Shaoshan boasts a long history. Legend has it that an ancient emperor Shun once inspected this place. Greatly impressed by the beautiful scenery there, Emperor Shun asked his men to play the Shao Music hence the name Shaoshan (‘shan’ in Chinese means ‘mount’). Shaoshan becomes well-known in the world because of Mao Zedong, a great leader of China, who lived and studied there and undertook his revolutionary enterprises. With fascinating scenery, Shaoshan Scenic and Historic Area is mainly composed of Former Residence of Mao Zedong, Shaofeng Peak, Dishui Cave, Qingxi and Heishizhai scenic areas. Since the founding of the PRC, it has attracted and received over 50 million visitors from home and abroad, including more than 200, 000 international friends from over 160 countries and regions.
