– by Mao Zedong, January 1930
Ninghua, Qingliu, and Guihua we trace,
Paths narrow, woods deep, and mosses slippery the ways.
Where shall we march today, in high and proud array?
Straight to the foot of Wuyi Mountains, we hold our way.
Below the hills, below the hills we stray;
Red flags unfold like paintings in the wind’s bright play.
Note
In early 1930, during the Chinese revolutionary war, Mao led the Red Army on a strategic march through western Fujian. This poem records the arduous but high-spirited journey on New Year’s Day.
Ci poetry: Ru Meng Ling
Ru Meng Ling (Like a Dream) is a short, lively cipai (tune pattern) in classical Chinese poetry, known for its concise lines and strong rhythm, often used to narrate scenes and express bright emotions.
New Year’s Day in early Republican China
At that time, “New Year’s Day” referred to the first day of the lunar year (Spring Festival), not the Gregorian New Year. The poem uses the festival backdrop to highlight the Red Army’s fearless fighting spirit even during festivals.
Red Army march in western Fujian
The Red Army passed through Ninghua, Qingliu, and Guihua (now Mingxi) in Fujian, heading for the Wuyi Mountains to expand revolutionary bases.
Paths narrow, woods deep, moss slippery
A vivid description of rough mountain terrain, emphasizing the hardship of the revolutionary journey.
Wuyi Mountains
A famous mountain range on the border of Fujian and Jiangxi, representing the direction of the Red Army’s strategic advance.
Red flags unfold like paintings
A classic optimistic image showing the revolutionary army’s high morale and bright prospects despite difficulties.
如梦令·元旦
毛泽东 · 一九三〇年一月
宁化、清流、归化，
路隘林深苔滑。
今日向何方，
直指武夷山下。
山下山下，
风展红旗如画。
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