INTERNATIONAL, October 5 : To mark the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March, more than 300 artifacts and historical documents are being displayed for the first time at the Military Museum of the Chinese People’s Revolution in Beijing.

The nearly 12,500-kilometer military campaign, which began in 1934, concluded in October 1936 when the main forces of the Red Army regrouped in northwest China.

The exhibition features manuscripts recounting various experiences of war, radio communications and daily life. Some were written by participants themselves, while most were compiled from their oral accounts.

Among the artifacts on display are blue coats and knitted blankets used by soldiers while crossing snow-covered mountains, fire-starting equipment, first-aid kits, half of a belt and straw sandals used to cross wetlands. During the Long March, the main forces of the Red Army crossed more than 20 snow-covered mountains, many of them rising over 4,000 meters above sea level.

The exhibition also includes mementos reflecting the relationship between the Red Army and local communities. These include a tablecloth given by Mao Zedong, a volleyball left behind by soldiers and a pair of goggles presented to a guide.

Dutch China specialist Elsbeth van Paridon said, “Ordinary people have been placed at the center of everything.”

Covering an area of approximately 3,300 square meters, the exhibition features a total of 1,061 items, including 875 artifacts, 186 historical documents, 357 photographs and charts, and 73 works of art.

For the first time, English-language descriptions have been included in the exhibition, which will become part of the museum’s permanent display.

Jennifer/Hashim, Xinhua.