Explore Shaoshan – the birthplace of Mao Zedong – from Changsha

Changsha is the capital of Hunan Province in South-central China and has a history of over 3,000 years. Mao Zedong lived and worked as a teacher in Changsha, and it was the site of his conversion to communism. A huge sculpture of Mao's head on Orange Island reminds everyone of his connection to the city. Today, Changsha has an urban population of about 7 million people. A modern city center with skyscrapers, shopping malls and walking streets invites for relaxed strolls. There are also plenty of opportunities to try the famous Hunanese cuisine and street food stores offer small bites such as stinky tofu, mini lobsters, butter pancakes, and many more!

The Water-dripping Cave of Shaoshan, Hunan Province, was described as a cave in the western heaven By Chairman Mao in 1966. It is located in the end of the defile, about four kilometers west of the statue of Mao Zedong. Among the mountains there is endless-flowing stream which formed the cave gradually by dripping waters. It is a famous attraction group in Shaoshan, comprised of natural sceneries and the buildings including No.1 Water-dripping Cave. And it is only three kilometers away from the former residence of Mao Zedong. The sceneries around the Water-dripping Cave are elegant and unsurpassed. In the cave area, there are green mountains, thick bamboo forest, flourish flowers and grasses and singing birds. Moreover, the cave is warm in winter and cool in summer because of its specific location.

Former Residence of Mao Zedong or Mao Zedong's Former Residence was built in the late Qing dynasty (1644–1911). It is located in Shaoshan Village of Shaoshan Township in Shaoshan, Xiangtan, Hunan, China. The building was the birthplace and childhood home of Mao Zedong, the first leader of the People's Republic of China. In 1893, Mao Zedong was born here, and he lived here about 17 years before leaving for his studies. He returned home in 1912 to mobilize his relatives to join the revolution, and he again returned home in 1925 and 1927. Having led the Peasant Movement in Guangzhou, he sought to start a similar movement in Hunan. The house was destroyed by the government in 1929, but in 1950, the newly triumphant Communist government rebuilt the house, and it was visited by Mao's oldest son Mao Anying in May 1950. Mao again returned in 1959, eight years after the new house had been opened as a museum, and five years after it had officially been renamed Mao Zedong's Former Residence.

Located in Mao Zedong Square, Shaoshan, the Mao Zedong Bronze Statue is a key project built in celebration of the 100th birthday of Mao Zedong, following approval from the CPC Central Committee. Surrounded by Shaoshan, the towering bronze statue shines against a backdrop of blue sky and white clouds. Many visitors leave flower baskets and take photos in the square.

Located under the Yinfeng Mountain of Shaoshan, the memorial hall of Mao Zedong was built in 1963 with a total area of 8,000 square meters, including eight attractions: the former residence of Mao Zedong, the tombs of Mao Zedong's parents, former private school of Mao Zedong, Nan'an, statue of Mao Zedong, Ancestral Temple of Mao family, Mao Jian Ancestral Temple, Mao Zhen Ancestral and statue of young Mao Zedong. Now the memorial hall of Mao Zedong has become one of the 100 excellent patriotic education bases and an ideal place for people to memorize the great Chairman Mao. The building in the memorial hall of Mao Zedong is in the garden style and has been praised as a classical work in the modern garden buildings of China.

Shaoshan City is the hometown of Chairman Mao Zedong. It is also a renowned revolutionary memorial site in China as well as one of the major tourist destinations of the country. Situated in the middle of Hunan Province, Shaoshan is 40 kilometers from Xiangtan City and about 120 kilometers from Changsha City, capital of Hunan Province Shaoshan is a good place to trace the stories of Chairman Mao. Relics are left at the places where he used to study, live and engage in revolutionary activities. There is Mao Zedong Former Residence, his bronze, Memorial Hall, the Forest of Steles of Mao's poetries and Memorial Garden. Except for the human landscape, there are also some natural scenic spots, such as Water Dripping Cave and Shao Mountain.