Shaoshan, with some fairly beautiful scenery and a once typically Hunan village atmosphere, has been irreparably changed by history.

Shaoshan, a mountain village about 100km southwest of Changsha, with some fairly beautiful scenery and a once typically Hunan village atmosphere, has been irreparably changed by history. On the 26th December 1893, a baby was born in a little house in this village, to a relatively wealthy peasant couple. The child was to grow up to become China's Great Helmsman, Chairman Mao Zedong, and it was in this region that he spent his childhood and youth, attending school and helping his father with his work.

The tourist attractions in the village are highly propagable, but then this is all part and parcel of the Mao image. Loudspeakers will greet you on arrival with revolutionary songs and speeches, the village is guarded by soldiers and the history is only partially represented at best.