Visitors flock to Shaoshan 40 years on from Mao’s passing
By Li Hao, Published: 2016-09-08 21:10:40
Two visitors kneel as they show their respects to Mao Zedong at the Mao Zedong Bronze Statue Square in Shaoshan, Hunan Province on September 8. The flower baskets in front of the statue are laid in commemoration of the great leader. Shaoshan is the hometown of Mao Zedong, and with the 40th anniversary of Mao's death falling on September 9, the town has seen a huge influx of domestic tourists. Photo: Li Hao/GT
[GalleryHights]
Photo: Li Hao/GT An actor imitates the accent of late Chinese leader Mao Zedong as he explains Mao Zedong Thought to visitors in Shaoshan on September 7. Photo: Li Hao/GT Visitors commemorate Chairman Mao at the Mao Zedong Bronze Statue Square in Shaoshan on September 8. Photo: Li Hao/GT Photo: Li Hao/GT It is a local Shaoshan tradition that newlywed couples come to the square to bow in front of Mao’s statue. Photo: Li Hao/GT Visitors take a photo in front of Mao’s statue in the square on September 7. Photo: Li Hao/GT A woman takes a selfie in front of a picture depicting the founding ceremony of China at Shaoshan Mao Zedong Memorial Museum on September 7. Photo: Li Hao/GT Portraits of Chairman Mao Zedong and late Premier Zhou Enlai hang on the wall of a hotel in Shaoshan. Many hotels and restaurants in Shaoshan have a space dedicated to selling Mao themed souvenirs. Photo: Li Hao/GT It is common in Shaoshan to place a small Mao figurine in one’s car. Photo: Li Hao/GT People dance at the Youth Mao Zedong Square in Shaoshan on September 7. Photo: Li Hao/GT People dance in the square in front of Shaoshan Railway Station on September 7. Photo: Li Hao/GT