Longnan, Gansu Province

Turning Point of the Long March: The Revolutionary Legacy of the Hadapu Ruins

🏯Old Towns 📸Photography

Altitude

1,750m

Best Time

☀️ 🍂

Ticket

Paid

ℹ️

About This Attraction

The "Gas Station" of the Long March

1.Located in the northwest of Dangchang: County, Longnan City, Gansu Province, the Hadapu Ruins hold a place of profound significance in Chinese history. In September 1935, the main forces of the Red Army, led by Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai, reached this strategic node after crossing the treacherous snowy mountains and marshlands. Historically known as a "Gas Station" for the revolution, Hadapu provided the exhausted troops with much-needed supplies and, more importantly, a new strategic direction.

A Decision That Changed History

2.The most pivotal moment at the Hadapu: Ruins occurred when the Red Army discovered a copy of the Da Gong Bao newspaper in a local post office. This newspaper contained crucial information regarding the existing revolutionary bases in Northern Shaanxi. It was here, within the quiet courtyards of Hadapu, that the leadership made the monumental decision to set Northern Shaanxi as the final destination of the Long March, effectively changing the fate of the Chinese revolution.

Ancient Commercial Hub of the Minjiang River

Beyond its revolutionary fame, Hadapu has long served as a vital commercial hub on the ancient road connecting Sichuan, Gansu, and Qinghai. Situated along the banks of the Minjiang River, the town was historically renowned for its trade in traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, particularly "Min-Gui" (Angelica sinensis). The site preserves an array of traditional 1930s-style dwellings and shops, offering visitors a window into the intersection of frontier commerce and revolutionary fervor.

Preserving the Red Spirit

Today, the Hadapu Ruins stand as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit and a premier "Red Tourism" destination. The site includes the former residence of Mao Zedong, the headquarters of the Red Army, and the historic street where the Da Gong Bao was found. The tranquil environment of the ancient town, set against the rugged terrain of the 2,300-meter-high plateau, allows travelers to reflect on the weight of the history that unfolded within these walls.

✨ Why Visit Hadapu Ruins, Dangchang

✦

The Milestone of Strategic Shift

Visit the exact location where the Red Army discovered the information that led them to Northern Shaanxi.

✦

Long March "Gas Station"

Explore the historic supply center that rejuvenated the revolutionary forces after their most difficult trials.

✦

Ancient Medicinal Trade Hub

Discover the town's history as a critical node for the "Min-Gui" medicinal herb trade between three provinces.

✦

1930s Architectural Preservation

Walk through well-preserved traditional courtyards and streets that remain frozen in the era of the Long March.

Location & Nearby

📍 Longnan, Gansu Province • 🏔️ 1750m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Hadapu Ruins, Dangchang Travel Guide

Where are the Hadapu Ruins located?

They are located in Hadapu Town, in the northwestern part of Dangchang County, Longnan City, Gansu Province.

Why is Hadapu called a "Gas Station" for the Long March?

It is because the Red Army obtained vital food, clothing, and medicine here, as well as the strategic information needed to continue their journey.

What is the significance of the newspaper found here?

A copy of Da Gong Bao found at the site informed the Red Army about the revolutionary bases in Northern Shaanxi, determining their final destination.

What was the primary local trade in Hadapu historically?

The town was a major hub for the trade of traditional medicinal herbs, especially Min-Gui.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Hadapu Ruins, Dangchang?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.