Beijing Hotels as seen from the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong

By Efrenn Larson

Since time immemorial, Beijing has been home to some of the country's most prominent figures, from heads of state to entertainers. These people have succeeded in turning this once rigid city into a more open and versatile metropolis that is always open to the changes that each year brings.

Most tourists when coming to the city realize that a number of Beijing hotels are situated near famous tourist spots and shopping havens.

Most of the tourists, however, come to Beijing to experience the local sights and sounds that the city can offer. One of the famous landmarks in the city is the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. He was the Chairman of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China from 1943 and the chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China from 1945 until his death.

Situated at the heart of Tiananmen Square and close to a number of fabulous hotels in Beijing, the Mausoleum replaced the Gate of China which was the Imperial City's southern gate during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The construction of the mausoleum was made right after Chairman Mao's death. Hua Guofeng, who supervised the mausoleum project, has his handwriting on the mausoleum's sign. According to an issue of China Pictorial, the Chinese people designed and built the mausoleum. In fact, materials from all over the mainland were used, including granite from Sichuan Province, porcelain plates from Guangdong Province, color pebbles from Nanjing, and even rock samples from Mount Everest. The sand and rocks were also taken from the Taiwan Strait, signifying China's dominance over the island. What's more, a mass of 700,000 people voluntarily helped to make the mausoleum.

The remains of the Great Helmsman, which Mao was famously known, are on display for public viewing. He can be seen inside a crystal coffin fitted with Xenon lamps using the latest in fiber-optic technology. With this, Mao's skin color appears closer to that of a living person and the wrinkles seem to disappear.

The locals and guests who are staying at various Beijing hotels line up for hundreds of meters for them to visit this prominent Chinese individual. Many locals pay tribute to him by offering flowers which can be rented at the north entrance. You can also buy souvenirs at the shop located at the south gate.

In death as in life, Mao Zedong still remains as an imposing figure to the Chinese people. By visiting this landmark, you will get to know more about the lives and culture of the Chinese. Since a number of hotels in Beijing can be located within a few minutes of the area, then transportation will never become a problem. That is why, we invite you with open arms to come and experience a glimpse of one of China's most revered leaders. - 30294

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