'The Spirit of the Long March Ever Shines' bilingual photo book launched in Beijing

The Chinese-English photo book "The Spirit of the Long March Ever Shines" was launched at the Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution in Beijing on Oct. 21 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Red Army's Long March.

The event brought together more than 80 guests, including Chang Bo, president of China International Communications Group (CICG); Nong Tao, editor-in-chief of the Xuexi Qiangguo learning platform; Ma Weifang, head of the expert group for the development of the Long March National Cultural Park; and Rafael Henrique Zerbetto, a recipient of the Chinese Government Friendship Award. Xie Gang, vice president of CICG, also attended the ceremony and unveiled the book.

Chang Bo, president of China International Communications Group (CICG), delivers remarks at the launch ceremony for the bilingual photo book "The Spirit of the Long March Ever Shines" in Beijing, Oct. 21, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

Chang said that 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army, making the publication of the photo book particularly meaningful. He described the Long March as a testament to the convictions of Chinese Communists and a symbol of the Chinese nation's perseverance and self-reliance. Through historical photographs of the Long March and images of China's subsequent achievements, the book traces how this spirit has inspired successive generations and helped shape modern China, offering international readers a historical perspective on Chinese modernization.

Chang noted that CICG has launched the "Together on the Long March" international communication project this year to bring the Long March spirit to a wider global audience. Following the book launch, CICG would work with partners at home and abroad to produce more high-quality works on this historic expedition, helping international readers better understand contemporary China and the enduring relevance of the Long March spirit, he said.

Nong Tao, editor-in-chief of the Xuexi Qiangguo learning platform, delivers remarks at the launch ceremony for the bilingual photo book "The Spirit of the Long March Ever Shines" in Beijing, Oct. 21, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

Nong said the Long March spirit embodies the original aspiration and mission of the Communist Party of China and remains a source of strength for the Chinese nation. The photo book, featuring more than 150 images, chronicles both the historic Long March and China's remarkable achievements in the new era, offering inspiration for the journey ahead. He said that the Xuexi Qiangguo learning platform would continue working with partners to study and share China's revolutionary history, keeping the Long March spirit alive for future generations.

Ma Weifang, head of the expert group for the development of the Long March National Cultural Park, speaks at the launch ceremony for the bilingual photo book "The Spirit of the Long March Ever Shines" in Beijing, Oct. 21, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

Ma noted that the photo book was among a series of works on the Long March launched by CICG in 2026. He said the Long March spirit reflects qualities that resonate across cultures: finding a way forward against the odds, holding firm to one's convictions in difficult times, and striving for a better future. He expressed hope that the bilingual book would serve as a cultural bridge that brings China's stories to readers around the world.

Rafael Henrique Zerbetto, a recipient of the Chinese Government Friendship Award, speaks at the launch ceremony for the bilingual photo book "The Spirit of the Long March Ever Shines" in Beijing, Oct. 21, 2026. [Photo/CICG]

Zerbetto said the book goes beyond revisiting history to explore the relevance of the Long March spirit to contemporary China. During his visit to Hadapu in Gansu province as part of CICG's "Together on the Long March" project, he saw how tourism built around the area's Long March history has created jobs and business opportunities for local residents. He noted that the better life earlier generations had fought for has now become a reality, with improvements in housing, education, and healthcare. Describing the Long March as a story of conviction, solidarity, and hope, he said the book could inspire readers to carry its spirit forward.

Guests unveil the bilingual photo book "The Spirit of the Long March Ever Shines" at its launch ceremony in Beijing, Oct. 21, 2026. [Photo/CICG] 

At the ceremony, Chang and Xie presented copies of the book to representatives from the Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution, the Xuexi Qiangguo learning platform, the Museum of the Communist Party of China, and other guests.

The cover of the bilingual photo book "The Spirit of the Long March Ever Shines." [Photo/CICG] 

Pages from the bilingual photo book "The Spirit of the Long March Ever Shines." [Photo/CICG]

Featuring more than 150 photographs with accompanying text in Chinese and English, the book traces China's journey from the Long March more than 90 years ago to the present day. Combining historical photographs with modern images, the book captures the contemporary relevance and global significance of the Long March.

The book was jointly planned and published by Foreign Languages Press and the Center for Europe and Asia, both subsidiaries of CICG. 

Scenes from the launch ceremony for the bilingual photo book "The Spirit of the Long March Ever Shines" in Beijing, Oct. 21, 2026. [Photo/CICG]