Yan'an, an old revolutionary base in northwest China, has evolved into a vibrant modern city while continuing to honor and preserve its deeply rooted Yan'an Spirit, the great founding spirit of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
From the rugged days of war and revolution to the promise of the new era, the city of Yan'an, a shrine of China's revolution and the cradle of New China, in Shaanxi Province, has undergone a complete transformation.
The story of Yan'an traces back to the late 1930s and 1940s, when the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia Border Region centering around Yan'an was where the CPC Central Committee headquartered. The Yan'an Spirit, marked by self-reliance and hard work, took shape during the nation's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and later in the pursuit of national liberation.
During the Yan'an period from 1935 to 1948, thousands of soldiers and local civilians launched a vigorous production campaign in Nanniwan to support the revolution. Armed with nothing more than hoes and determination, they cultivated barren land, becoming a symbol of resilience and unity.
"Our revolutionary predecessors gave everything, sacrificing one's family for the benefit of all. As a youth of this new era, I feel inspired to cherish their legacy and carry the red spirit forward in everything I do," said Wang Haojie, a visitor during a tour of the Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall.
Now, decades later, that revolutionary spirit still shines, despite the passing times. Yan'an's urban landscape is now being systematically revitalized. Over 20 billion yuan (about 2.79 billion U.S. dollars) has been invested to upgrade 32 areas including the towering Baota Mountain, turning old, narrow roads into clean, accessible paths lined with tidy houses, pocket parks, basketball courts, and gardens.
"We used to be stranded whenever it is windy or rainy. But now, life has really improved here. After meals, people go out to chat and relax in the square. It's so beautiful," said Kuang Jijun, a local resident.
Thanks to supportive policies rolled out by the central government and provincial authorities since the 18th CPC National Congress, Yan'an has seen booming growth in eco-agriculture, equipment manufacturing, and red tourism.
The city has achieved zero dropouts in compulsory education, ensured strong medical and housing security, and improved rural water supply systems.
By 2024, apple orchards in Yan'an spanned 3.3 million mu (220,000 hectares), with an annual output of over 4.6 million tons and a full industrial chain exceeding 50 billion yuan in value, benefiting 800,000 local farmers. Meanwhile, initiatives in selenium-rich agriculture and vegetable farming are offering new income sources for local households.
In 2025, the city has planned 350 major projects with a total investment surpassing 310 billion yuan. The Yan'an High-tech Industrial Development Zone has emerged as a source of technological innovation, covering new materials, energy storage, advanced manufacturing, and a thriving digital economy, backed by widespread 5G infrastructure. Yan'an is now officially recognized as a gigabit city.
Yan‘an transforms while keeping revolutionary spirit alive
Yan‘an transforms while keeping revolutionary spirit alive
