Shaoshan, Hunan, China is the pinnacle of capitalism. The residents of the rural village provide tourists with everything they need: Food, accommodations, transportation, and unneeded tours and advice. The villagers hustle as well as street touts in Beijing, Hong Kong, or Bangkok.
Mao Zedong, the former Chinese leader, was born in Shaoshan, and the kin of his former neighbors have cashed in on their most famous resident. Mao would probably have mixed feelings about what his ancestral village has become (or maybe not, I don’t have a Chinese Ouija board to call up Chairman Mao).
Deng Xiaoping, who followed Mao as the leader of China and was responsible for Reform and Opening policies, would probably congratulate the villagers for their capitalistic spirit and moxie. Chairman Deng once famously said, “To be rich (is) glorious.”
The above image is of a door knocker at a ‘temple’ atop Shao Hill Peak, a mountain above the Shaoshan. While one Taoist temple at the peak looks genuine, this one does not. As I said, touts with capitalistic spirit and moxie.
I like it, very cool…
R(etc… )
Thanks, Ron.
Looks like it belongs on the cover of a book. Great shot.
.-= Craig Ferguson (@cfimages)´s last blog ..Overlooked and Isolated – War on Kinmen =-.
What a compliment! Merci, Craig.
Such wonderful detail in this shot. The muted colours and framing is perfect!
.-= bluechameleon´s last blog ..frail =-.
Thanks, BC.
I like it too, the knocker and the picture.
I also like reading your posts when they involve Chinese history and culture and tradition. Love it.
.-= Corina´s last blog ..Ironing =-.
Thanks, Corina. I’ll try to post more material like that.
Forbidding looking critter, isn’t he?
.-= Shawn´s last blog ..The Wedding Dress =-.
A new favourite shot; very nice Stevo!
.-= Norm´s last blog ..Double Nickels 5-5 =-.
Old things of a nation, a city, a county are the most charming.