Shaoshan is the birthplace of Chairman Mao. The Former Residence of Mao Zedong is one of the national AAAA scenic spots. The residence named Shangwuchang, is located in a valley which is well landscaped.
Now all the rooms have been renovated to be their original appearance and layouts: their bedrooms (Mao, his parents and his two brothers'), the living room, kitchen and other rooms. The historical relics include: the furniture in Mao's bedroom and his parents' bedroom (bed, wardrobe, desks, stool and chair), the jar and cupboard in the kitchen, stone grinder, man-driven irrigation tool and the harrow in the Farm Implements Room, the rice pestle and man-driven blower for rice in the Pestle Room.
Mao Zedong was born here on Dec. 26, 1893. He spent his childhood and boyhood here. In the fall of 1910 he left this village for study. After he joined the revolution, Mao Zedong returned Shaoshan for five times, for the purpose of revolution, inspecting or visiting his villagers. In 1966 he came here for the last time and spent the time in Dishui Cave (Dripping Water Cave). This residence was destructed in 1929 by Kuomintang, after 1950 its original appearance was recovered. In April, 1961, this former residence was announced by the State Council as a Key National Historical Reservation Unit, and then in 1982 its name was changed to Former Residence from Original Residence.