The Mausoleum of Mao Zedong is not bypassed by almost any tourist who happened to visit China. People write that visiting such a place will give a terrible experience, but on the other hand, it is an eternal memory, a tribute to the Great Pilot and the best of all available opportunities to get acquainted with the history of this country.
Who is Mao Zedong?
For a long time this man was in power over millions of people, deciding how and in what conditions they will live, and, it is worth saying, he did it in good faith. The leader of the Communist Party of the People's Republic of China (he founded it in 1921) and a teacher by training in the period from 1921 to 1925, Zedong was very active in creating peasant unions in the villages. Later, in 1928-1934, Mao founded the Chinese Soviet Republic in rural areas in the south of Central China, and when it was defeated, he led the Long March to the north of the state.
After the victory in 1949 of the Communists over Chiang Kai-shek (a military and political leader of China), Zedong becomes the head of the PRC, but allstill remains chairman of the CPC Central Committee. Between 1957 and 1958 Mao presents a program for socio-economic development. Later it will be called the "great leap", which played a huge role for the state. The essence of the project was the equal distribution of income and the creation of a system of material incentives. But alas, this caused the deterioration of the economic situation in the country.
Nevertheless, Mao Zedong is the man who united the state and made it friendly after so many years of conflict. He improved the welfare of his people, even if his actions often led to deplorable situations. Once Mao gave an assessment of Stalin's actions: 30% of mistakes and 70% of victories. Now this proportion also characterizes his activities.
Death of a great Chinese figure
Mausoleum of Mao Zedong was not supposed to exist. In 1956, the great leader signed a document that proposed the posthumous cremation of all leaders. But his body was embalmed for future generations.
Mao Zedong died on September 9, 1976. For the Chinese, this day was gloomy like no other, millions of people mourned and grieved their loss. Even despite the difficult times that caused Mao's actions, his legacy is still very symbolic for the citizens of China.
Mausoleum: description and other information
The founder of the People's Republic of China found his eternal home in a huge, majestic building, which was erected extremely quickly - in just six months (from the date of his deathruler). Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, more precisely, the entire memorial complex, covers an area of 57,200 m². It is surrounded by beautiful willows and cypresses. Every day, hundreds of people come here to pay tribute to the legendary ruler.
Mausoleum of Mao Zedong is surrounded by 44 white granite columns. The height of the objects is more than 17 m. Inside the building there are 10 large rooms, but some of them are closed from prying eyes. In the hall for visitors in the center there is a coffin made of crystal. It is Mao Zedong. The "bed" stands on a pedestal made of black granite. On all sides of the sarcophagus, you can see Chinese symbols:
- in front of the party coat of arms;
- behind - engraved with the dates of Mao's birth and death;
- on the right is the army emblem;
- on the left is the coat of arms of the People's Republic of China.
An armed guard of several soldiers stands at the head of the bed. The opposite wall contains an inscription in Chinese - these are the words of eternal memory.
The north hall is represented by a white marble sculpture of Zedong and a carpet on one of the walls, whose name is "Motherland Land". The southern room is decorated with poems of the leader. They are written right on the wall. In another room there are documents and paintings, as well as photographs and letters. All these items tell visitors the history of the land of porcelain. The second level was created to equip the cinema hall. A short film is shown there, also dedicated to important events for the People's Republic of China.
The Mausoleum of Mao Zedong or the House of Memory of Chairman Mao is one of the four available inworld of working establishments of this kind. The memorial complex allows you to honor the memory of the great Chinese leader, as well as learn a lot of useful and important information about the state, how it developed, what difficulties and joys it faced during its entire existence.
Mausoleum of Mao Zedong: opening hours
The eternal home of the great leader and founder of the PRC is open from 8 am to 12 noon. The only day off is Monday. For all questions, you can contact the administration of the memorial complex by phone +86 10 6511 77 22.
Long queues at the mausoleum
If you want to visit this place and delve into the history of the Republic of China, it is worth considering that by 8-9 o'clock a huge number of people begin to flock here. Therefore, it is better to arrive early in order to have time to take a turn, especially since the mausoleum of Mao Zedong is open only 4 hours a day. However, there is also a pleasant moment - the flow of people is moving quite quickly.
Tourists who have been here give some important advice.
Camera and a bottle of water in a bag. The mausoleum is heavily guarded and the entrance to it is strictly controlled by the police. People with photo and video equipment, those who have hand luggage, mobile and even ordinary water and, in general, any liquid, will not be allowed into the room. But this does not mean that you will literally have to go empty-handed, because all these items are left in the storage room.
It is advisable not to tryinsist on his own, seeking to enter the mausoleum of Mao Zedong (Beijing) with a telephone or other of the above items. Creating conflict situations with the guards, you can really regret it.
You must have your passport with you. Of course, it does not need to be left in the storage room. Perhaps this is the only thing you can take with you. Even necessary.
If you want to lay flowers, you must bring money with you. Bouquets for sale opposite the entrance to the mausoleum.
Entrance is free.
Mausoleum of Mao Zedong: address
The House of Memory of the Chairman is located on the Square of Heavenly Peace, right in its center. To the south you can see the monument to folk heroes. To the north is the legendary Forbidden City. The exact location of the mausoleum: Renda Huitang West Rd, Xicheng District.
Long queues to this building make it possible to understand how much the Chinese are spiritually connected with their ruler, how they respect him and do not allow themselves to forget how many positive moments the country experienced thanks to the founder of the PRC. Most importantly, he was able to unite the country and protect it from new wars. Now you know about the mausoleum of Mao Zedong (Beijing). The address and opening hours are known, admission is free, and therefore nothing can prevent a tourist from penetrating the very depths of Chinese history.
