Explosions, red flags: Chinese tourists reenact communist victory

More than 1,000 Chinese tourists descended upon Loushan Pass in Guizhou Province over the weekend, eager to reenact a historic battle that took place between Chinese Communist and Nationalist forces in 1935. Dressed in Red Army uniforms and wielding prop weapons, the tourists stormed a mound, while pyrotechnics illuminated the hillside, creating an immersive experience reminiscent of the intense clash that unfolded during the Long March.

For 40-year-old tourist Jiang Jun, the reenactment was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought in the conflict. "It was truly awe-inspiring — it felt as though I was actually right there in the thick of the battle," he shared with AFP. "I felt as though I could experience what those martyrs must have felt back then."

The reenactment is part of Beijing's long-standing strategy to develop "red tourism," which attracts visitors who are fascinated by China's communist history. Actors portraying historical figures narrated the battle, recounting the moment Mao Zedong's communist fighters broke through Chiang Kai-shek's nationalist forces during the Long March. Participants, including young children as young as five, raised toy swords and bright red flags, symbolizing their victory over the nationalist Kuomintang.

The capture of Loushan Pass represented a crucial turning point in the conflict, marking the Red Army's first major triumph against the nationalists. For participant Xu, who traveled from neighboring Guangxi province, the event held significant historical importance. "If Mao's forces had not broken through nationalist lines at Loushan Pass, we wouldn't have the new China that we have today and our standard of living wouldn't be so good," Xu told AFP.