The 'Two Roads' Spirit Injects Forging Strength into the Building of a Strong Country

In 2014, General Secretary Xi Jinping made an important instruction on the 60th anniversary of the completion and opening of the Sichuan-Tibet and Qinghai-Tibet highways, pointing out that over the past 60 years, in the process of building and maintaining the highways, the 'Two Roads' spirit of fearing neither hardship nor death [1]1 "一不怕苦、二不怕死" (fearing neither hardship nor death) is a revolutionary slogan originating from the road-building troops in the 1950s., tenacious struggle, willingness to be a road paving stone, and army-people unity and ethnic unity was formed and carried forward. The 'Two Roads' spirit is an important component of the spiritual pedigree of Chinese Communists [2]2 "中国共产党人精神谱系" (spiritual pedigree of Chinese Communists) is a list of revolutionary spirits officially recognized by the CPC. and a continuation of the great founding spirit of the Party [3]3 "伟大建党精神" (great founding spirit of the Party) was defined by Xi Jinping in 2021 as the spiritual source of the CPC's hundred-year struggle.. On the new journey of the New Era [4]4 "新时代新征程" (New Era and new journey) is a political phrase referring to the period following the 20th National Congress of the CPC in 2022., we must deeply explain the historical evolution of the 'Two Roads' spirit, analyze its theoretical characteristics, explore its path of promotion, and promote the organic integration of the 'Two Roads' spirit into the practical process of various major national fields such as the building of a strong transportation country, so as to further stimulate the mighty force for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

2014年，习近平总书记就川藏、青藏公路建成通车60周年作出重要批示指出，60年来，在建设和养护公路的过程中，形成和发扬了一不怕苦、二不怕死，顽强拼搏、甘当路石，军民一家、民族团结的“两路”精神。“两路”精神是中国共产党人精神谱系的重要组成部分，是伟大建党精神的传承。在新时代新征程上，我们要深入阐释“两路”精神的历史演进、剖析其理论特质、探寻其弘扬路径，推动“两路”精神有机融入交通强国建设等国家各重大领域的实践进程，进一步激发实现中华民族伟大复兴的磅礴力量。

The 'Two Roads' Spirit Gathers High Aspirations

“两路”精神凝聚壮志

The excellent traditional Chinese culture provides rich nourishment for the 'Two Roads' spirit. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the excellent traditional concept of 'the benevolent love others' (renzhe ai ren) [5]5 "仁者爱人" (the benevolent love others) is a saying from Mencius. has enabled transportation workers, in the practice of 'building roads,' 'maintaining roads,' and 'protecting roads,' to always pay attention to the people's livelihood, serve the people, and commit to benefiting the broad masses with the achievements of transportation construction. The spirit of 'As Heaven's movement is ever vigorous, so must a gentleman ceaselessly strive along' (tian xing jian, junzi yi ziqiang buxi) [6]6 "天行健，君子以自强不息" (As Heaven's movement is ever vigorous, so must a gentleman ceaselessly strive along) is from the I Ching. further inspired transportation workers to strive ceaselessly and advance bravely, always maintaining firm faith and high morale, repeatedly tackling difficulties and creating brilliance. The value orientation of 'Every man alive has a duty to his country' (tianxia xingwang, pifu you ze) [7]7 "天下兴亡，匹夫有责" (Every man alive has a duty to his country) is a saying attributed to the Ming-Qing scholar Gu Yanwu. made transportation workers harbor feelings of family and country, building the Sichuan-Tibet and Qinghai-Tibet highways with their own flesh and blood, opening up thoroughfares for national development and ethnic unity.

中华优秀传统文化为“两路”精神提供了丰富的滋养。在中国共产党的领导下，“仁者爱人”的优秀传统理念使交通人在“筑路”“养路”“护路”实践过程中，始终关注民生、服务民众，致力于将交通建设的成果惠及广大人民群众。“天行健，君子以自强不息”精神进一步激发了交通人自强不息、勇往直前，始终保持坚定信念和昂扬斗志，不断攻坚克难，创造辉煌。“天下兴亡，匹夫有责”价值取向使交通人心怀家国情怀，以血肉之躯筑起川藏、青藏公路，为国家发展、民族团结开辟通途。

At the same time, revolutionary culture endowed the 'Two Roads' spirit with distinct red genes [8]8 "红色基因" (red genes) refers to the revolutionary heritage of the CPC, especially the spirit of sacrifice and service.. To liberate Tibet, according to orders from the Central Military Commission, the 18th Army [9]9 "十八军" (18th Army) was a military unit of the People's Liberation Army that built the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. led by Zhang Guohua [10]10 "张国华" (1914–1972) was a Chinese Communist general who led the 18th Army into Tibet. and Tan Guansan [11]11 "谭冠三" (1902–1985) was a political commissar of the 18th Army. marched from the southwest direction while building roads, and the northwest troops represented by Fan Ming [12]12 "范明" (1916–2010) was a political officer who led the northwest contingent into Tibet. and Mu Shengzhong [13]13 "慕生忠" (1910–1994) was a general known as the "father of the Qinghai-Tibet Highway." marched from Qinghai to Tibet. Both forces shouldered the historical mission of building the Sichuan-Tibet and Qinghai-Tibet highways. Having emerged from revolutionary wars, the revolutionary spirit of arduous struggle and fearlessness of sacrifice was fully displayed in the road-building army, and red genes such as heroic struggle and wholehearted service to the people were deeply imprinted in the 'Two Roads' spirit.

同时，革命文化为“两路”精神赋予了鲜明的红色基因。为解放西藏，根据中央军委命令，张国华、谭冠三领导的十八军从西南方向一面修路一面向西藏进军，以范明、慕生忠为代表的西北部队从青海出发进军西藏，两支部队肩负着修筑川藏、青藏公路的历史使命。这些部队从革命战争中走来，艰苦奋斗、不怕牺牲等革命精神在筑路大军身上展现得淋漓尽致，英勇斗争、全心全意为人民服务等红色基因深深烙印在“两路”精神之中。

Facing towering mountains, swift currents and dangerous shoals, harsh climate and crude equipment, the road-building army resolutely embarked on this arduous journey full of unknowns and challenges. With the courage that 'more hardships cannot scare us,' the determination that 'poor conditions cannot defeat us,' and the perseverance that 'heavy tasks cannot overwhelm us,' they never flinched even in the face of numerous difficulties, completely ending the history of Tibet having no modern highways, and creating a miracle in the history of world highway construction on the 'roof of the world' which is a 'forbidden zone for human life.'

面对崇山峻岭、急流险滩以及恶劣的气候和简陋的装备，筑路大军毅然踏上了这条充满未知与挑战的艰辛之旅。他们以“艰险多吓不倒”的勇气、“条件差难不倒”的决心、“任务重压不倒”的毅力，即使困难重重也毫不退缩，彻底结束了西藏没有现代公路的历史，在“人类生命禁区”的“世界屋脊”创造了世界公路建设史上的奇迹。

The maintenance work of the 'Two Roads' was equally difficult. Over the long years, generations of road maintainers stood fast on the plateau, enduring the tests of severe cold and oxygen deficiency, and guarded these two roads of life with sweat and life. In this arduous maintenance practice, hard struggle, silent persistence, and sacrifice and dedication are the most vivid embodiment and portrayal of the 'Two Roads' spirit.

“两路”的养护工作同样艰难。在漫长的岁月里，一代代养路人坚守在高原上，忍受着严寒和缺氧的考验，用汗水和生命守护着这两条生命之路。在这种艰苦卓绝的养护实践中，艰苦奋斗、默默坚守、牺牲奉献就是“两路”精神最生动的体现和写照。

Guided by the 'Two Roads' spirit, generation after generation of transportation workers have forged ahead, and the transportation industry has achieved brilliant accomplishments, building the world's largest high-speed railway network, expressway network, and world-class port clusters. On the new journey, the building of a strong transportation country entails heavy responsibilities and a long road; breakthroughs in technologies such as smart transportation, autonomous driving, and new energy vehicles still require transportation workers to concentrate their efforts and blaze new trails.

在“两路”精神引领下，一代又一代交通人砥砺前行，交通运输事业取得了辉煌成就，建成全球最大的高速铁路网、高速公路网、世界级港口群。新征程上，交通强国建设任重而道远，智慧交通、自动驾驶、新能源汽车等技术的突破，仍需要交通人凝心聚力、开拓创新。

The 'Two Roads' spirit is also a precious spiritual asset of the country and the nation. Under the strong leadership of our Party, people of all ethnic groups, upholding the courage of 'fearing neither hardship nor death,' adhering to the conviction of 'tenacious struggle and willingness to be a road paving stone,' and carrying forward the spirit of 'army-people unity and ethnic unity,' unite all forces that can be united, advance bravely, work hard, and forge ahead, they will certainly be able to inspire great creative power and realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

“两路”精神同时是国家和民族的宝贵精神财富，在我们党的坚强领导下，各族人民秉持“一不怕苦、二不怕死”的勇气，坚守“顽强拼搏、甘当路石”的信念，弘扬“军民一家、民族团结”的精神，团结一切可以团结的力量，勇往直前、艰苦奋斗、砥砺奋进，一定能够激发伟大的创造力量，实现中华民族的伟大复兴。

The 'Two Roads' Spirit Has Rich Connotations

“两路”精神内涵丰富

Reviewing the history of the formation of the 'Two Roads' spirit, the officers and soldiers of the 2nd Company of the 155th Regiment of the 52nd Division of the 18th Army [14]14 "十八军五十二师一五五团二连" (2nd Company, 155th Regiment, 52nd Division, 18th Army) is the unit that first used the slogan "fearing neither hardship nor death.", in the arduous struggle of entering Tibet and building the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, shouted out the slogan 'fearing neither hardship nor death' for the first time, fully embodying revolutionary heroism. During the construction of the 'Two Roads,' the builders conquered snow-capped mountains that pierced the clouds, traversed vast and boundless grasslands, crossed turbulent and rushing rivers, and worked in harsh environments of high altitude, cold, oxygen deficiency, and complex geology. Even when encountering disasters such as landslides and mudslides, and even sacrificing precious lives, they did not flinch. This tenacity and fearlessness are precisely the embodiment of revolutionary heroism.

回顾“两路”精神生成史，十八军五十二师一五五团二连官兵在进军西藏、修筑川藏公路的艰苦斗争中，首次喊出“一不怕苦、二不怕死”的口号，充分体现了革命的英雄主义。在“两路”修筑过程中，建设者们征服高耸入云的雪山，穿越广袤无垠的草原，跨越湍急汹涌的河流，在高寒缺氧、地质复杂的恶劣环境下作业，即使遭遇塌方、泥石流等灾害，甚至牺牲宝贵生命也不退缩，这种坚忍与无畏正是革命英雄主义的体现。

The harsh conditions and numerous dangers set off the builders' positive mentality of always adhering to revolutionary optimism. In the project of opening the Que'er Mountain [15]15 "雀儿山" (Chola Mountain) is a high mountain on the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, reaching over 6,000 meters. tunnel, they put forward the slogans 'Hardship is glory' and 'Tenacity is victory,' and launched red flag labor competitions [16]16 "夺红旗劳动竞赛" (red flag labor competition) is a form of socialist emulation campaign to boost productivity, common in Mao-era China., embodying the heroic spirit of 'Heroes and good men, see you in Lhasa.' In addition to hard labor, cultural and entertainment activities such as 'small concerts,' clapper talk plays, and film screenings were held on the construction site. With revolutionary optimism and firm conviction, the road-building army turned the long and arduous road-building process into an unremitting pursuit of a better life.

条件艰苦、危险重重，反衬出建设者们始终坚持革命乐观主义的积极心态。在打通雀儿山工程中，他们提出了“艰苦就是光荣”“顽强就是胜利”的口号，开展夺红旗劳动竞赛，体现了“英雄好汉，拉萨再见”的豪迈气概。在艰苦劳动之余，工地上开展“小型演唱会”、快板剧、电影放映等文娱活动。筑路大军用革命乐观主义坚定信念将漫长艰辛的筑路过程变成对美好生活的不懈追求。

'Tenacious struggle and willingness to be a road paving stone' is a vivid portrayal of the builders' fearless fighting spirit. Facing the extremely harsh environment of the 'roof of the world,' they manually chiseled on precipitous cliffs, advanced with difficulty in ice and snow, and with iron will and tenacious fighting spirit, forcibly opened up a major transportation artery connecting the interior with the border areas in the 'forbidden zone for life,' displaying an indomitable and forward-looking fighting spirit.

“顽强拼搏、甘当路石”是建设者们无畏无惧战斗精神的生动写照。面对世界屋脊的极端恶劣环境，他们在悬崖峭壁上手工开凿，于冰天雪地中艰难推进，凭借钢铁般的意志和顽强斗志，硬是在“生命禁区”开辟出了连接内地与边疆的交通要道，展现了坚韧不拔、勇往直前的战斗精神。

Behind the practice and struggle of 'tenacious struggle and willingness to be a road paving stone' lies a strict scientific spirit. Highway construction is a rigorous scientific project. Taking the 'four nevers' [17]17 "四个绝不" (four nevers) is a set of strict quality standards used by road surveyors. — never misreport a figure, never misplace a point, never fail to survey a gully, never fail to draw a line — as their guideline, from surveying and design to construction, every link embodies scientific wisdom and rational judgment.

“顽强拼搏、甘当路石”实践奋斗的背后蕴含着严格的科学精神。公路建设是一项严谨的科学工程，建设者以绝不错报一个数、绝不错上一个点、绝不少测一条沟、绝不少画一条线“四个绝不”为准则，从测量、设计到施工，每一个环节都凝聚着科学的智慧与理性的判断。

The army and people built the roads hand in hand, and people of all ethnic groups united as one, fully demonstrating deep mutual assistance and a shared destiny. In the construction of the Sichuan-Tibet and Qinghai-Tibet highways, military officers and soldiers and local people fought side by side, sharing joys and hardships. The road-building troops displayed tenacious fighting style, charging ahead and undertaking difficult and dangerous construction tasks; Tibetan people enthusiastically supported the construction projects and actively participated in transportation work; all parts of the country gave full support and provided materials. The military and people supported each other, and people of all ethnic groups felt like one family, gathering a strong joint force for road construction and maintenance.

军民携手筑路，各族人民团结一心，尽显情深互助、命运与共。在川藏、青藏公路的建设中，军队官兵与地方百姓并肩作战、同甘共苦。筑路部队发挥顽强的战斗作风，冲锋在前，承担艰难危险的施工任务；藏族民众踊跃支援修建工程，积极参与运送工作；全国各地全力支持，提供物资。军民相互支持，各族民众亲如一家，为公路建设维护凝聚了强大合力。

The cornerstone of 'army-people unity and ethnic unity' is adhering to the people's standpoint, and is the maintenance and pursuit of the fundamental interests of the broadest masses of the people. The construction of the Sichuan-Tibet and Qinghai-Tibet highways fundamentally improved the lives of the Tibetan people and promoted economic development in the Tibet region. The 'Two Roads' connect the interior with the border areas, strengthen exchanges between different regions, forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation [18]18 "铸牢中华民族共同体意识" (forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation) is a key concept in CPC ethnic policy, emphasizing national unity., and create conditions for the progress of education, medical care, culture and other undertakings in the border areas, so that people of all ethnic groups share in the fruits of national development.

“军民一家、民族团结”的基石是坚持人民立场，是对最广大人民根本利益的维护与追求。川藏、青藏公路的修筑从根本上改善了西藏人民的生活，促进了西藏地区的经济发展。“两路”连接内地与边疆，加强了不同地区间的交流，铸牢了中华民族共同体意识，为边疆地区的教育、医疗、文化等事业进步创造了条件，各族人民共享国家发展成果。

The 'Two Roads' Spirit Continues to Forge Ahead

“两路”精神续写奋进

Under the conditions of all-media [19]19 "全媒体" (all-media or omnimedia) refers to the integration of traditional and new media in communication. communication practice, to promote the 'Two Roads' spirit it is necessary to perfect the all-media communication system, continuously enhance communication effectiveness and influence, form a good social atmosphere of striving hard, daring to take responsibility, solidarity and mutual assistance, and continue to write new chapters of the magnificent practice of our Party leading the people of all ethnic groups in continuous struggle.

在全媒体传播实践条件下，弘扬“两路”精神需要完善全媒体传播体系，不断提升传播效能与影响力，在全社会形成拼搏奋进、勇于担当、团结互助的良好风尚，续写我们党领导各族人民接续奋斗的壮丽实践新篇。

To vigorously promote the spiritual pedigree of Chinese Communists, and in practice to publicize and explain well the touching deeds and spiritual outlook of the 'Two Roads' transportation workers, it is necessary to strengthen media integration and collaboration, with traditional media such as newspapers, radio, and television cooperating with new media such as mobile media, social media, and digital media, and empowering communication through digital-intelligence algorithms. Emphasis should be placed on implementing multi-sensory, multi-scenario immersive communication models, fully utilizing technologies such as AR, VR, and MR to recreate the arduous scenes of road building, allowing people to experience firsthand the spiritual shock of the ancestors' pioneering work. Public participation should be strengthened, by organizing themed cultural festivals, experiential activities of retracing the 'Two Roads,' encouraging the public to share insights on social platforms, and creating a strong atmosphere of nationwide communication in inheriting and promoting the 'Two Roads' spirit.

大力弘扬中国共产党人的精神谱系，在实践中宣传阐释好“两路”交通人的感人事迹和精神风貌，要加强媒体的整合与协作，报刊、广播、电视等传统媒体与移动媒体、社交媒体、数字媒体等新媒体相互配合，借助数智算法赋能传播。要注重推行多感官、多场景的沉浸式传播模式，充分利用AR、VR、MR等技术重现筑路的艰辛场景，让人们身临其境地感受先辈们开山辟路的精神震撼。要加强社会公众的参与，通过举办主题文化节、重走“两路”体验活动、鼓励大众在社交平台分享感悟等方式，在传承弘扬“两路”精神中营造全民传播的浓厚氛围。

The 'Two Roads' spirit is a precious spiritual resource for school operation and education. It should be integrated into ideological-political courses and curriculum-based ideological-political education [20]20 "思政课程与课程思政" (ideological-political courses and curriculum-based ideological-political education) refers to the integration of political education into all subjects., and the system of using the 'Two Roads' spirit to forge souls and educate people [21]21 "铸魂育人" (forge souls and educate people) is a Party phrase emphasizing ideological and moral education. should be perfected. This is of great significance for cultivating new-generation individuals with all-round development in morals, intelligence, physique, aesthetics, and labor [22]22 "德智体美劳全面发展" (all-round development in morals, intelligence, physique, aesthetics, and labor) is the official educational goal of the CPC.. The 'Two Roads' spirit should be incorporated into the ideological-political education system, the integrated education mechanism should be improved, following students' cognitive laws, and gradually guiding elementary, middle school, and college students to internalize the 'Two Roads' spirit in their minds and hearts, achieving an organic integration of knowledge transfer and value guidance. At the same time, campus cultural and social practice activities with the theme of the 'Two Roads' spirit should be carried out, in cooperation with social institutions such as museums and memorial halls, to develop educational programs suitable for students of different age groups, and effectively enrich volunteer service activities with the theme of the 'Two Roads' spirit.

“两路”精神是学校办学育人的宝贵精神资源，要将其融入思政课程与课程思政，完善“两路”精神铸魂育人体系，对于培育德智体美劳全面发展的时代新人具有重要意义。要将“两路”精神纳入思政教育体系，健全一体化育人机制，遵循学生认知规律，循序渐进地引导小学、中学和大学学生将“两路”精神入脑入心，实现知识传授与价值引领的有机融合。同时，要开展以“两路”精神为主题的校园文化和社会实践活动，与博物馆、纪念馆等社会机构合作，开发适合不同年龄段学生的教育项目，切实丰富“两路”精神主题志愿服务活动等。

The 'Two Roads' spirit is a precious spiritual asset for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. It is necessary to perfect the system of integrating and transforming the 'Two Roads' spirit, organically transforming it into actions that promote national development and social progress. The 'Two Roads' spirit should be integrated into public service sectors of national economic and social development such as transportation, combined with core socialist values, to inspire public officials to carry forward the spirit of selfless dedication, continuously innovate service models, optimize service processes, and improve service quality. The areas along the 'Two Roads' should deeply explore the cultural connotation of the 'Two Roads' spirit, vigorously develop characteristic cultural industries, create a series of cultural brands, and develop diversified cultural and creative products such as film and television works, literary works, and souvenirs with the 'Two Roads' spirit as the theme, promoting the integration of culture and tourism, and agriculture and tourism, helping to build the Two Roads economic belt [23]23 "两路经济带" (Two Roads economic belt) is a development strategy for regions along the Sichuan-Tibet and Qinghai-Tibet highways., and promoting high-quality development.

“两路”精神是实现中华民族伟大复兴的宝贵精神财富，要完善“两路”精神的融合转化体系，有机转化为推动国家发展和社会进步的行动。要将“两路”精神融入交通运输等国家经济社会发展的公共服务领域，与社会主义核心价值观相结合，激励公职人员发扬无私奉献精神，不断创新服务模式、优化服务流程、提高服务质量。“两路”沿线地区要深入挖掘“两路”精神的文化内涵，大力发展特色文化产业，打造一系列文化品牌，开发以“两路”精神为主题的影视作品、文学作品、纪念品等多样化的文化创意产品，推动文旅融合、农旅融合，助力打造两路经济带，促进高质量发展。

The 'Two Roads' spirit is an inexhaustible driving force for building a modern socialist new Tibet [24]24 "社会主义现代化新西藏" (modern socialist new Tibet) is the official goal for Tibet's development as articulated by Xi Jinping.. The 'Two Roads' spirit should be used to further inspire and encourage generation after generation to continue struggling and create one miracle after another. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that 'to govern the country, we must govern the borders; to govern the borders, we must first stabilize Tibet' [25]25 "治国必治边、治边先稳藏" (to govern the country, we must govern the borders; to govern the borders, we must first stabilize Tibet) is a key governance principle of Xi Jinping regarding Tibet., and demanded 'to strive to build a united, prosperous, civilized, harmonious, and beautiful modern socialist new Tibet.' On the new journey of the New Era, continuing to write new chapters of ethnic unity and common prosperity and development, the 'Two Roads' spirit will inevitably become the spiritual driving force to inspire cadres and masses of all ethnic groups to start undertakings, the spiritual support for achieving national prosperity, social harmony, and individual growth, and inspire socialist builders in the New Era to unremittingly strive and bravely take the lead in the journey of comprehensively advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-path modernization.

“两路”精神是建设社会主义现代化新西藏的不竭动力，要以“两路”精神进一步激励、鼓舞一代又一代人持续奋斗，创造一个又一个奇迹。习近平总书记强调“治国必治边、治边先稳藏”，要求“努力建设团结富裕文明和谐美丽的社会主义现代化新西藏”。新时代新征程，续写民族团结、共同繁荣发展的新篇章，“两路”精神必然成为激发各族干部群众干事创业热情的精神动力，实现国家富强、社会和谐、个人成长的精神支撑，激励新时代社会主义建设者在以中国式现代化全面推进中华民族伟大复兴征程中不懈奋斗、勇当先锋。

(The author is the Deputy Director of the Chongqing Research Center for the Theoretical System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and the Party Secretary of Chongqing Jiaotong University)

（作者系重庆市中国特色社会主义理论体系研究中心副主任、重庆交通大学党委书记）

Online editor: Huihui

网络编辑：慧慧