Former Residence of Mao Zedong

(Photo/Yu Fan, Xiangtan Municipal Bureau of Culture, Tourism, Radio, Television, and Sports)

(Photo source: xiangtan.gov.cn)

At Shangwuchang, Shaoshanchong in Shaoshan Village, there stands a U-shaped farmhouse facing north, which is the birthplace of Mao Zedong.

The residence comprises a total of 18 rooms. Mao Zedong was born here on December 26, 1893, and spent his childhood and early teenage years here until he left in the autumn of 1910 to continue his studies elsewhere.

Many of the displayed items in the residence are original artifacts. The bed, desk, and wardrobe in the bedroom; the square table and benches in the central room; the large water jar and cupboard in the kitchen; and the stone mill, waterwheel, and large wooden rake in the farming tool room all once showed signs of Mao Zedong's use. A skylight above Mao Zedong's bedroom, accessible by ladder, opens onto the rooftop. In June 1925, Mao Zedong convened secret meetings here and established the first branch of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Shaoshan.

In front of the residence lies a lotus pond called Nan'an Pond. About 100 meters away stands a private school named Nan'an, where Mao Zedong studied as a youth. The school consisted of over 10 rooms.

Opening hours: 8:00–16:00

Chinese source: shaoshan.gov.cn