Mao Zedong’s hometown awash with visitors ahead of his 123rd birthday celebrations

By Li Hao, Published: 2016-12-25 17:44:54

A family from Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region stand in front of a statue of Mao Zedong in Shaoshan, Central China’s Hunan Province. The family drove thousands of kilometers from Kashgar to pay their respects to the former leader. Photo: Li Hao/GT

Editor's Note:

People from across China have gathered in Mao Zedong’s hometown of Shaoshan in Central China’s Hunan Province to celebrate his 123rd birthday, which falls on December 26.

A man dressed as Mao Zedong poses in Shaoshan on December 25. Photo: Li Hao/GT

People walk to place a bouquet at the foot of Mao’s statue in Shaoshan. Photo: Li Hao/GT

People from Shaoshan dance in a plaza to celebrate the 123rd anniversary of Mao Zedong's birth. Photo: Li Hao/GT

Photo: Li Hao/GT