Red Ribbons on Earth – Empowered by technology, red attractions are popular during the National Day holiday

“Technology brings red culture to life, allowing history to resonate like never before.” During the National Day holiday, Lin Lin and her family from Guizhou embarked on a five-day “Long March” tech journey, traveling from Guiyang to Zunyi. She shared her experience, saying that stepping onto Guizhou’s revolutionary ground not only revealed powerful historical narratives but also deepened her appreciation for the Red Army’s Long March.

Since last year, the province has been actively developing the Long March National Cultural Park, which includes the Long March Digital Technology Art Museum (Red Ribbon) and the performance “The Great Turning Point” in Zunyi. The innovative integration of technology has breathed new life into red culture, reenacting the historical significance of the Long March and promoting the enduring spirit of the Red Army, particularly through the lens of the Zunyi Conference. Audiences have consistently praised these initiatives as “extraordinary” and “moving.” This year’s National Day holiday saw a surge in interest for red-themed performances, making them hotspots for cultural tourism in Guizhou.

Digital innovation has allowed for a fresh retelling of the Long March’s history. On October 5, Guiyang’s Longdongbao International Airport was adorned with the vibrant “Red Ribbon,” symbolizing the spirit of the Long March. A crowd quickly formed as visitors eagerly took photos in front of the sacred flame that flickered brightly, while others lined up for tickets.

The audience was diverse, ranging from trendy young groups to families, even including older tourists. As the doors opened, a stirring representation of red heritage unfolded beneath a radiant red star, where red culture beautifully fused with cutting-edge technology. The “Red Ribbon” experience featured “immersive whole-area interaction,” utilizing digital enhancements to transport attendees along the Long March route. Engaging with AI virtual interactions, holograms, mechanical performances, virtual reality, and environmental effects allowed audiences to truly feel the daunting challenges and heroic spirit of the Red Army.

“Seeing the Long March ‘Red Ribbon’ made me contemplate the countless lives lost along that path,” reflected Tian Feng, a visitor from Hunan. “Through technology and multimedia, ‘Red Ribbon’ has recreated poignant moments from the Long March, enabling me to grasp its profound spirit.”

On October 1st, during the National Day celebrations, the “Red Ribbon” also hosted a grand flag-raising ceremony that attracted over 400 spectators. The event included themed activities such as military exhibitions titled “National Treasures: Looking Toward the Future” and “National Defense Education Shooting Experiences,” offering visitors a firsthand look at the nation’s military strength.

According to Hou Fei, a spokesperson for the “Red Ribbon,” they conducted 9 to 11 performances daily throughout the National Day festivities, consistently selling out, with an average of over 6,000 attendees each day. In just one year of operation, they have welcomed 700,000 guests, establishing itself as the leading red cultural attraction in Guiyang.

Shifting focus to the play “The Great Turning Point,” on October 5, the venue at Phoenix Mountain Cultural Square in Zunyi was bustling with visitors. “This production really helped me understand the historical significance of the Zunyi Conference,” commented Yan Le, a visitor from Chongqing, who was all praise for the performance.

Reflecting the popularity of the “Red Ribbon,” the demand for “The Great Turning Point” surged during the holiday, leading to an increase in daily performances from three to seven, while tickets remained highly sought after. This production narrates the story of the Red Army’s Long March alongside highlighting Guizhou’s historical achievements during that time.

“The Great Turning Point” features colossal oil paintings, battlefield mist, surround sound effects, and incorporates drama, film, music, and dance. The innovative 360-degree circular stage seamlessly combines moments of stillness and action, visually depicting significant events such as the four crossings of the Red River and key strategic maneuvers in Guizhou. The spectacular effects transport the audience through time, immersing them in the gripping saga of the Long March.

“The thrilling scenes of the treacherous river crossing at Jingsha River left me breathless,” exclaimed a viewer after the performance. “The waterfall cascading overhead as the Red Army boat sailed through was breathtaking!” The utilization of holograms, virtual reality, and 3D sound technology invigorated red culture even further.

Ran Yibin, deputy general manager of Guizhou Great Turning Point Cultural Development Co., mentioned that the production not only faithfully represents the Long March but also incorporates eight patented technological innovations in its staging.

The performance leveraged four video servers, 12 professional laser projectors, and a high-powered projector to blend state-of-the-art staging technology with the exhilarating narrative of the Central Red Army’s battles following their crossing of the Xiang River and the subsequent successful campaign in Guizhou.

“This performance capped off my visit to the Zunyi Conference Memorial perfectly,” shared Zhao Peng, a visitor from Sichuan. “Experiencing ‘The Great Turning Point’ is a must for anyone interested in red culture.”

Ran noted that during the National Day holiday, they had not only added more shows but also introduced surprise elements in select performances, receiving enthusiastic feedback. The show averaged 3,000 attendees daily during this period, with projections estimating over 20,000 visitors throughout the holiday.