Chinese Journal of Literary Criticism

No.3, 2025

Poetic Practices in the Shaan-Gan-Ning Border Region from the Perspective of “Red Revolutionary Literature and Art”

(Abstract)

Cheng Guojun

Within the historical framework of 20th-century China’s “red revolutionary literature and art,” the red poetry of the Shaan-Gan-Ning Border Region holds a significant position. In terms of poetic form exploration, the red poetry of the Shaan-Gan-Ning period introduced notable innovations in the following aspects: First, transforming folk songs and ballads into a modern Chinese “popular” poetic style. Second, revitalizing traditional Chinese poetry to promote a “renaissance” of red poetry. Third, actively developing wartime songs and lyrics. From an aesthetic perspective, red poetry in the Shaan-Gan-Ning Border Region established a unique poetic imagery and stylistic system centered on the color “red,” embodying distinct aesthetic and cultural traits. Re-examining the poetic practices and lyrical traditions of Shaan-Gan-Ning red poetry provides fresh insights into the historical structure of “red revolutionary literature and art,” the artistic innovations of Yan’an literature, and their intrinsic characteristics.