Red tourism shakes off shadow cast by COVID-19

Childhood idol

Chen Jin, a second-year high school student from Sangzhi county, Zhangjiajie city, Hunan, said Mao has been his idol since childhood, as his grandfather often told him stories of the late leader.

Visiting Shaoshan early this month with more than 1,000 of his fellow students on a trip organized by his school, Chen said, "I want to learn from Mao's fighting spirit, dedication to the people, and strength in the face of adversity, all of which are valuable lessons for young people.

"I also want to thank him for founding New China and changing the lives of Chinese people so that we now lead better lives."

Mo Hongqiu, vice-principal of Sangzhi No 1 High School, said it is very important for young students to take part in study tours to learn from Mao's experiences. Students from the school are due to visit Shaoshan in three groups.

The "red spirit" is deeply rooted in Chinese people's minds and should be passed on generation after generation, Mo added.

In addition to learning in class, study trips can help students gain a deeper understanding of the lives of revolutionaries, Mo said.

Guo Weiguo, director of the Shaoshan culture, tourism, radio and television, sports bureau, said the local tourism industry has witnessed a rapid recovery this year from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shaoshan received more than 6.52 million visitors from January to last month, a rise of 377 percent from last year and 13.6 percent from 2019. Tourism revenue during this period reached more than 5.5 billion yuan ($771.1 million), a rise of 374 percent from last year and 13 percent from 2019.

Guo said two of the most popular live shows about Mao's life were performed 1,184 times from January to last month, attracting audiences of nearly 400,000, with ticket sales standing at 45 million.

The tourism boom has also helped local villagers escape poverty and live improved lives.

The villagers earn money by escorting visitors curious about Mao's birthplace, or those who want to experience the revolutionary times of years gone by.

Most of the villagers earn a decent living from tourism by running restaurants or inns, and selling Mao badges or statuettes as souvenirs.