–Mao Zedong – October 1935
The sky so high, clouds thin and light,
We watch wild geese fly south out of sight.
None but a hero reaches the Great Wall;
We count – twenty thousand li we’ve hauled.
On Six Coiled Mountain’s crest so tall,
Red flags stream wide in western wind’s call.
Long cords in our hands today we hold;
When shall we bind the Gray Dragon bold?
Note
Composed in October 1935, right after the Central Red Army crossed Liu Pan Shan (Six Coiled Mountain) – the last major mountain of the Long March. First published in Poetry Monthly (January 1957). The poem blends victory euphoria with resolve to finish the revolution.
Qing Ping Yue (Pure Serene Music)
A classic ci (song lyric) form, originating from Tang Dynasty music. Short, balanced lines, fitting for heroic, lyrical expression.
Long March
The 25,000-li (12,500 km) strategic retreat (Oct 1934–Oct 1935). Crossing Liu Pan Shan meant the Red Army neared the final destination: Shaanxi revolutionary base.
Liu Pan Shan (Six Coiled Mountain)
A mountain in southern Ningxia. Named for six winding hairpin turns to the summit. A strategic military pass; crossing it symbolized near-victory.
Great Wall
Not literal Ming Great Wall, but ancient Qin Great Wall ruins near Liu Pan Shan. Metaphor: Long March destination / revolutionary goal.
Line: “None but a hero reaches the Great Wall” – Iconic slogan for perseverance, courage, national pride.
Twenty thousand li
Poetic shorthand for the 25,000-li Long March. “count on fingers“ shows calm confidence amid epic struggle.
Red flags
Originally “ancient military banners” revised to “red flags”in 1963. Symbolizes Red Army, revolution, victory.
Long cords
From classical poetry: “long cords to bind fierce dragons”. Metaphor: revolutionary military power & ideological strength.
Gray Dragon
Ancient Chinese ferocious deity / evil star (Jupiter). In the poem: Chiang Kai-shek & reactionary forces (some scholars read it as Japanese imperialism). Represents all oppressive enemies.
Revolutionary Landscape Poetry
Nature (sky, geese, mountains, wind) fused with revolutionary emotion & ambition. Scenery mirrors triumph, resolve, future struggle.
Heroic Metaphor Tradition
Uses Great Wall, dragon, long cords – classic Chinese heroic symbols – to express modern revolutionary will.
清平乐-六盘山
毛泽东，一九三五年十月
天高云淡，望断南飞雁。
不到长城非好汉，屈指行程二万。
六盘山上高峰，红旗漫卷西风。
今日长缨在手，何时缚住苍龙？
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