Name: Zunyi

Chinese name: 遵义,遵義

Province: Guizhou

Status: Prefecture-level city

Population: 6,127,009

Area: 30,763 km²

Located in the north of Guizhou province, Zunyi borders Chongqing and the city of Luzhou in Sichuan to the north. Guiyang, the provincial capital, lies 155 km to the south.

The city is dotted with sites that trace the history of the Chinese Communist Party in the twentieth century, which remains its primary draw. The city holds limited appeal for those uninterested in modern Chine history.

History

From the 8th century BC to the 5th century BC, Zunyi was governed by several kingdoms of local ethnic groups.

Encircled in the Jiangxi Soviet by Guomindang troops, the Communists launched in 1934 the monumental Long March—a 9,500 km journey that would see them traverse the entire length of Chine. By mid-December, the troops had reached Guizhou. The Communists stopped in Zunyi to rest and resupply.

In early 1935, Communist leaders convened to assess their situation at the now-famous Zunyi Conference. Soviet-inspired strategies came under scrutiny following fierce criticism from Mao, and the adopted resolutions incorporated his ideas. He was subsequently elected a full member of the Politburo Standing Committee and Zhou Enlai's assistant for military and strategic organization of the party.

This Zunyi Conference proved a crucial turning point in Mao's career before he became the undisputed leader of the Communist Party.

Today

Zunyi is an important tourist destination for those seeking deeper insight into the history of the Chinese Communist Party.

The Zunyi Conference Site, a historic Communist landmark, will immerse you in the heart of Communist history with revolutionary songs echoing throughout the grounds.

For those wishing to experience the surrounding natural landscape, consider venturing into the Chishui scenic area, which intertwines history—retracing the footsteps of the Long March—with pristine nature: stunning vistas, waterfalls, and seas of bamboo.

Climate

Zunyi enjoys a humid subtropical monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature between 13 and 18°C. Summers and winters are mild. The rainy season arrives in summer, between June and July.

Zunyi can be visited year-round.

Air

Xinzhou Airport, located 35 km east of Zunyi's city center, has offered flights since 2012 from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Kunming, Xi'an, Sanya, Wuhan, and Hangzhou.

Train

Regular trains connect Guiyang to Zunyi.

Bus

Numerous bus services operate from Guiyang.

What to Do in Zunyi?

• Immerse yourself in Communist history with a visit to the Zunyi Conference Site.
• Enjoy natural landscapes while exploring the Chishui scenic area.
• Discover the charm of the Xiangshan and Baiyun Buddhist temples.