The fundamental reasons why the Communist Party of China (CPC) succeeds and why socialism with Chinese characteristics works are that Marxism works, and more specifically, Marxism adapted to the Chinese context and the needs of our times works. Marxism has a distinct truth orientation in China’s innovative development. This is the noble pursuit of developing Marxism, the endogenous driver for promoting cultural confidence, and the directional guidance for achieving national rejuvenation. As a realistic state, there are specific application fields for promoting the innovative development of Marxism. In contemporary China, in the realm of ideology, the Party’s innovative theories resonate deeply with the people, while diverse and intricate social thoughts coexist. In the domain of cognition, the guiding principles of the Party and the state remain unshakeable, yet certain misconceptions about Marxism persist. In academic spheres, there is a strong emphasis on using academic discourse to serve political education, though the construction of China’s independent knowledge system still requires acceleration. In the field of life, scientific worldviews and methodologies guide the major policies of the Party and state, while erroneous views conflicting with mainstream values exert a negative impact on people’s production and livelihoods. Problems are the voice of the times. To accurately grasp the real-world context of Marxism’s innovative development in China, we must focus on its fundamental direction, driving force, foundational support, and spheres of application. By using scientific theories to strengthen its orientation, deepening reforms to boost its momentum, advancing academic innovation to consolidate its foundations, and leveraging life practices to enhance its integration into daily life, we can continuously widen the theoretical horizons, increase the theoretical reserves, and elevate the theoretical height of contemporary Chinese Marxism.