moved. It made me realize that the happy lives we enjoy today did not come easily. They were made possible by the efforts and sacrifices of generations of people. Their strong will and spirit of unity left a deep impression on me, and there is much we can learn from them. As an international student, I will cherish the opportunity to study here, work hard on my Chinese, and continue improving myself to honor the efforts of those who came before us. Thank you!”

Jina (Pakistan):

“Learning about the Long March today deeply moved me. It is difficult to imagine how those who came before us kept moving forward under such harsh conditions. The spirit of the Long March teaches us not to give up easily when we face difficulties. Whether I am learning Chinese, practicing wushu, or dealing with challenges in daily life, this perseverance is something I can learn from.”

Maria (Colombia):

“I have a lot of thoughts to share. Before today, I did not know much about the history of China’s Long March. Through this documentary, I learned more about its hardships and felt the courage, strength, and perseverance of the Red Army soldiers. I was deeply touched. It also helped me understand that, whatever difficulties we encounter, we should face them bravely and stay committed to our goals. I believe that studying Chinese history helps me learn more about China and better understand its culture and spirit.”

Students enthusiastically shared their reflections, drawing on their experiences of studying and living in China to deepen their understanding of the spirit of the Long March.

Following the discussion, performances of revolutionary songs and poetry brought the event to a high point. Yan Zhengwei, an international student from Thailand, sang “The Sun in the Sky Is Glowing Red,” conveying the inspiring power of the song through his heartfelt performance. Shi Wanli, an international student from Indonesia, recited the classic poem “Snow—to the Tune of Qin Yuan Chun,” bringing its grandeur and heroic spirit to life through a powerful delivery.

Through this activity, the Party branch created a platform for Chinese and international faculty members and students to explore China’s revolutionary history together. Combining documentary viewing, discussion, and artistic performances, the event offered an engaging approach to learning about China. It helped international students move beyond stereotypes, understand the struggles that have shaped the CPC’s journey, and appreciate the hard-won foundations of China’s peaceful development today.