"Even if it takes my last breath, I'll crawl my way to Yan'an." This line from a teenager's diary, penned nearly a century ago, encapsulates the fervent determination of countless young Chinese in the 1930s and 1940s. For them, it was more than just a verse — it was a solemn vow.

During the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), Yan'an, a remote city in Northwest China, emerged as a symbol of hope and resilience for young people eager to save the nation. Individuals like Lei Ye went as far as selling his family home to finance the journey. Others, such as 14-year-old Liu Jie, embarked on the perilous trip with her brothers, undeterred by the threat of shellfire.

What was it about Yan'an that drew these young people to risk everything to reach it?

Eighty years after the victory in the war of resistance, China Daily reporter Yan An retraces their steps. Through this journey, she uncovers the compelling story of a generation whose pilgrimage to Yan'an played a pivotal role in shaping the New China.