China's memories of Mao fade to nostalgia
Summary
Nostalgia for Mao Zedong is resurfacing in China as memories of the Cultural Revolution and other dark chapters fade from public discussion. In villages like Nanjie and Dazhai, Maoist symbols, slogans and tourism still thrive under tight political control.
Key Points
- Nostalgia for Mao’s egalitarian ideals is growing in China as memories of his turbulent rule fade.
- Nanjie village in Henan and Dazhai in Shanxi still promote Mao-era imagery, slogans and cooperative ownership models.
- References to the Cultural Revolution and other negative aspects of Mao’s rule remain tightly censored in public discourse.
- Public discussion has narrowed further under Xi Jinping, who warns against “historical nihilism”.
