When Zeng Guangqing traveled from his home in the developed southern province of Guangdong for a sightseeing tour of east China's Jiangxi Province, he wanted a better understanding of the Chinese revolution in the 1930s.
"I've learned a lot about how the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) fought tenaciously for the benefits of the people," said Zeng Guangqing, 66. "We should cherish the prosperity and stability we enjoy today."
Zeng is one of the thousands of people visiting Jinggangshan, Ruijin and other places of historic interest in Jiangxi each day.
Though late autumn is considered a slack season for tourism, the "red route" to the cradles of the Chinese revolution has been popular among holidaymakers from home and abroad.
Jinggangshan, where late Chinese leader Mao Zedong commanded many important battles and has since remained a place of mystery to many, has received over 10 million tourists from home and abroad to date.
"They're not just coming to see the beautiful scenery, many come to study the Party's history and reinforce their patriotism," said Mao Binghua, a voluntary guide at Jinggangshan.
Mao, a 73-year-old retired government employee, has been working as a volunteer for 13 years. His speeches on CPC traditions and the history of the Chinese revolution have been widely acclaimed by visitors.
The victory of the Chinese Communist Party lay in its strong faith and a pioneering spirit, said Mao. "The younger generation should know this in order to fully understand the Party's strategies of today."
Ke Chuanfa, a medical worker from
Jiujiang City in Jiangxi Province, is on his second tour to Jinggangshan. "Most of my colleagues are coming, too, and we'll have a lot to share when we go back to work."
Sources from other provinces say most important sites of the Chinese revolution have received flocks of visitors in recent years. Yan'an in the northwestern Shaanxi Province,
Shaoshan in the central Hunan Province,
Zunyi in the southwestern Guizhou Province and Xibaipo in the northern Hebei Province, are all top choices for holidaymakers.
Analysts here say that behind the booming tourism was the general public's faith in the Chinese Communist Party, which has led the nation to social and economic development.
"The booming tourism in
Jinggangshan all through the year mirrors the people's love for their country and confidence in its future," said Wu Min, secretary of CPC
Jinggangshan Municipal Committee.
