In 1952, during the Korean War, the volunteer army gains the upper hand after numerous battles. To strengthen their position at the negotiation table, the United Nations Forces make a final stand at Shangganling, launching a fierce assault on October 14. For 43 days, the volunteer soldiers bravely resist and endure intense tunnel warfare under harsh conditions, demonstrating their resilience and determination to leave a lasting impact on the course of history.
Kang Benshan and Wang Ranqiu are workers at the Changxindian Railway Factory, having grown up in the “mouth” and “seam” areas at the heart of the ancient town of Changxindian in southwest Beijing. As skilled craftsmen, they tackle the toughest machine repairs and help build some of the finest trains.
After a natural disaster, the Zhao and Liu villages merges together with the help of the village branch secretary Zhao Shuhe, who works to eliminate poverty and heal the grudges between the two villages.
In 2003, Lu Changhe, a determined official, is tasked with overseeing the restoration of the Grand Canal in Dongjiang City. He addresses pollution, manages resident relocations, and preserves historical landmarks, ultimately contributing to the canal’s inclusion on the World Heritage List in 2014.