This attraction introduction is compiled from historical materials in the "Zhangjiajie Tour Guide Network" (33519.com · Scenic Spots section). Ticket prices, opening hours, transportation, and contact information mentioned in the text may be outdated. Please refer to the latest official announcements from the scenic area before traveling; some content consists of historical background/cultural introductions and is for reference only.
The statue of Mao Zedong in his youth stands on a hill about 200 meters directly in front of Shaoshan Railway Station and was completed in December 1967. To permanently commemorate Comrade Mao Zedong's birth on December 26, the total height of the statue is 12.26 meters, of which the figure is 6 meters tall and the pedestal is 6.26 meters tall.
The statue faces southeast. He wears a long gown, with his left hand on his hip and his right hand thrust forward powerfully; at the same time, his right foot steps forward vigorously. His face is radiant with spirit and heroic bearing, vividly and graphically embodying the great aspiration of the young Mao Zedong to "point to the rivers and mountains, inspire with words, and treat the nobles of those years as muck" and his heroic spirit of "wishing to vie in height with Heaven itself." It is a rare treasure of sculptural art.
The statue is of reinforced concrete construction. The figure is surfaced with ax-cut stone to imitate the effect of granite; the outer side of the pedestal is faced with thin granite slabs, with "White Tiger Stream" on the upper part and "Nankou Red" on the lower part; the platform is paved with marble and edged with fine granite.
In the distance beyond the statue are towering green mountains; nearby, eight red flags flutter in the wind against the blue sky. On the slopes around the statue, camphor, maple, deodar cedar, camellia, and honey tangerine are planted in groves and rows, and in a radial pattern with clear lines. This is a fine place for visitors to pay their respects and enjoy the scenery.
Today, the statue has become one of the most important scenic spots in the Qingxi Scenic Area of the Shaoshan Scenic and Historic Interest Area. Climbing the Mao Zedong Statue Platform is like ascending the Altar of Heaven, giving one a sense of the sacred and solemn.
