The exhibition themed “When the Going Got Tough - Special Exhibition on Milestones in the History of the CPC” was the first of its kind to focus on major campaigns in the CPC’s history that overcame seemingly insurmountable challenges. The exhibition provides historical context for remarks made by General Secretary Xi Jinping at the CPC Centenary Celebrations on July 1, 2021, and at the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee on November 8, 2021, about how the Communist Party of China was a go-getter during difficult times.

The five-part exhibition delved deeply into the details of how the Party blazed a trail of success through hard work and iron will in the face of adversity using a variety of media, including art, visuals, and immersive experiences. Innovative presentations, such as embedding historical relics in reenacted settings, increased visitor engagement. The exhibition, co-curated by the Memorial of the First National Congress of the CPC and the Shanghai Library, included 170 artifacts and documents.

The exhibition was part of an effort to provide a comprehensive look at pivotal moments in the Party's history through themed exhibitions.