长征

• Pinyin: cháng zhēng
• Hanzi breakdown: 长 = simplified 長; 征 = 彳(step radical) + 正 (upright, phonetic)

Meaning

Long March; long expedition. Historically, the Chinese Communist Party's strategic military retreat (1934–1935). More broadly, any arduous, long-distance journey or sustained struggle.

Primarily known as the Long March (长征), a defining event in CCP and PRC history in which the Red Army retreated approximately 12,500 km to escape Nationalist forces. Has become a cultural symbol of perseverance, sacrifice, and revolutionary spirit. In modern usage, 长征 is also used metaphorically for demanding, prolonged undertakings (新的长征 — a new long march). China's Long March rocket series is also named after it.

Examples

1. 长征精神是中国共产党历史上最宝贵的精神财富之一，激励了几代中国人不懈奋斗。 The Long March spirit is one of the most precious spiritual legacies in the history of the Chinese Communist Party and has inspired generations of Chinese people in their relentless struggle.
2. 经历了漫长的研发攻关，这支团队完成了中国航天技术上的一次新的长征。 After a protracted campaign of research and development, this team completed what amounted to a new Long March in Chinese aerospace technology.
3. 博物馆里的那幅油画生动再现了红军将士在雪山草地上艰难跋涉的长征历程。 The oil painting in the museum vividly recreates the arduous journey of Red Army soldiers trudging through snow-covered mountains and grasslands during the Long March.

Usage Guide

Context: history, politics, culture, space technology, metaphor

Tone: solemn

Do Say

• 长征五号运载火箭成功将探测器送入预定轨道，标志着我国深空探测能力迈上新台阶。(The Long March 5 carrier rocket successfully placed the probe into its designated orbit, marking a new milestone in China's deep-space exploration capability.)
• 我们正处于实现民族复兴的新长征途中，需要每一代人的接续奋斗。(We are in the midst of a new Long March towards national rejuvenation, requiring the sustained efforts of every generation.)

Don't Say

• 周末去爬山是一次长征。(In casual speech, a long hike should use 长途跋涉 or 远足; 长征 carries strong historical and heroic connotations and sounds hyperbolic for a weekend outing)

Origin & History

长 (long) + 征 (expedition, military march). A long military expedition or sustained march.

Cultural Context

Era: Republican era / modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal