German Writers Retrace Long March by Bicycle, Highlighting China's…

Event summary

German writers Volker Haering and Christian Y. Schmidt completed a 7,000-kilometer bicycle journey retracing the Long March route from Ruijin, Jiangxi province to Wuqi county in Yan'an, Shaanxi province in 2023 and 2024.
The journey took over four months and involved traversing challenging terrains including Jiajin Mountain, known as the 'Mountain of Death'.
The duo published a book in October 2025 detailing their experiences, which has since been presented in multiple German cities.
Haering and Schmidt highlighted the spirit of unity and resilience embodied by the Red Army, drawing parallels to modern China's development.
The writers noted significant improvements in China's infrastructure, including high-speed rail networks and digital technologies, which have made travel more convenient.

The big picture

The bicycle journey undertaken by Haering and Schmidt underscores the enduring significance of the Long March in Chinese history and its relevance to contemporary national identity. Their firsthand experiences and subsequent book publication serve as a bridge between historical understanding and modern China's rapid infrastructural and technological advancements. This initiative aligns with broader trends of cultural exchange and the growing interest in China's development among international audiences.

What we're watching

Cultural Narratives: How the retracing of the Long March by foreign writers will influence Western perceptions of China's historical and modern narratives.
Infrastructure Impact: The pace at which China's infrastructure developments will continue to enhance accessibility and convenience for travelers.
Cross-Cultural Engagement: Whether initiatives like expanded visa-free entry policies will sustain increased overseas tourism and content creation in China.