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

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.