Ruijin Root-Seeking Journey: In the Red Capital, Touch That Fiery Youth

Friend, if you have even a slight curiosity about history, if you want to see what the places in your textbooks look like in reality, then I really recommend you take a trip to Ruijin. Don’t think of it as a serious “study” trip; it’s more like a “root-seeking” journey, searching for the starting point of the stories beneath our feet. The last time I went to Ruijin, I chose a mild autumn. It’s very convenient to get there from Ganzhou, whether by self-driving or by bus. Along the way, the green mountains and clear waters lifted my spirits. To be honest, before going, my impression of Ruijin was just grand terms like “Red Capital” and “Cradle of the Republic,” but when I actually arrived, I found the atmosphere to be especially simple and peaceful. The first stop I suggest is the Yeping Revolutionary Site Complex. This is the “birthplace” of the Provisional Central Government of the Chinese Soviet Republic. Walking into that courtyard filled with towering ancient trees, stepping on the gravel paths, and looking at rows of weathered earth-yellow houses, the weight of history hits you instantly. You must see the old site of the “First Soviet Congress” — the Xie Family Ancestral Hall. Everything inside is arranged as it was back then: simple wooden tables and benches, portraits of Marx and Lenin hanging on the walls. Just standing there, imagine that decades ago, in this modest ancestral hall, the blueprint of a nation was drawn. That feeling is very special, something no textbook can give you. Behind the hall stands a huge ancient camphor tree, with an unexploded bomb embedded in it! This was left from an enemy air raid, yet the tree survived stubbornly, flourishing like a silent witness. In Yeping, you can feel this “living” history everywhere. The second stop must be the Red Well at Shazhouba. “We drink water but never forget those who dug the well, always remembering Chairman Mao.” We’ve recited this since childhood. When you actually see the well and drink a sip of its clear, refreshing water, you truly understand the weight of this saying. The well water is especially sweet, and nearby stands the famous stone monument. Many visitors, like children, personally turn the wheel to draw a bucket of water — it’s not just an experience, but a kind of ritual, a gesture of gratitude. Around the Red Well are also Chairman Mao’s former residence and the old site of the Central Executive Committee, all very simple farmhouse courtyards that let you genuinely feel the hardships and warmth of the leaders living and working alongside the people. Next, you can visit the “Second Soviet Congress” site, the Great Hall of the Provisional Central Government of the Chinese Soviet Republic. It was known as the People’s Hall at the time, shaped like a Red Army’s octagonal hat, very unique. The interior space is large, able to hold over a thousand people for meetings. Standing in the center of the hall, you can feel the powerful spirit of unity and pioneering the future. Besides these core attractions, Ruijin’s city center is also worth exploring. In the evening, you can take a walk along the Mian River, enjoy the breeze, and admire the city’s night view. Ruijin’s prices are very affordable, so feel free to seek out local delicacies. Be sure to try Ruijin beef soup — it’s fresh, fragrant, and rich, paired with some shredded ginger, and every sip feels comforting. Also try Rentian tofu, which is especially tender and doesn’t easily break no matter how it’s cooked, whether stuffed or braised, it’s super delicious. Some tips: · Time arrangement: Ruijin’s attractions are quite concentrated, so two days and one night is very sufficient. · Transportation: The old site complexes are a bit spread out, but there are sightseeing buses between scenic spots, which is very convenient. If you’re in a group, renting a car offers more freedom. · Mindset: Slow down and don’t treat it as a checklist. Try to feel the stories behind every building and artifact, and you will gain much more. Overall, a trip to Ruijin is a spiritual cleansing. It lacks the hustle and bustle of big cities but has an irreplaceable quiet strength. It tells you that all great beginnings may come from a humble room, a well of water, and a group of young people’s unwavering ideals. I hope you can find your own touch of inspiration in Ruijin.