With the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) approaching, the hometown of Mao Zedong (1893-1976), one of the founders of the People's Republic of China, has attracted many travelers. Everyday, cars and buses pack the parking lot in front of the Shaoshan Mao Zedong Memory Hall. Over 1.2 million travelers visit the museum each year and an increasing number of people come to show their reverence for the former great leader.
Located at the foot of Shaoshan Mountain in central China’s Hunan Province, the Shaoshan Mao Zedong Memorial Hall was built and opened to the public in 1964. There are many historical materials reflecting Mao's revolutionary experiences and life. The most valuable are his personal belongings.
Most of the articles that Mao used during his lifetime are collected here. Among these, the seal, carved with the name of Mao Zedong, 6 cm long and 5.5 cm high, impresses everyone. The seal was cut by Deng Sanmu, a well-known craftsman, on August 1963.
Mao was very fond of reading Chinese classical books. One pair of white gloves he used to wear when he read the books is exhibited, showing the way he cherished the volumes. Also on display are two pairs of glasses with one lens. According to the interpreter, as Mao was used to reading books lying on one side, the glasses were specially made for that purpose.
Other eye-catching exhibits include Mao’s jeep made in former Soviet Union, matches, radio, garments and accountancy items.
Lying in beautiful countryside, Mao's hometown has become a scenic attraction in Hunan Province. These days, Mao Xinyu, the grandson of Mao Zedong, is also there. He has been selected to star as his grandfather in a new film reflecting the great leader’s life. Travelers often ask him to take pictures with them when he is free. They are very pleased to have the opportunity to meet Mao's grandson in his hometown.
Thirty-seven kilometers away from Mao's hometown is the family home of Liu Shaoqi (1898-1969), another top CPC leader and president of the People's Republic of China in 1959-1969.
Now all these hometowns and the museums of the Chinese great leaders have become historical revolution-based travel sites attracting numerous visitors.
(china.org.cn 06/11/2001)
