Young docents keep Long March story alive in Sichuan
In May 1935, Liu Bocheng, a Red Army commander, and Xiao Yedan, head of the Guoji clan of the Yi ethnic group, swore a blood oath by the Yihai Lake in Mianning county, Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture, Sichuan province.
The alliance enabled the Red Army to pass through Yi-inhabited areas and bought it time for the subsequent forced crossing of the Dadu River and the swift capture of the Luding Bridge during the Long March.
More than 90 years later, young "Red Scarf" docents in Mianning are keeping the story alive. Moved by the story, one visitor said, "This must be told to more people."
Since last year, more than 80 primary school students have taken part in docent training. While the storytellers change, ethnic unity and mutual support remain unchanged.
