Shaoshan Scenic Area, Xiangtan
The Shaoshan Scenic Area (韶山旅游区) is located in Shaoshan (韶山), Xiangtan (湘潭), in Hunan Province (湖南省), China. Known for its natural beauty and historical significance, it is a popular destination for visitors exploring the birthplace of Mao Zedong (毛泽东), the founding father of the People’s Republic of China. The scenic area is a collection of several key sites, including the Mao Zedong Memorial Park, Shuiyun Cave, Shaofeng Mountain, and the Mao Zedong Former Residence.
Geographical Location
Location: Shaoshan Village, Shaoshan Township, Shaoshan City, Xiangtan, Hunan Province
Coordinates: Longitude 112°23′–112°38′, Latitude 27°51′–28°1′
Climate: Subtropical monsoon humid climate, with distinct seasons—cold winters and hot summers. The area experiences an annual average temperature of 16.7°C, with an annual rainfall of 1358mm.
Major Attractions
Mao Zedong Former Residence (毛泽东同志故居)
The Mao Zedong Former Residence is one of the most significant landmarks in the Shaoshan Scenic Area. It is the birthplace of Mao Zedong, and visitors can learn about his early life and the historical context that shaped his leadership. The residence was rebuilt in 1950 to restore it to its original appearance after it was confiscated and destroyed during the Republic of China era (1929). The house is now a major historical site for those interested in Mao Zedong’s life.
Shuiyun Cave (滴水洞)
Shuiyun Cave is another key attraction in the scenic area. It is a large natural cave with a stunning waterfall, and it holds cultural significance, often associated with Mao Zedong’s revolutionary spirit. The cave area spans more than 100,000 square meters, and visitors can explore various attractions like the Shuiyun Cave No. 1 Building, Tiger Xieping, and Xianjing Waterfall.
Shaofeng Mountain (韶峰山)
Shaofeng Mountain is the highest peak in the region, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The Shaofeng Mountain Scenic Area features several important landmarks, such as the Mao Zedong Poetry Stele Forest and Shaofeng Temple. It also has an aerial cableway that allows visitors to easily reach the summit.
Mao Zedong Memorial Square (毛泽东广场)
This memorial square is a symbol of respect for Mao Zedong and his contributions to China’s development. It was completed in 2008 and is an essential stop for tourists who want to experience the historical significance of Shaoshan.
Development History
The development of the Shaoshan Scenic Area has been closely tied to the life and legacy of Mao Zedong. The area began to attract attention during the Republic of China era, and various sites connected to Mao Zedong’s life were developed into tourist attractions after the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Key Development Milestones
1929: The Mao Zedong Former Residence was confiscated and destroyed by the Nationalist Government.
1950: The residence was restored to its original appearance.
1964: The Mao Zedong Memorial Museum was opened to the public.
1986: Shuiyun Cave was opened as a tourist attraction.
2008: The Mao Zedong Memorial Square was completed.
2021: The Mao Zedong Former Residence underwent a restoration and reopened.
Famous Scenic Spots
The Shaoshan Scenic Area is known for its “Eight Scenic Views of Shaoshan”, which include both natural wonders and cultural landmarks:
Shaofeng Mountain’s Verdant Peaks (韶峰耸翠)
Fairy Maiden’s Hut (仙女茅庵)
Ancient Lipstick Well (胭脂古井)
Sunny Towering Ridge at Taling (塔岭晴霞)
Stone House’s Refreshing Breeze (石屋清风)
Stone Gate at Duanshi (顿石成门)
Phoenix Pavilion Site (凤仪亭址)
Stone Cliff and Flowing Springs (石壁流泉)
These views highlight the unique combination of natural beauty and cultural richness that the Shaoshan Scenic Area has to offer.
Main Attractions
Mao Zedong Square (毛泽东广场)
Mao Zedong Square was established in 1993 and is located in the center of the Shaoshan Scenic Area. Originally named Mao Zedong Bronze Statue Square, the square spans 3970 square meters. The bronze statue of Mao Zedong, which stands at 10.1 meters tall, depicts him holding a manuscript from the founding ceremony of the People’s Republic of China. In 2008, a renovation project expanded and renamed the square to Mao Zedong Square.
Mao Zedong Former Residence (毛泽东同志故居)
The Mao Zedong Former Residence is the birthplace of Mao Zedong and is a key attraction in the Shaoshan Scenic Area. The house is a typical “concave” style wooden structure facing north. Mao Zedong was born here and spent his childhood and youth, making the house an important location for patriotic education. The house features a plaque with the calligraphy of Deng Xiaoping (邓小平).
Mao Zedong Memorial Museum (毛泽东同志纪念馆)
The Mao Zedong Memorial Museum, established in 1964, is the main part of the Shaoshan Patriotic Education Base. It is the only museum in China systematically showcasing the life and achievements of Mao Zedong. The museum has received more than 50 million visitors, including over 130 national leaders and 40 foreign heads of state. It is a vital place for those interested in Mao Zedong’s life and his role in Chinese history.
Mao Zedong Memorial Park (毛泽东纪念园)
The Mao Zedong Memorial Park is a comprehensive park combining commemoration, education, and recreation. Located on a hill 500 meters from the Mao Zedong Former Residence, it features several important revolutionary sites, including Hunan Yishi Well Pavilion, Nanhubao Boat, and Shaoshan Mao Zedong Memorial Hall. The park is hailed as a historical and cultural window into China’s revolution.
Mao Clan Ancestral Hall (毛氏宗祠)
The Mao Clan Ancestral Hall, built in 1763 during the Qing Dynasty, is located at the foot of Shiba Luohan Mountain (十八罗汉山). The hall is a brick-and-wood structure covering an area of 688.8 square meters. It features two stone drums at the entrance and inscriptions reading “注经世业；捧檄家声” (“Carry forward the family legacy; bring honor to the name”).
Mao Zedong Library (毛泽东图书馆)
The Mao Zedong Library, the only library named after Mao Zedong, was founded in 1993 and opened in 1996. The library focuses on books that Mao Zedong read and annotated, his manuscripts, and various works about him and Mao Zedong Thought. It serves as a center for research and study about his life and philosophy, with a collection of 120,000 books and a goal to house 500,000.
Nanan Private School (南岸私塾)
The Nanan Private School is located 100 meters west of the Mao Zedong Former Residence. From 1902 to 1904, Mao Zedong attended this school, where he studied classical Chinese texts such as the Three Character Classic and the Analects of Confucius. The school is a significant site for those interested in Mao Zedong’s early education and the development of his calligraphy.
Shuiyun Cave Scenic Area (滴水洞景区)
Shuiyun Cave No. 1 Building (滴水洞一号楼)
The Shuiyun Cave No. 1 Building is the main structure in the Shuiyun Cave. It became famous as Mao Zedong spent 11 days here in isolation. The building resembles the style of the Songshan No. 1 Building (松山一号楼), a small brick house with green tiles.
Tiger Xieping (虎歇坪)
Tiger Xieping is located on the west side of the Shuiyun Cave Villa No. 2 Building (滴水洞别墅二号楼). It is also known as Niuxing Mountain (牛形山) or Dashi Gu (大石鼓). The mountain is home to Mao Zedong’s grandfather’s tomb and is a natural barrier protecting the cave, creating the famous “tiger crouching, dragon coiling” scene.
Shuiyun Fairyland (滴水仙境)
The Shuiyun Fairyland is located at the end of the Shuiyun Cave, near Huangfeng Mountain (黄峰山). The area is known for its mist-covered landscape, with trees and vines growing together. The cool mountain water, which flows from cracks in the rocks, is crystal clear and flows into the Shuiyun Cave No. 4 Reservoir (滴水洞4号水库), offering beautiful reflections of the sky and clouds.
Shaofeng Mountain Scenic Area (韶峰景区)
Shaofeng Mountain (韶峰)
Shaofeng Mountain, also known as Xianv Mountain (仙女山) or Xian Ding Ling Peak (仙顶灵峰), is the 71st peak in the South Hengshan Mountain Range (南岳衡山) and stands at 519.1 meters tall. It is renowned for its connection to the legend of Shaole (韶乐) and is often referred to as the “Music Peak” due to its association with ancient Chinese music.
Mao Zedong Poetry Stele Forest (毛泽东诗词碑林)
The Mao Zedong Poetry Stele Forest is located in the Shaofeng Scenic Area and showcases Mao Zedong’s poetic achievements. The forest is an artistic blend of nature and human culture, with various steles engraved with Mao Zedong’s famous poems and philosophical ideas.
Shaofeng Temple (韶峰寺)
The Shaofeng Temple is a famous Buddhist temple located at the top of Shaofeng Mountain. It is a place of peace and reflection, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Cultural Activities
Red Tourism and Cultural Festivals
July 25, 2020: The Hunan Red Tourism Cultural Festival and the First Xiangtan Red Culture Industry Expo were inaugurated at Mao Zedong Square (毛泽东广场) in Shaoshan (韶山).
November 2022: The 2022 China Red Tourism Expo was held in Shaoshan, co-hosted by the Hunan Provincial People’s Government and the Jiangxi Provincial People’s Government.
November 5-9, 2023: The Shaoshan Municipal People’s Government held the Red Tourism Week with the theme “The Hometown of Great Men, the City of Lotus, a New Dawn of the Red Shaoshan.” Activities included the “Wan Mountain Red, Layered Forests Colored” Cultural and Tourism Consumption Festival, “National Style Youth” Acrobatic Arts Carnival, “The Most Memorable Shaoshan” Flash Mob, and more.
December 22, 2023: The “Mao Zedong and China’s Modernization Exploration” academic seminar, commemorating the 130th Anniversary of Mao Zedong’s Birth, was held in Shaoshan.
Local Specialties
Mao Family Braised Pork (毛氏红烧肉)
Mao Family Braised Pork is a traditional dish made with half-fat, half-lean pork, simmered with high-quality soy sauce and a little sugar, giving it a golden color and a sweet taste that is not greasy. Mao Zedong was particularly fond of this dish, and it has since become a signature dish in many Mao family restaurants across China.
Shaoshan Fire-Roasted Fish (韶山火焙鱼)
Shaoshan Fire-Roasted Fish is one of Mao Zedong’s favorite dishes and a traditional delicacy in Shaoshan. Known for its ability to nourish the spleen, liver, and blood, this dish won a golden cup at the Fourth National Cooking Competition.
Shaoshan Cured Meat (韶山腊肉)
Shaoshan Cured Meat is made by marinating and smoking pork, resulting in a tender and juicy texture with a unique flavor. It can be used as a side dish or eaten directly.
Management Institution
Hunan Shaoshan Management Bureau (湖南省韶山管理局)
To strengthen the construction and management of the revolutionary sites in Shaoshan, the Hunan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China and the Hunan Provincial People’s Government established the Hunan Shaoshan Management Bureau in 1963. It is a department-level public institution directly under the Hunan Provincial Party Committee.
The Bureau is responsible for the promotion, reception, protection, development, and management of Shaoshan’s revolutionary sites. It oversees several key institutions, including:
Mao Zedong Memorial Museum (毛泽东同志纪念馆)
Shaoshan Hotel (韶山宾馆)
Mao Zedong Library (毛泽东图书馆)
Mao Zedong Square (毛泽东广场)
Mao Clan Ancestral Hall (毛氏宗祠)
Shuiyun Cave (滴水洞)
The Bureau also manages over 3000 acres of state-owned forest and maintains the environmental beautification and ecological management of the core scenic areas.
Awards and Honors
In 2006, the Shuiyun Cave Scenic Area (滴水洞景区) was awarded the National 4A Level Tourism Scenic Area title.
On September 12, 2011, Shaoshan Scenic Area was recognized as a National 5A Level Tourism Scenic Area, becoming the first in Xiangtan.
On December 30, 2022, the Shaoshan Scenic Area was awarded the title of 2022 Provincial-Level Civilized Tourism Demonstration Unit by the Hunan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.
Tourist Guide
Opening Hours
Shaofeng Scenic Area (韶峰景区): 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Mao Zedong Memorial Park (毛泽东纪念园): 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Shuiyun Cave Scenic Area (滴水洞景区):
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October 11 – April 20: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
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April 21 – October 10: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM)
Attractions and Opening Hours
Former Residence Area (故居景区):
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Mao Zedong’s Former Residence (毛泽东同志故居): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (ticket sales end at 3:30 PM)
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Mao Zedong Memorial Museum – Biography Exhibition (毛泽东同志纪念馆（生平展区）): 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM, closed on Mondays)
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Mao Zedong Memorial Museum – Special Exhibitions (毛泽东同志纪念馆（专题展区）): 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)
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Mao Zedong Square (毛泽东广场): Open all day
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Mao Clan Ancestral Hall (毛氏宗祠): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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Mao Zedong Library (毛泽东图书馆): 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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South Bank Private School (南岸私塾): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Shuiyun Cave Scenic Area (滴水洞景区):
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Shuiyun Cave No. 1 Building (滴水洞一号楼): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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Famous People’s Stone Inscriptions (名人碑刻): Open all day
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Hu Xieping (虎歇坪): Open all day
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Shuiyun Wonderland (滴水仙境): Open all day
Ticket Prices
Former Residence Area (故居景区):
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Mao Zedong’s Former Residence (毛泽东同志故居): Free (requires free reservation via “Tianxia Shaoshan” WeChat Official Account)
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Mao Zedong Memorial Museum – Biography Exhibition (毛泽东同志纪念馆（生平展区）): Free (requires free reservation via “Tianxia Shaoshan” WeChat Official Account)
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Mao Zedong Memorial Museum – Special Exhibitions (毛泽东同志纪念馆（专题展区）): Free (requires free reservation via “Tianxia Shaoshan” WeChat Official Account)
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Mao Zedong Square (毛泽东广场): Free
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Mao Clan Ancestral Hall (毛氏宗祠): Free
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Mao Zedong Library (毛泽东图书馆): Free
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South Bank Private School (南岸私塾): Free
Shuiyun Cave Scenic Area (滴水洞景区):
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Shuiyun Cave No. 1 Building (滴水洞一号楼): ¥40
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Famous People’s Stone Inscriptions (名人碑刻): Free
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Hu Xieping (虎歇坪): Free
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Shuiyun Wonderland (滴水仙境): Free
Transportation
By Bus
From Shaoshan Bus Station (韶山汽车站), take bus 1 or 2. Get off at the Sinopec Bus Station (中石化公交站) and walk 1.3 km to the Shaoshan Scenic Area Visitor Center. The entire journey takes approximately 34 minutes.
By Car
Visitors driving can use navigation to reach the Shaoshan Scenic Area Visitor Center. After purchasing tickets at the Visitor Center, take the park’s shuttle to tour the area.
By Train
Visitors arriving at Shaoshan South Station (韶山南站) can take a bus to the Shaoshan Tourist Area.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Visit Mao Zedong’s Former Residence (毛泽东同志故居), South Bank Private School (南岸私塾), Mao Zedong Statue Square (铜像广场), Mao Zedong Memorial Museum (毛泽东纪念馆), and Mao Relics Museum (毛泽东遗物馆).
Day 2: Visit Shuiyun Cave (滴水洞), Mao Zedong Memorial Park (毛泽东同志纪念园).
