Great changes in Chairman Mao's hometown

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The city of Shaoshan is well-known as the birthplace of the great Chinese leader Mao Zedong. Vast changes have taken place in Mao's hometown over the past decades.

People's living standards have greatly improved. Tourism is now a key industry in Shaoshan. It seems that everything in the city is deeply connected with Chairman Mao, including local cuisine. Our reporter Liu Ming files this report.

It's a must for every tourist to have their photo taken against the backdrop of Mao Zedong's former residence. People have to wait for at least half an hour before they can go inside to tour Mao's old residence.

Mao Zedong Residence Visitor, said, "I come to visit the great leader's old residence with reverence."

Mao Zedong Residence Visitor, said, "I take my child here to let him know more about the history of China and Chairman Mao. A very good education for him."

Many seniors in Shaoshan met Chairman Mao. It was a life-time honor for them. Eighty-three year-old Liu Xiuhua is excited when recalling her meeting and the photograph taken with Chairman Mao back in 1959.

Liu has kept this photo for half a century, partly to cherish the memory but also because she is grateful to Chairman Mao. She says people in Shaoshan would not have had a happy life without the great leader.