It was started by Chen Duxiu in Shanghai on September 15, 1915. Its headquarters was moved to Beijing in January 1917. Editors included Chen Duxiu, Qian Xuantong, Gao Yihan, Hu Shih, Li Dazhao, Shen Yinmo and Lu Xun. It initiated the New Culture Movement and promoted science, democracy and new literature (baihua).
Being influenced by the 1917 Russian October Revolution, New Youths also began to promote Marxism and its philosophy. From September 1920, New Youth became a propaganda tool of the Communist Party of China. It was shut down in 1926. In the early days, New Youths had influenced thousands of Chinese youngsters including many leaders of the Chinese Communist Party.