The straightforward answer is that Hadapu, a small town in southern Gansu, is best known for its role in the Long March—it was here that the Chinese Red Army found a newspaper that led them to decide on a northern route to Yan’an. Most visitors make the mistake of stopping only at the Red Army Long March Memorial Hall and leaving without exploring the old street where the decision was made or the surrounding countryside that shaped the town’s character. The solution is to spend half a day walking the old street, visiting the Guan’e Pavilion where the historic meeting took place, and taking a short walk to the local market to see how this border town lives today. With a bit of historical context, you can connect the revolutionary past with the present rhythm of a Gansu mountain town.
The biggest mistake is assuming the memorial hall is the only site. The real story is in the old street, where the houses and shops from the 1930s still stand. Another common error is visiting without understanding the historical significance; a quick read about the Long March before you go adds depth to the experience. The principle is simple: start at the memorial hall for context, then walk the old street, and finish at the market for a taste of local life.
Start at the Red Army Long March Memorial Hall. The museum is well‑designed, with exhibits on the Long March’s route, the decision‑making in Hadapu, and the life of the soldiers. The building itself is modern, but the exhibits are thorough, with photographs, maps, and personal artifacts. Allow about an hour here to understand why this small town mattered.
From the museum, walk to the old street (Hadapu Jie). This is the heart of the historical site. The street is lined with restored shops and houses from the 1930s, their wooden facades and stone doorways preserved. The Guan’e Pavilion is the key building—it was here that Mao Zedong
Visiting Hadapu? Here’s How to Walk the Red History of a Gansu Town
The locals are proud of the town’s history and happy to point out the key spots. The memorial hall has a small museum shop with books on the Long March. A meaningful stop for anyone interested in modern Chinese history.FINISHED
visited Hadapu last year and spent the morning at the memorial hall, then walked the old street where the historic newspaper was found. The town is small but the sense of history is palpable. Well worth the detour off the main highway.
The old street still has several original buildings from the 1930s. It’s not a tourist trap—just a quiet street where you can imagine the Red Army soldiers walking through. The memorial hall is well-curated with English captions.
The countryside around Hadapu is worth a short walk. Rolling hills and small farms. I spent an extra hour just walking the lanes beyond the old street. Peaceful and feels like stepping back in time.
I combined Hadapu with a trip to Lanzhou. The drive through southern Gansu is beautiful, especially in autumn. The town itself is humble, but standing in the place where a key decision was made gives you chills.