长征
cháng zhēng · HSK 7
long journey
🥾🏔️ 长 long + 征 expedition — the march that crossed all of China
征 zhēng means military campaign or expedition. 长征 is literally a long campaign — most famously the Red Armys 6000-mile retreat. 征 also appears in 远征 (distant expedition).
长 — pictograph of long-haired person with cane
Originally a pictograph showing a person with long, flowing hair leaning on a cane, representing an elder. The meaning extended from 'long hair' to 'long' in general, and also to 'elder' or 'to grow' (read zhǎng). The modern form 长 is a simplification of the traditional 長.
征 — 彳 (step) + 正 (upright/correct)
Originally written 征, this character combines 彳 'step/walk' with 正 'upright,' suggesting a righteous march or expedition. It first meant a military campaign or journey to subdue, then broadened to 'to go on a long trip' and figuratively 'to levy' (as in collecting taxes during campaigns).