Red Tourism Surges as Students Explore Revolutionary History

Across China, a distinctive form of summer travel is experiencing an unprecedented surge. “Red tourism” — visits to revolutionary historical sites associated with the Communist Party of China’s history — has become the centerpiece of the 2026 summer holidays, as millions of students participate in educational tours that blend sightseeing with patriotic education.

According to CCTV News, the phenomenon is unfolding nationwide, from Beijing to Gansu, Shandong to Chongqing, as students trade traditional classrooms for “real-world classrooms” at revolutionary landmarks.

A Nationwide Movement

At the Peking University Red Building in Beijing — the birthplace of the May Fourth Movement — a new summer “City Walk” study route has been launched, connecting multiple revolutionary landmarks including the former site of New Youth magazine, Zhongshan Park, and Tiananmen Square. Tang Haochen, Head of Information Resources at the memorial hall, noted that of the 3.2 million visitors over the past five years, youth under 18 accounted for over 60 percent.

“We invite everyone, in ways that young people enjoy, to explore the glorious deeds of revolutionary pioneers while walking, and to draw strength for progress in the red venues,” Tang told CCTV.

Student Wang Yangboya, from Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics Experimental School, described the experience as far more impactful than textbook learning: “This time I came more to see the environment in which the revolutionary forebears worked and carried out their revolution. It’s much more impressive than what’s in the textbooks.”

Immersive Learning Across Provinces

The trend extends well beyond the capital. In Shaanxi province, the Xi’an Jiaotong University West Relocation Museum is hosting study teams from multiple universities, showcasing the history of the university’s 1956 relocation from Shanghai to Xi’an — a story of sacrifice for national development. Yang Jianke, Deputy Director of Academic Affairs, said the goal is to help students “experience history, broaden their horizons, and inspire them to devote themselves to science and technology and to patriotic dedication.”

In Zibo, Shandong, the “Dongjian Shiguang” scenic area — a former “Third Front” military-industrial complex converted into an immersive cultural tourism site — offers students a hands-on encounter with China’s industrial heritage. Student Liu Zixuan shared his reflections: “Previously I could only learn scattered historical stories from textbooks. Today, by personally visiting the revolutionary sites and walking the red ancient paths, I truly understand that a peaceful life is hard-won.” As Xinhua reported, parents are also enthusiastic, with one parent noting that “the walking-style study tour has more educational significance” than traditional summer activities.

In Fujian province, the education department launched a summer social practice program themed “Following the Footsteps of Leaders, Walking the New Long March Well,” with 15 provincial-level demonstration teams heading to 15 provinces along the Long March route. Wu Weiping, a first-level inspector with the Fujian Provincial Education Department, told Xinhua that 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of the Long March victory and the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China — providing timely impetus for expanded programming.

Technology and Youth-Centric Design

What distinguishes the 2026 red tourism boom is its emphasis on immersive, age-appropriate experiences. At the Xiangshan Revolution Memorial Hall in Beijing, which houses over 800 historical photos and more than 1,200 cultural relics, officials have designed tiered study courses for different age groups, complete with pop-up books and interactive activities. The hall has also recruited youth volunteer docents to help peers engage with revolutionary history.

In Gansu province, the Nanliang Revolutionary Base has pioneered a “real scene + physical objects + immersive experience” model that attracted over 30,000 teachers and students from more than 20 schools during the Qingming Festival period alone, as reported by the Red Tourism Network. Gansu has since released 10 major study tour themed routes for summer 2026, with “Red Culture” as the first theme.

Analysis: More Than Tourism

The red tourism boom reflects a deliberate policy push for patriotic education through experiential learning. Since 2004, China’s central government has issued multiple five-year plans for red tourism development, and 2021 saw the launch of 100 red tourism routes covering revolutionary sites nationwide. The 2026 summer surge is amplified by two major anniversaries: 90 years since the Long March victory and 105 years since the founding of the CPC.

Yet the phenomenon also speaks to broader trends: rising demand for culturally enriching travel experiences, the integration of technology into heritage education, and a shift from passive classroom learning to active, immersive engagement. Chongqing’s Gele Mountain Revolutionary Memorial Hall and the Zhazidong and Baigongguan sites have seen families bringing children to learn about revolutionary history, as Tencent News reported.

What to Watch

As the summer holiday season continues, the scale of red tourism is expected to grow further. Key questions remain: How will local economies benefit from this tourism wave? And how will students’ perceptions of these experiences evolve as the format matures? What is clear is that China’s “real-world classrooms” have become a defining feature of the 2026 summer — blending education, tourism, and national identity in a uniquely Chinese approach to learning.