Shaoshan is renowned worldwide as the hometown of Chairman Mao Zedong. Every inch of land here seems to be soaked with the blood and sweat of the revolutionary martyrs. Walking through the fields of Shaoshan, you can almost hear the shouts and resounding songs of those bygone days. Every mountain peak and stream bear witness to those magnificent and tumultuous times.
Shaoshan
Shaoshan possesses unparalleled natural beauty. Here, there are verdant rolling hills and crystal-clear streams. In spring, all things come to life, and the mountains are dotted with flowers. In summer, the trees provide a cool shade, and the gentle breeze blows through. Autumn paints the forests in a blaze of colors, laden with ripe fruits. Winter dresses the landscape in a pristine white, making it particularly enchanting. No matter when you visit Shaoshan, you can always feel the captivating charm of nature.
Shaoshan also has a rich cultural heritage. The land is home to numerous former residences of celebrated figures, memorial halls, and museums, each harboring profound cultural depths. Stepping into these venues, you feel as if traversing through time, engaging in an intimate dialogue with those historical greats. Wandering amidst the landscapes of Shaoshan, listening to the echoes of history, and embracing the wonders of nature, you find your soul undergoing an unprecedented purification and enlightenment.
Top Attractions to Visit
Former Residence of Chairman Mao Zedong
Former Residence of Chairman Mao
The former residence of Comrade Mao Zedong, originally known as Shangwuchang, is located in Shaoshan Village, Xiangtan City, Hunan Province. It is a sacred place that carries profound historical memories and cultural heritage. This former residence was first built in the late Qing Dynasty, a typical rural residence in Hunan with a wood-and-earth structure, gray bricks, and tiled roof. Facing north, it is laid out in a concave shape. The former residence comprises over 20 rooms, including the main hall, bedrooms, kitchen, and utility rooms, covering an area of over 500 square meters.
Mao Zedong was born here in 1893 and spent his childhood and early teenage years at this residence. The interior furnishings are simple and rustic, with many of the furniture and items being the original ones from that time. For instance, Mao Zedong's bedroom and study as a youth, as well as the room where his parents once lived, have all remained in their original state.
In 1950, the Chinese government repaired and protected the residence, opening it as a memorial hall for public access. Visiting the site allows you to experience firsthand the family environment and historical ambiance of Chairman Mao's growth, and understand his struggle and revolutionary spirit during his youth.
Water Dripping Cave
Water Dripping Cave, located approximately four kilometers from the bronze statue of Mao Zedong, is a narrow valley surrounded by mountains on three sides and opens up to a small mountain stream on the other side. With a length of about 2.8 kilometers and a width of 0.5 kilometers, this Cave is a serene and picturesque natural scenic spot.
Water Dripping Cave
Water Dripping Cave has a profound connection with Chairman Mao. In 1959, when he returned to his hometown of Shaoshan, Mao visited the Cave and expressed his wish to live there in his old age. Subsequently, the construction of this Cave began and was completed in 1960. In 1966, when Mao inspected the south, he stayed at Building No. 1 of Water Dripping Cave for 11 days and handled important national affairs there. In a letter to his wife, he referred to the Cave as "a cave in the west," which greatly enhanced its fame. Building No. 1 of Water Dripping Cave has now been turned into an exhibition room, displaying the office, bedroom, living room, conference room, and other living and office supplies that Chairman Mao used during his residence there.
Water Dripping Cave
The natural scenery of Water Dripping Cave is also remarkably elegant, featuring verdant peaks, lush forests, trickling streams, and the melodies of birds and flowers. Inside the cave, a small stream flows gracefully, with lush trees growing along its banks, including thriving pine and cypress trees, as well as bamboo. It is indeed a wonderful place to appreciate the scenery.
Travel Information
Location: 1 Shaorun Avenue, Shaoshan City, Xiangtan City, Hunan Province
Open hours: 8:00am--18:30pm
Recommended visiting hours: 1 Day
Admission:
Free for Chairman Mao's Former Residence (8:00am--15:50pm),
Bronze Statue Square, and Memorial Museum (8:00am--16:00pm);
>>RMB 40 for Water Dripping Cave (9:00am--17:00pm);
>>RMB 60 for Shaoshan Memorial Park (8:00am--17:30pm);
>>RMB 20 for sightseeing car;
>>RMB 198 for performance.
Note: The above information is for reference only. The specific prices and preferential policies may be adjusted according to the season, holidays and other factors, we recommend tourists to check the latest information through official channels before travel.
Shaoshan Peak
Shaoshan Peak
Shaoshan Peak, located 3.5 kilometers in a straight-line distance southwest of Mao Zedong's former residence, stands at an elevation of 518.9 meters, making it the tallest peak in Shaoshan and also known as the Fairy Peak. It is the first of the eight scenic spots in Shaoshan. This mountain peak is tall and upright, renowned for its grandeur and steepness. Standing at the foot of the mountain, gazing up at the peak piercing the clouds, you can almost feel the heroic spirit it emanates. And as you wander through the mountains, you can also sense the gentle beauty it shows.
On the waist of Shaoshan Peak stands a hermitage called the Fairy Hermitage, said to be named after three women who attained immortality through practicing Taoism within it. In the Tang Dynasty, there was an emperor who believed in Taoism and sought after the elixir, practicing techniques to prolong life. Many commoners were also fascinated by Taoism and pursued its teachings. Three women from Qingzhou Prefecture, Shao, Huan, and Li, left their homes in search of a sacred mountain cave, and this was the place they chose to cultivate and attain immortality.
cable car ride
Not only endowed with mysterious legends, Shaoshan Peak also boasts stunning natural scenery. Ascending the Peak offers two options: a dedicated highway and a cable car ride. If you prefer hiking, you can choose to climb along the highway, taking in the scenery along the way. However, if you're looking for a more thrilling mountain-climbing experience, the cable car would be an excellent choice. It starts from the Poetry and Inscription Forest at the mountainside and extends all the way to Shaoshan Peak Temple, spanning a horizontal distance of 712 meters. Sitting in a double-seat swing chair, you can overlook the magnificent scenery of the entire mountain range and experience the marvelous feeling of floating in the air.
Travel Information
Location: Shaoshan City, Xiangtan City, Hunan Province
Open hours: 8:00am--17:00pm
Recommended visiting hours: 4-5 Hours
Admission: RMB 60 (including the cable car).
Note: The above information is for reference only. The specific prices and preferential policies may be adjusted according to the season, holidays and other factors, we recommend tourists to check the latest information through official channels before travel.
How To Get to Mt. Shaoshan Scenic Area & Shaoshan Peak
>>First you can take the bullet train to Xiangtan City:
From Changsha
Changsha South Station -- Xiangtan North Station
RMB 12; 15 Minutes
From Yueyang
Yuyang East Station -- Xiangtan North Station
RMB 65; 1 Hour
From Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie West Station --- Xiangtan North Station
RMB 276.5; 3 Hours
From Fenghuang Ancient Town
Fenghuang Ancient Town Station -- Xiangtan North Station
RMB 182.5; 2 Hours
>>Secondly, there are two ways to travel from Xiangtan City to Shaoshan City:
Coach: Xiangtan Bus Station - Shaoshan Bus Station
RMB 15; about 1 Hour
Bullet Train: Xiangtan North Station - Shaoshan South Station
RMB 18.5; 15 Minutes
>>>After arriving in Shaoshan City, you can take a coach to the scenic area.
>>>Shaoshan Peak is only a 10-minute drive away from the Shaoshan Scenic Area. If time permits, it is a good choice to go to the Shaoshan Peak to watch the sunset.
