Zhangjiajie · History & Resistance

I. The Origin of Civilization: Ancient Echoes Along the Lishui River

The historical thread of Zhangjiajie begins with archaeological discoveries in the Lishui River basin. The Lishui is one of the four major rivers in Hunan, and its upper reaches and tributaries wind through Zhangjiajie's territory, forming river valley terraces suitable for early human habitation. Since the 1980s, archaeologists have discovered multiple Neolithic sites in Yongding District and Cili County of Zhangjiajie, with the site cluster around Lingyang Town in Cili County being the most representative. These sites have yielded large quantities of polished stone tools, sand-tempered pottery shards, and animal bones, dating back approximately 5,000 to 7,000 years, belonging to the typical Zaoshi Lower Layer culture. This discovery pushes the history of human activity in the Zhangjiajie region back to the Middle Neolithic period, proving that as early as ancient times, the ancestors of the Wuling Mountains had already thrived and multiplied here.

Entering the Shang and Zhou dynasties, the Zhangjiajie region belonged to the domain of Jingzhou as recorded in the "Tribute of Yu" chapter of the Book of Documents. Due to its location deep within the Wuling Mountains, with towering peaks, dense forests, and crisscrossing valleys, the central plains dynasties found it difficult to extend their rule into this area for a long time. This region gradually developed a cultural pattern of multi-ethnic integration involving the Pu, Ba, and Yue peoples. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, this area became the southwestern frontier of the State of Chu, where Chu culture intermingled with local indigenous cultures, leaving behind numerous bronze artifacts with distinctive regional characteristics. Bronze swords, dagger-axes, and spears from the Warring States period have been unearthed in Cili County, their forms bearing features of both Chu and Ba artifacts, confirming the close military and cultural exchanges among various ethnic groups at that time.

After Qin Shi Huang unified the six states, the system of commanderies and counties was implemented, and the Zhangjiajie area was placed under Qianzhong Commandery. In the fifth year of Emperor Gaozu of Han (202 BC), Qianzhong Commandery was renamed Wuling Commandery, with Chong County under its jurisdiction, whose county seat was located around present-day Yongding District of Zhangjiajie—this marked the first clear county-level administrative establishment in Zhangjiajie's history. The establishment of Wuling Commandery signified the beginning of systematic rule by the central dynasty over this region. However, due to the region's geographical isolation, the Wuling mountain area was long regarded as "land beyond civilization," with Central Plains cultural influence mainly concentrated around the commandery and county seats, while the vast mountainous areas retained a relatively primitive tribal social structure.

II. Administrative Evolution: A Millennium of Transformation from Chong County to Dayong

The administrative evolution of Zhangjiajie is a history of continuous negotiation and integration between central authority and local forces. During the Western Han Dynasty, Chong County was subordinate to Wuling Commandery, with its territory roughly covering today's Yongding District, Wulingyuan District, and the western part of Cili County. From the Eastern Han to the Three Kingdoms period, the administrative structure of Chong County largely continued, but rule was unstable, with local indigenous chieftains frequently alternating between submission and rebellion. In the fourth year of Taikang in the Western Jin Dynasty (283 AD), Chong County was renamed Linli County, but soon reverted to Chong County, with frequent administrative changes reflecting the central government's weak control over this remote region.

In the eighteenth year of Kaihuang in the Sui Dynasty (598 AD), the court renamed Chong County to Chongyi County, under the jurisdiction of Li Prefecture. In the early Tang Dynasty, Chongyi County was merged into Cili County, and this area has since been under the long-term administration of Cili County. Notably, the Tang Dynasty began implementing the Jimi policy in the Wuling Mountain region, which nominally incorporated local chieftains into the prefecture-county system while recognizing their hereditary rule. This policy continued into the Song Dynasty, forming a pattern of "native officials governing native people," which laid the groundwork for the later Tusi system.

In the Yuan Dynasty, the Tusi system was implemented, and the Zhangjiajie area was divided under the jurisdiction of Tusi such as Cili Prefecture and Shixi Prefecture. In the second year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1369 AD), the court established Dayong Guard in Cili County, marking the first appearance of the name "Dayong" in history. Dayong Guard was initially a military garrison that also managed civil affairs, gradually evolving into an administrative division with both military and political functions. In the seventh year of Yongzheng in the Qing Dynasty (1729 AD), the court implemented the "reform of native chieftains," abolishing the hereditary Tusi system and establishing Yongding County, under the jurisdiction of Li Prefecture directly. In 1913, the Republic of China government changed Yongding County to Dayong County. In 1985, Dayong County was upgraded to county-level Dayong City. In 1988, it was upgraded to the prefecture-level city of Dayong. In 1994, with the approval of the State Council, Dayong City was officially renamed Zhangjiajie City, named after the world-famous Zhangjiajie National Forest Park within its territory, ushering in a new era of tourism-driven development.

III. Ming and Qing Dynasty Garrisons and Ancient Fortresses: The Military Defense Line of the Wuling Mountains

The Ming Dynasty was an important period in the historical development of Zhangjiajie. In the second year of the Hongwu reign (1369), Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty established Dayong Wei in Cili County to consolidate the southwestern frontier, governing five qianhusuo (battalion-level units) — front, rear, left, right, and center — with a garrison of approximately 5,600 troops. The establishment of Dayong Wei not only strengthened the central government's military control over the Wuling Mountains but also brought about large-scale Han Chinese migration. These military households and their families cultivated land and stood guard here, coexisting over the long term with local ethnic minorities such as the Tujia and Miao peoples, promoting ethnic integration and cultural exchange.

The implementation of the garrison system gave rise to the construction of a number of military fortresses. Dayong Guard City is located in today's Yongding District of Zhangjiajie City. The city walls were built with blue stone, with a circumference of about three li, and featured four city gates. Inside the city were facilities such as the guard headquarters, armory, and drill grounds. Despite centuries of wind and rain erosion, parts of the city wall ruins remain clearly discernible to this day. In addition to the guard city, Dayong Guard established a series of fortresses at strategic passes, such as military strongholds in Maogang, Sangzhi, and Yongshun, forming a well-layered defense system. These ancient fortresses were mostly built on mountains, occupying commanding heights that were easy to defend and difficult to attack, showcasing the superb craftsmanship of Ming Dynasty military architecture.

In the early Qing Dynasty, the Dayong Guard system was abolished, but its military legacy did not disappear. The Qing government established Yongding County on the basis of the original guard post and continued to station troops at key passes. In the mid-to-late Qing Dynasty, as the White Lotus Rebellion and the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Movement spread turmoil to western Hunan, the ancient fortresses within Yongding County once again played an important defensive role. For example, Liujia Fort, located in Xiehe Township of Wulingyuan District in today's Zhangjiajie City, was a civilian defensive structure built in the Qing Dynasty to guard against bandits. Its walls are up to two meters thick and feature watchtowers and firing ports, making it important physical evidence for studying civilian defensive architecture in western Hunan.

Today, although most of these Ming and Qing ancient fortresses are in ruins, they still stand quietly among the towering peaks of the Wuling Mountains, telling the story of centuries past filled with the clash of arms and warhorses. For history enthusiasts, visiting these fortress ruins offers a direct glimpse into the physical remains of the Ming Dynasty guard system and the Qing Dynasty military defense system, serving as an important window into understanding Zhangjiajie's military history.

IV. Ancient Cities, Ancient Pagodas, and Ancient Pavilions: Frozen Memories of Time

Scattered among the mountains and waters of Zhangjiajie are numerous historical structures such as ancient cities, pagodas, and pavilions, which, like markers of time, highlight the city's rich cultural heritage as a tourist destination. The Lingyang Ancient City ruins, located in Chengguan Town of Cili County, served as the seat of Chong County during the Han Dynasty. Although no above-ground structures remain, archaeological surveys have revealed the city's boundaries, wall alignment, and layout of major functional zones. Artifacts unearthed, including rope-patterned eaves tiles and pottery jars from the Han Dynasty, provide invaluable materials for studying the urban development of Wuling Commandery during that period. These findings offer precious insights into the region's ancient city planning.

Among the ancient pagodas, the most representative is the Chongwen Pagoda, situated in Xixiping, Yongding District. Originally built during the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty, this brick pavilion-style pagoda stands seven stories tall, approximately 30 meters high, with an octagonal body featuring arched doorways and windows on each level, presenting a graceful and elegant silhouette. The construction of Chongwen Pagoda was closely tied to the cultural and educational development of Dayong Guard during the Ming Dynasty. At that time, military officers donated funds to build the pagoda to encourage their children to pursue scholarship and pass the imperial examinations, hence its name meaning "advocating culture and education." Having withstood over four hundred years of wind and rain, Chongwen Pagoda still stands tall, making it one of the few surviving Ming Dynasty above-ground structures in Zhangjiajie's urban area. Additionally, Cili County preserves the Meihua Hall (Plum Blossom Hall), built during the Qing Dynasty, whose exquisite wooden carvings demonstrate the superb craftsmanship of Qing-era architecture in western Hunan.

Among the ancient pavilion structures, the most renowned is the Sutra Depository Pavilion within Puguang Temple. Puguang Temple, located on Jiefang Road in Yongding District, was first built in the 11th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1413) and is one of the largest Buddhist temples in western Hunan. The Sutra Depository Pavilion is a three-story building with a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof, standing about 20 meters tall, with upturned eaves and a majestic presence. The pavilion originally housed thousands of volumes of the Ming Dynasty edition of the Tripitaka, but unfortunately many were lost during times of war. The wood carvings and painted decorations in the Sutra Depository Pavilion are exquisite, with lifelike dragon, phoenix, and floral patterns on the beams, serving as important physical evidence for studying Ming Dynasty Buddhist architectural art in western Hunan. Adjacent to the Sutra Depository Pavilion are the Mahavira Hall and Guanyin Hall, together forming a complete Ming Dynasty Buddhist architectural complex.

These ancient city walls, pagodas, and pavilions, though not as famous as Zhangjiajie's natural scenery, carry the historical memories and cultural DNA of this city. For deep travelers, after admiring the spectacular peaks and strange rocks, it is worthwhile to spend half a day strolling among these ancient structures, feeling the traces left by time on bricks, tiles, wood, and stone—perhaps gaining a deeper understanding of Zhangjiajie.

V. The Hometown of Intangible Cultural Heritage: A Living Gene Bank of Tujia Culture

Zhangjiajie is a multi-ethnic region inhabited by Tujia, Bai, Miao and other ethnic groups, with the Tujia people accounting for the largest proportion, making up over 40% of the city's total population. For thousands of years, these ethnic minorities have created a rich and colorful array of intangible cultural heritage in the Wuling Mountain area, earning Zhangjiajie its well-deserved reputation as the hometown of intangible cultural heritage. To date, Zhangjiajie boasts 5 national-level representative intangible cultural heritage projects, over 20 provincial-level projects, and more than 100 municipal-level projects, covering various categories such as traditional music, dance, opera, fine arts, craftsmanship, and folk customs.

Sangzhi folk songs are one of the most representative national-level intangible cultural heritage projects in Zhangjiajie. Originating in the primitive farming era, Sangzhi folk songs have evolved over thousands of years of inheritance and development, forming a unique style characterized by resounding, melodious, and lingering tones. The songs encompass various types including work songs, mountain songs, ditties, and ritual songs, with the most famous pieces being "The Mulberry Tree Ladder Lamp Stand" and "Slowly Brewing Tea in Cold Water." Sangzhi folk songs are not only a true reflection of the Tujia people's daily life and work but also precious materials for studying the Tujia language, history, and folk customs. In 2006, Sangzhi folk songs were included in the first batch of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

The Tujia Hand-Waving Dance is another important national-level intangible cultural heritage project. The Hand-Waving Dance is a traditional dance performed by the Tujia people to worship ancestors and celebrate harvests. Featuring bold and vigorous movements with distinct rhythms, it comes in two forms: the grand hand-waving dance and the small hand-waving dance. The grand Baishou dance is spectacular in scale, with up to several hundred participants, creating a magnificent scene. The small Baishou dance is relatively simple and is usually held in villages. At the cultural squares and performance venues in Zhangjiajie city center, visitors can often enjoy Baishou dance performances and experience the unique charm of Tujia culture.

In addition, Zhangjiajie boasts numerous intangible cultural heritage projects, including Tujia brocade (Xilankapu), Tujia Dalizi, and Zhangjiajie Yang Opera. Xilankapu is a traditional handwoven brocade of the Tujia ethnic group, featuring exquisite patterns and vibrant colors, and is hailed as the "Flower of the Tujia People." Daliuzi is a unique percussion performance form of the Tujia ethnic group, with gongs, drums, cymbals, and small cymbals sounding together in a lively and cheerful rhythm. Yang Opera is a folk opera popular in western Hunan, featuring beautiful singing and vivid performances that are deeply loved by the public. These intangible cultural heritage projects are not only renowned domestically but have also traveled abroad multiple times, showcasing the unique charm of China's excellent traditional culture in international cultural exchanges.

VI. The Code of Ancient Castle Architecture: A Symphony of Stone and Wood

The ancient castle architecture in the Zhangjiajie region is the crystallization of wisdom accumulated by the people of the Wuling Mountain area through long-term production and daily life, with its construction techniques and spatial layout embodying a wealth of cultural codes. In terms of building materials, Zhangjiajie's ancient castles primarily use locally abundant bluestone, red sandstone, and timber, forming a typical style of "stone walls, wooden roof frames, and green-tiled roofs." This choice of building materials was not accidental but based on a deep understanding of the local climate and terrain: the Wuling Mountain area receives abundant rainfall and has high humidity, so stone walls resist moisture and corrosion, while wooden roof frames offer good seismic performance.

In terms of architectural layout, Zhangjiajie's ancient castles generally follow the principle of "building along the mountain's contours, progressing layer by layer." Due to the mountainous terrain and scarce flat land, the castles are mostly built on slopes or terraces, with structures rising and falling with the topography, creating a rich skyline. Taking the Maogang Ancient Castle in Yongding District as an example, it was built during the Ming Dynasty, constructed along the mountain, with the outer gate, barbican, inner gate, and main castle tower distributed in sequence from the foot to the summit, each layer fortified, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. The alleys inside the castle are narrow and winding, flanked by tall walls on both sides, showing a clear defensive orientation. This layout both adapts to the mountainous terrain and meets military defense needs, reflecting the exceptional wisdom of ancient craftsmen.

The architectural details of the ancient castles are equally noteworthy. Among the preserved castle components, exquisite stone carvings, wood carvings, and brick carvings can be seen. Stone door frames often feature carvings of auspicious beasts such as qilin and lions, symbolizing protection of the home and warding off evil spirits. The wooden window lattices often feature traditional patterns such as the swastika (wanzi) motif and ice-crack patterns, which are both aesthetically pleasing and ventilative. The chiwen (ornamental roof ridge beasts) on the ridges have vivid shapes, serving both decorative and waterproofing functions. These architectural decorations not only showcase the superb craftsmanship of the artisans but also reflect the aesthetic tastes and folk beliefs of the society at that time.

It is worth mentioning that the ancient castles in Zhangjiajie also reflect the fusion of multi-ethnic architectural cultures. Architectural forms such as the Tujia stilted houses, Miao stone houses, and Han courtyard houses can often be seen simultaneously within the ancient castles. This pluralistic coexistence of architectural styles is a vivid portrayal of the harmonious cohabitation and cultural exchange among the multi-ethnic groups in the Zhangjiajie region. For architecture enthusiasts, visiting the ancient castles of Zhangjiajie is like stepping into an open-air architectural museum, where one can read a wealth of historical and cultural information.

VII. Living Heritage: The Path of Revitalization for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Contemporary Era

The protection and inheritance of intangible cultural heritage is an important topic in Zhangjiajie's cultural development. In recent years, Zhangjiajie has actively explored the living inheritance of intangible cultural heritage and achieved remarkable results. At the policy level, Zhangjiajie has successively issued local regulations such as the "Regulations on the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Zhangjiajie," bringing heritage protection onto a legal track. Meanwhile, the municipal finance allocates special funds each year for the investigation and documentation of heritage projects, subsidies for inheritors, and exhibition and promotion efforts.

Building the team of inheritors is the core of intangible cultural heritage protection. Currently, Zhangjiajie has 3 national-level representative inheritors of intangible cultural heritage, 15 provincial-level inheritors, and over 80 municipal-level inheritors. These inheritors not only shoulder the responsibility of passing on their crafts but also actively participate in activities bringing intangible cultural heritage into schools, communities, and scenic areas. For example, Shang Shengwu, a national-level inheritor of Sangzhi folk songs, has for many years taught folk songs in primary and secondary schools across Sangzhi County, cultivating hundreds of young folk song enthusiasts and ensuring the continuation of this ancient art among the younger generation. Ye Shuiyun, an inheritor of Tujia brocade, has established a studio in Zhangjiajie, taking on apprentices and combining the traditional techniques of Xilankapu with modern design to develop cultural and creative products with market potential.

The integration of culture and tourism has opened new pathways for the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage. At core scenic areas such as Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain, visitors can enjoy intangible cultural heritage performances like the Baishou dance and Daliuzi. In cultural tourism districts like Xibu Street and Dayong Fucheng, intangible cultural heritage workshops and experience centers line the streets, where visitors can personally try their hand at traditional crafts such as Tujia brocade weaving and carving. This "intangible heritage + tourism" model not only enriches the tourism product offerings and enhances visitors' cultural experience, but also provides sustainable economic support for the transmission of intangible cultural heritage. According to statistics, in 2023 the output value of intangible cultural heritage-related industries in Zhangjiajie exceeded CNY 500 million, driving employment for over 10,000 people.

Digitalization has also injected new momentum into intangible cultural heritage protection. The cultural authorities of Zhangjiajie are advancing a digitalization project for intangible cultural heritage, employing technologies such as 3D scanning and virtual reality to digitally record and display important heritage items. Projects such as the Sangzhi Folk Song Database and the Digital Atlas of Tujia Brocade Patterns have already achieved initial results, providing technical support for the permanent preservation and wide dissemination of intangible cultural heritage. Meanwhile, Zhangjiajie is actively leveraging new media platforms such as short videos and live streaming to keep intangible cultural heritage "alive" in the present and "viral" at users' fingertips, attracting the attention and affection of large numbers of young netizens.

VIII. Echoes of History: Cultural Confidence Amid Mountains and Waters

Looking at the historical development trajectory of Zhangjiajie, from the dawn of civilization in ancient times, to the establishment of counties and prefectures during the Qin and Han dynasties, to the garrison forts and ancient castles of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and up to the modern era of tourism-driven urban development, every historical turning point has left a profound mark on this land. These marks are not isolated or fragmented, but rather interconnected and layered upon one another, collectively forming Zhangjiajie's unique historical and cultural lineage. It is precisely this deep historical accumulation that provides rich cultural resources for Zhangjiajie's tourism development today.

Within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, there is a scenic spot called "Laomo Bay," which is said to have been a place where Xiang Dakun, a Tujia chieftain of the Ming Dynasty, stationed troops and practiced martial arts. Xiang Dakun was a Tujia chieftain of Cili County in the early Ming Dynasty, who led his people in resistance against the imperial court's oppressive policies, persisting in struggle for several years in the Wuling Mountain area before ultimately being suppressed by Ming forces. Although his uprising ended in failure, he left behind a heroic image in the hearts of the Tujia people, and his story is still widely told in local folklore to this day. In the Laomo Bay area, relics such as a training ground and a commander's platform still exist, adding a sense of historical depth to the natural landscape.

Similarly, Furong Bridge, located in Sangzhi County, is the hometown of Marshal He Long. He Long was one of the founders of the People's Liberation Army of China, and his revolutionary career began right on the soil of Sangzhi. Furong Bridge still preserves memorial facilities such as He Long's former residence and the He Long Memorial Hall, attracting a large number of visitors each year to pay their respects. The stories of He Long combined with the natural scenery of Zhangjiajie have created a distinctive "red + green" tourism route, allowing visitors to appreciate the beautiful landscapes while also feeling the spirit of struggle of the revolutionary forebears.

History is the reality of the past, and reality is the history of the future. Zhangjiajie's journey from a remote corner of the Wuling Mountains to a world-renowned tourist destination is itself a vivid history textbook. Standing at a new historical starting point, Zhangjiajie is embracing a more confident posture to explore historical and cultural resources, tell the stories of Zhangjiajie well, promote deep integration of culture and tourism, let history continue to echo through the mountains and waters, and let cultural confidence be steadily strengthened through inheritance and innovation.

I. The Spark of Revolution: The Dawn of Western Hunan During the Great Revolution

The revolutionary history of the Zhangjiajie region can be traced back to the early days of the founding of the Communist Party of China. After the founding of the Communist Party of China in 1921, the spark of revolution quickly spread to all parts of Hunan. In 1924, He Long, a progressive youth from Sangzhi studying in Changsha, began to come into contact with Marxist thought and gradually embarked on the path of revolution. He Long joined the Chinese Revolutionary Party led by Sun Yat-sen in his early years and fought against warlords in western Hunan, accumulating rich military experience and a strong popular base. In 1926, He Long led his troops to participate in the Northern Expedition, where they fought bravely and were hailed as one of the "Iron Armies."

After the failure of the Great Revolution in 1927, white terror swept the nation, yet revolutionary activities in the Zhangjiajie region did not cease. In 1928, following instructions from the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, He Long returned to the western Hunan and western Hubei region to carry out armed struggle. In July of the same year, He Long, together with Zhou Yiqun and others, launched an armed uprising around Hongjiaguan in Sangzhi County, forming the Fourth Army of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Revolutionary Army, with He Long serving as its commander. This was the first regular Red Army unit led by the Communist Party of China in the western Hunan and western Hubei region, marking the official beginning of revolutionary armed struggle in the Zhangjiajie area. Centered on Sangzhi and Hefeng, the uprising forces waged guerrilla warfare across the Hunan-Hubei border, establishing the Hunan-Hubei Border Revolutionary Base.

The establishment of the Hunan-Hubei Border Revolutionary Base went through an extremely arduous process. Due to the vast disparity in strength between the enemy and the Red Army, the troops were repeatedly subjected to "encirclement and suppression" campaigns by Kuomintang forces and landlord militias, with troop numbers fluctuating and at one point dwindling to just a few hundred at the most difficult time. Nevertheless, leaders like He Long remained steadfast in their revolutionary convictions, sharing hardships with the people of the base area and enduring the toughest years together. In 1930, the Fourth Red Army and the Sixth Red Army joined forces at Gong'an, Hubei, forming the Second Red Army Corps, with He Long as Commander-in-Chief and Zhou Yiqun as Political Commissar. The establishment of the Second Red Army Corps marked a new stage of development for the Hunan-Western Hubei Revolutionary Base Area, and the Zhangjiajie region became an important part of it.

II. Liberation and Enlistment: The Cradle of the Second Front Army of the Red Army

In 1934, after the Central Red Army began the Long March, the Red Army forces remaining in the Hunan-Hubei-Sichuan-Guizhou border region faced severe trials. In October 1934, the Second Red Army Corps and the Sixth Red Army Corps joined forces at Muhuang, Yinjiang, Guizhou, and acting in unison, they established the Hunan-Hubei-Sichuan-Guizhou Revolutionary Base Area. The Zhangjiajie region (then comprising Dayong, Sangzhi, Cili and other counties) became the core area of the base. In November 1934, the Hunan-Hubei-Sichuan-Guizhou Provincial Party Committee, Provincial Revolutionary Committee, and Provincial Military District were established in Dayong County town, marking the peak of base area construction.

The creation of the base area greatly inspired the revolutionary fervor of the local populace. In the land revolution campaign of "overthrowing the local tyrants and distributing the land," the vast number of poor peasants finally obtained the land they had long dreamed of, and their revolutionary enthusiasm soared to unprecedented heights. Large numbers of young and middle-aged men enthusiastically joined the army and went to battle, giving rise to moving scenes of fathers sending off sons, wives sending off husbands, and brothers vying to go to the front lines. According to statistics, during the Agrarian Revolutionary War period, tens of thousands of people in the Zhangjiajie region joined the Red Army and the Red Guards, making tremendous sacrifices and contributions to the revolutionary cause. Sangzhi County is especially renowned as "Red Sangzhi," with thousands of people from the county joining the Red Army, many of whom later became senior generals in the People's Army.

In November 1935, the Red Second and Sixth Army Corps set out from Liujiaping in Sangzhi to begin the Long March. Before departure, the Red Second and Sixth Army Corps conducted a brief rest and troop expansion in Sangzhi, replenishing a large number of soldiers and supplies. Liujiaping is one of the starting points of the Long March for the Red Second Front Army, and to this day it preserves memorial facilities such as the former command post of the Red Second and Sixth Army Corps and the Red Army Long March Departure Monument. The Red Second Front Army was the last of the three main Red Army forces to begin the Long March, and it also suffered the fewest losses and retained the most troops during the march, which was closely linked to the solid popular support and ample material preparations in the Hunan-Hubei-Sichuan-Guizhou base area.

III. Anti-Japanese Democratic Regime: A Red Fortress Amidst the Flames of War

After the full outbreak of the War of Resistance Against Japan, although the Zhangjiajie region was located in the rear, the anti-Japanese national salvation movement still unfolded with great vigor. After the "July 7th Incident" in 1937, the Communist Party of China actively restored and developed party organizations in the Zhangjiajie area, leading the masses in the anti-Japanese national salvation movement. In 1938, the Hunan Provincial Committee of the CPC sent cadres to Dayong, Sangzhi, Cili and other places to carry out work, restore and establish grassroots party organizations, organize anti-Japanese propaganda teams and national salvation drama troupes, and go deep into urban and rural areas to promote anti-Japanese ideas and mobilize the masses to support the war of resistance.

Under the banner of the anti-Japanese national united front, the Kuomintang and the Communist Party cooperated in resisting Japan in the Zhangjiajie area. Between 1938 and 1939, the Kuomintang Dayong County Government cooperated with local CPC organizations to establish an anti-Japanese mobilization committee, organizing the masses to carry out fundraising, consolation, and rescue activities. In Sangzhi County, He Long's relatives and former subordinates also actively participated in the anti-Japanese national salvation effort, organizing local armed forces ready to head to the front lines at any time. Although the KMT-CPC cooperation gradually broke down after 1940 due to sabotage by die-hard Kuomintang elements, the anti-Japanese enthusiasm of the masses in the Zhangjiajie area remained consistently high.

In 1943, when the Battle of Changde broke out, the Zhangjiajie area became a major rear base for the front lines of the war. During the Defense of Changde, counties in Zhangjiajie actively organized stretcher teams and transport teams to support front-line operations. People in Cili County, Dayong County and other areas braved the danger of enemy air raids to transport grain and ammunition to front-line troops and rescue the wounded. After the Battle of Changde concluded, some anti-Japanese troops rested and regrouped in the Zhangjiajie area, where local residents warmly received them and provided substantial material support. During this period, the construction of anti-Japanese democratic political power in the Zhangjiajie region also made progress, with some townships and towns establishing anti-Japanese democratic governments or anti-Japanese mass organizations, becoming important strongholds for the Chinese Communist Party's anti-Japanese struggle in western Hunan.

IV. Famous Battles: The Sangzhi Uprising and the Western Hunan Offensive

In the history of revolutionary struggle in the Zhangjiajie region, the Sangzhi Uprising stands out as a significant chapter. In July 1928, He Long, following the decision of the CPC Western Hunan-Hubei Front Committee, launched an armed uprising in Hongjiaguan, Sangzhi County. The uprising forces, based on He Long's former troops and incorporating local peasant militias, rapidly grew to over 3,000 men, forming the Fourth Army of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Revolutionary Army. The uprising forces captured Sangzhi County town and established the Sangzhi County Soviet Government, the first county-level Soviet regime in the western Hunan-Hubei region. The victory of the Sangzhi Uprising greatly inspired the revolutionary spirit of the people in western Hunan and Hubei, laying the foundation for the creation of the Hunan-Hubei Border Revolutionary Base.

Between 1934 and 1935, the Second and Sixth Red Army Corps conducted several important battles in the Hunan-Hubei-Sichuan-Guizhou Base, among which those directly related to the Zhangjiajie region include the Longjiazhai Battle, the Shiwaping Victory, and the Zhongbao Battle. In November 1934, the Second and Sixth Red Army Corps set an ambush in the Longjiazhai area of Yongshun County, annihilating two brigades of the Nationalist army and achieving the Shiwaping Victory. This battle was the first major victory after the joining of the Red Second and Sixth Army Corps, greatly boosting the morale of the Red Army and consolidating the Hunan-Hubei-Sichuan-Guizhou revolutionary base. In June 1935, the Red Second and Sixth Army Corps annihilated a division of the Nationalist army at Zhongbao, Xianfeng, Hubei, killing the enemy division commander and further expanding the base area.

During the War of Resistance Against Japan, although no large-scale battles occurred in the Zhangjiajie region, its strategic position as a rear base could not be overlooked. During the Battle of Changde in 1943, Japanese forces briefly captured Changde and approached the borders of Cili and Dayong. Chinese troops organized defensive positions in Cili County, relying on the mountainous terrain, and engaged in fierce fighting with the Japanese, delaying their advance. The military and civilians of Cili County united in shared hatred against the enemy, actively cooperating with the defending troops and contributing to the final victory of the Battle of Changde. After the Battle of Changde ended, the Japanese were unable to penetrate deeper into western Hunan, and the Zhangjiajie region was never occupied by Japanese forces, serving as a steadfast rear base for the resistance in western Hunan.

V. Supporting the Major Battle: A Strategic Pivot in the Battle of Western Hunan

From April to June 1945, Chinese forces launched the final battle against the Japanese in western Hunan—the Battle of Western Hunan (also known as the Battle of Xuefeng Mountain). This battle was the last major large-scale campaign on the frontal battlefield of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and also an important turning point for the Chinese army's transition from strategic defense to strategic counteroffensive. Although Zhangjiajie was not within the main battlefield area of the campaign, as the strategic rear of the western Hunan region, it played an important supporting role during the battle.

During the Western Hunan Campaign, counties in Zhangjiajie established support committees for the front, organizing large numbers of civilian laborers to rush repairs on roads and bridges, ensuring smooth military transportation. The people of Dayong County and Cili County enthusiastically donated grain, meat, vegetables, and other supplies to support the frontline troops. Although Sangzhi County was remote, it actively organized stretcher teams and transport teams, carrying supplies over mountains and ridges to the front lines. According to statistics, during the Western Hunan Campaign, the Zhangjiajie region mobilized tens of thousands of civilian laborers and transported millions of jin of military grain, providing strong logistical support for the victory of the campaign.

In addition, the Zhangjiajie region was also an important assembly point for Chinese troops and the location of rear hospitals during the Western Hunan Campaign. Before the campaign, the Nationalist 74th Army, 100th Army, and other units had assembled and trained in the Cili and Dayong areas, replenishing troops and equipment. During the campaign, many hospitals and clinics in the Zhangjiajie region were requisitioned as temporary field hospitals, treating large numbers of wounded soldiers transferred from the front lines. Local residents spontaneously organized to bring water and food to the wounded, wash their clothes, and change their dressings, reflecting the deep bond between the military and the people. The victory in the Battle of Western Hunan completely shattered the Japanese army's attempt to capture Zhijiang Airport and threaten Chongqing, serving as a prelude to the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

VI. Supporting the Front and Liberation: Welcoming the Dawn of New China

After the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the people of the Zhangjiajie region yearned for peace, but the reactionary Kuomintang government recklessly launched a civil war, plunging the people into conflict once again. From 1946 to 1949, the Communist Party of China persisted in underground struggles in the Zhangjiajie region, leading the masses in the "Three Resistances" movement against grain levies, taxes, and conscription, coordinating with the strategic offensives of the People's Liberation Army.

In 1949, the People's Liberation Army launched a major advance into the Central-South region. In April, the main forces of the Fourth Field Army crossed the Yangtze River southward from Hubei and advanced into Hunan. In August, Changsha was peacefully liberated. In October, units of the People's Liberation Army, including the 38th and 39th Corps, advanced into Western Hunan, successively liberating counties such as Cili, Dayong, and Sangzhi. During the army's advance, underground party organizations and guerrilla forces in the Zhangjiajie region actively coordinated, providing intelligence, serving as guides for the troops, and organizing the masses to welcome the PLA into the cities. Local residents voluntarily gathered grain, vegetables, and other supplies to comfort the People's Liberation Army officers and soldiers, demonstrating a touching scene of unity between the military and the people.

On October 16, 1949, Dayong County town was liberated. On October 18, Sangzhi County town was liberated. With this, the entire Zhangjiajie region was liberated and returned to the embrace of the people. After liberation, the Zhangjiajie region quickly established people's political power and carried out work such as eliminating bandits and counter-revolutionaries, land reform, and restoring production. In the struggle to eliminate bandits and counter-revolutionaries, the People's Liberation Army and local government worked closely together, wiping out the remaining Kuomintang armed forces and bandits entrenched in the Wuling Mountains, consolidating the newly established people's political power. Between 1950 and 1952, the Zhangjiajie region completed land reform, thoroughly abolishing the feudal land ownership system and realizing "land to the tiller," allowing the vast majority of farmers to become masters of their own destiny.

VII. Base Area Construction: Institutional Exploration on the Hunan-Hubei-Sichuan-Guizhou Border

The Hunan-Hubei-Sichuan-Guizhou Revolutionary Base Area was one of the important base areas led by the Communist Party of China during the Agrarian Revolutionary War. Its core region was located at the junction of Hunan, Hubei, Sichuan (now Chongqing), and Guizhou provinces, with the Zhangjiajie region (Dayong, Sangzhi, Cili) being the root

The central area of the base. During the one-year period from November 1934 to November 1935, the Hunan-Hubei-Sichuan-Guizhou Provincial Party Committee, the Provincial Revolutionary Committee, and the Provincial Military District led the military and civilians of the base in highly effective construction efforts, accumulating valuable experience for the Chinese revolution.

In terms of political power construction, county, district, and township-level Soviet governments were universally established across the base, implementing a democratic election system. Dayong County, Sangzhi County, and Cili County all established county-level Soviet governments, which governed several district-level Soviet governments. The Soviet governments abolished the exorbitant taxes and levies of the Nationalist government and implemented a progressive tax system, easing the burden on poor farmers. At the same time, the Soviet governments promulgated laws such as the Land Law, Labor Law, and Marriage Law to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of workers and peasants. These measures received enthusiastic support from the people of the base, greatly motivating the masses to support the revolution and join the Red Army.

In terms of economic construction, the base carried out agrarian revolution, redistributing surplus land from landlords and rich peasants to landless or land-poor farmers. According to statistics, the Hunan-Hubei-Sichuan-Guizhou base distributed hundreds of thousands of mu of land in total, with hundreds of thousands of farmers gaining access to land. To address the Red Army's supply needs and the people's livelihood difficulties, the base also vigorously developed agricultural production, organizing mutual aid groups and cooperatives, building water conservancy projects, and promoting improved crop varieties. At the same time, the base area established small-scale arsenals, clothing factories, and printing houses, producing weapons, ammunition, military uniforms, bedding, and propaganda materials, which met the basic needs of the Red Army. These economic construction measures provided material support for the consolidation and development of the base area.

In terms of culture and education, the base area established Lenin Primary Schools, Red Army Schools, and literacy classes, carrying out anti-illiteracy campaigns and cultural education. In Sangzhi County and other places, Workers' and Peasants' Theater Troupes were also formed, using popular and engaging forms to spread revolutionary ideas. These cultural and educational activities raised the cultural level and political awareness of the people in the base area and trained a large number of revolutionary backbone cadres. The construction practices of the Hunan-Hubei-Sichuan-Guizhou Base Area were a valuable exploration by the Communist Party of China in political, economic, and cultural construction under conditions of local governance, providing a reference for the later construction of base areas such as the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia Border Region.

VIII. A Gallery of Figures: From Marshals to Ordinary Soldiers

The revolutionary history of the Zhangjiajie region was written collectively by countless heroic figures. Among them were marshals and generals who struck fear into the enemy, as well as ordinary soldiers and civilians who supported the front lines with quiet dedication, together forming the gallery of figures in Zhangjiajie's red history.

Marshal He Long is undoubtedly the most outstanding revolutionary figure in the Zhangjiajie region. On March 22, 1896, He Long was born into a poor peasant family in Hongjiaguan, Sangzhi County, Hunan Province. In his youth, he had a strong sense of justice and was always ready to stand up for the wronged. In 1914, He Long joined the Chinese Revolutionary Party, embarking on the path of revolution. Over the following decade or so, he launched a revolution with two kitchen knives, organizing armed forces in western Hunan and gradually rising to become a corps commander of the National Revolutionary Army with tens of thousands of troops. In 1927, at the most critical moment of the revolution, He Long resolutely joined the Communist Party of China and led the Nanchang Uprising. Afterwards, he returned to western Hunan, established the Hunan-Hubei Border Revolutionary Base, and formed the Red Second Army Corps and the Red Second Front Army. During the War of Resistance Against Japan, He Long served as commander of the 120th Division of the Eighth Route Army, leading his troops to the front lines and commanding famous battles such as the Battle of Qihui and the Battle of Chenzhuang. During the War of Liberation, he was responsible for rear-area work on the Northwest battlefield, making significant contributions to the liberation of Northwest China. In 1955, He Long was conferred the rank of Marshal, becoming one of the Ten Marshals of New China.

Under the influence and leadership of He Long, the Zhangjiajie region produced a large number of revolutionary patriots. Liao Hansheng, a native of Sangzhi County, joined the Red Army in 1928 and went through the Agrarian Revolution, the War of Resistance Against Japan, and the War of Liberation. In 1955, he was awarded the rank of Lieutenant General and served as Vice Minister of National Defense and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. He Jinzhai, a cousin of He Long, took part in the Sangzhi Uprising in 1928 and served as the division commander of the First Division of the Fourth Red Army. In September 1928, he died heroically in the Battle of Shimen at the age of 27. Wang Bingnan, a native of Sangzhi County, joined the Red Army in 1928 and served as the division commander of the Fourth Division of the Second Red Army Corps. In 1933, he was wrongly executed during the purge movement and was later posthumously recognized as a revolutionary martyr. These revolutionary martyrs interpreted the original aspiration and mission of the Communist Party with their lives, and their names are forever engraved on the historical monument of Zhangjiajie.

Beyond the well-known generals, countless unsung heroes gave everything for the revolution. During the Agrarian Revolutionary War, tens of thousands of people in the Zhangjiajie region joined the Red Army, and the vast majority sacrificed their lives on the Long March or on the battlefield. In Liujiaping Township, Sangzhi County, a folk song has been passed down to this day: "The last bowl of rice was given as military grain, the last foot of cloth was made into military uniforms, the last cotton-padded jacket was laid on the stretcher, and the last beloved child was sent to the battlefield." This folk song vividly reflects the tremendous sacrifice and selfless dedication of the people of Zhangjiajie to the revolution.

IX. Memory and Commemoration: The Contemporary Inheritance of Red Heritage

Revolutionary history is the best textbook, and the revolutionary spirit is a precious spiritual treasure. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, Zhangjiajie has attached great importance to the excavation, preservation, and inheritance of revolutionary history, establishing a number of memorial facilities such as memorial halls, monuments, and martyrs' cemeteries, ensuring that the red heritage is passed down from generation to generation.

The He Long Memorial Hall is located in Hongjiaguan Township, Sangzhi County. It was completed and opened in 1996, and underwent renovation and expansion in 2005. The memorial hall covers an area of about 30 mu (approximately 2 hectares), with a building area of over 5,000 square meters, displaying the life story and precious relics of Marshal He Long. The exhibition features hundreds of artifacts, including production tools used by He Long in his youth, weapons and equipment from his revolutionary career, and his marshal's uniform, along with a large number of historical photographs and documentary materials. The He Long Memorial Hall is a National Patriotic Education Demonstration Base and a National 4A-Level Tourist Attraction, receiving hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

The Memorial Hall of the Red Second Front Army's Departure Point for the Long March is located in Liujiaping Township, Sangzhi County, and was completed and opened in 2015. Through a large collection of historical photographs, relics, and scene reconstructions, the memorial hall comprehensively showcases the glorious journey of the Red Second Front Army from its founding to the Long March. Standing in the memorial hall's square is the monument marking the departure point of the Red Second Front Army's Long March. The monument is 19.35 meters tall, symbolizing the departure for the Long March in 1935. Every year on Tomb-Sweeping Day and the anniversary of the Long March, local officials, residents, and young students come here to pay tribute to the martyrs and revisit history.

In addition, Zhangjiajie City also has memorial facilities such as the Hunan-Hubei-Sichuan-Guizhou Revolutionary Base Memorial Hall (Yongding District), Cili County Martyrs' Cemetery, and Sangzhi County Martyrs' Cemetery. These memorial facilities are not only important bases for revolutionary tradition education but also key attractions for red tourism. In recent years, Zhangjiajie City has combined red tourism with green tourism, launching boutique routes such as "Red Sangzhi · Green Wuling," allowing visitors to experience the baptism of revolutionary spirit while enjoying Zhangjiajie's stunning scenery. According to statistics, in 2023, red tourism in Zhangjiajie City received over 2 million visitors, with red tourism revenue continuing to grow, making it an important part of Zhangjiajie's tourism industry.

X. Echoes of History: From Revolutionary Base to Tourist City

Zhangjiajie is a land of red heritage and a land full of vitality. From the Hunan-Hubei-Sichuan-Guizhou base during the Agrarian Revolution, to the rear support front during the War of Resistance Against Japan, and then to welcoming liberation during the War of Liberation, the people of Zhangjiajie, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, made tremendous sacrifices and contributions to national independence and people's liberation. According to statistics, Zhangjiajie City has over 5,000 registered revolutionary martyrs, and many unnamed martyrs rest in the green mountains and waters of the Wuling Mountains.

After the founding of New China, especially since the reform and opening-up, Zhangjiajie has undergone earth-shaking changes. In 1982, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park became China's first national forest park. In 1988, Dayong City was upgraded to a prefecture-level city. In 1992, the Wulingyuan Scenic Area was inscribed on the World Natural Heritage List. In 1994, Dayong City was renamed Zhangjiajie City. In 2004, Zhangjiajie World Geopark was selected into the Global Geoparks Network. In 2010, the blockbuster film "Avatar" brought global fame to Zhangjiajie's Hallelujah Mountain (Qiankun Pillar). Today, Zhangjiajie has become a renowned tourist destination both at home and abroad, receiving over 40 million visitors annually, with total tourism revenue exceeding CNY 50 billion.

While vigorously developing tourism, Zhangjiajie City has never forgotten to pass on its red heritage and promote the revolutionary spirit. The municipal party committee and government have incorporated the protection and utilization of red resources into economic and social development plans, increased investment, and promoted the integrated development of red tourism. Sangzhi County has leveraged red tourism resources such as the former residence of He Long and the starting point of the Red Second Front Army's Long March to create premium red tourism routes, boosting local incomes and prosperity. Cili County has integrated the protection of red heritage sites with rural revitalization, building a number of beautiful red villages. Historical and cultural heritage sites such as Dayong Ancient City and Puguang Zen Temple have also been effectively preserved and reasonably utilized, serving as important windows showcasing Zhangjiajie's history and culture.

Standing at a new historical starting point, the people of Zhangjiajie are carrying forward the red legacy with even greater vigor, continuing the red bloodline, accelerating the construction of a world-class tourist destination, and striving to write a new chapter of high-quality development in the new era. The towering peaks of Wuling Mountain bear witness to the vicissitudes of history, and the clear waves of the Li River carry the memory of the red revolution. Zhangjiajie, a city born from the flames of revolution, is destined to create an even more brilliant tomorrow on the journey of the new era.