Cradles of revolution commemorate Mao

Symposiums were held on Wednesday in China's revolutionary cradles to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the birth of Mao Zedong.

A symposium was held in Xibaipo, an old revolutionary base where the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) were garrisoned from May 1948 till early 1949, drawing up the blueprint for a new country and preparing for the CPC's new role as the ruling party.

Government officials, local residents and other guests attended the symposium at Xibaipo Memorial Museum on Wednesday morning.

Zhou Benshun, secretary of the CPC Hebei Provincial Committee, delivered a keynote speech at the symposium, highlighting Mao's contribution to China's revolutionary cause and his efforts to explore socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Another two symposia were held in Yan'an city of northwest China's Shaanxi province and Nanchang city of east China's Jiangxi province. Both places were famous revolutionary bases.

A visit to Mao's mausoleum

As the subway rolled into Qianmen Station, Christmas carols played in the corridor. Outside the station, visitors to the Mao's mausoleum in Tian'anmen Square were queuing up for security checks.

The mausoleum opened in 1977, one year after Mao passed away. On Thursday, a ceremony will be held to commemorate his 120th anniversary. Full story