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All China Beijing Chairman Mao Memorial Hall

Chairman Mao Memorial Hall

The embalmed remains of the communist leader lie within a custom crystal coffin.

Beijing, China

Added By
Declan M Martin
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Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.   Jorge Láscar
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
Exterior of the hall.   Cancillería Ecuador
Sculpture of soldiers fighting at entrance to Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.   Daniel Case
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About

This stately mausoleum is the final resting place of Mao Zedong, Chairman of the Communist Party of China for three decades until his death in 1976. His embalmed remains lie inside a crystal coffin, despite his wishes to be cremated.

Creating the crystal coffin was no easy task. At the time, the country’s sour relationship with the Soviet Union meant Chinese officials couldn’t tap into any of the Soviet’s well-guarded manufacturing secrets. Instead, the government held a clandestine country-wide competition to create a casket for the Mao, using various code names for the endeavor.

They viewed dozens of submissions before finally settling on the one that holds the mummified communist leader. Each one was put through the ringer as it was tested against variables like temperature, vibration, and its ability to withstand an earthquake.

The building the crystal coffin and its embalmed inhabitant reside in is also impressive, especially considering it was built in only six months. Materials from all across China were used to make it, and 700,000 workers from different provinces, autonomous regions, and nationalities did "symbolic voluntary labor" to get it all finished. Art in and around the hall pays tribute to various revolutionary leaders.

Related Tags

Communism Dictators Death Politics Mummies

Know Before You Go

You will be required show a valid Identification document like a passport or PRC ID card. Foreign objects (bags, cameras, etc) cannot be brought into the hall and must be left in the bag office. Wear modest clothing and be very quiet and respectful, especially in the main chamber. Special occasions may cause the hall to be very busy or closed. The Hall can be accessed by Subway: Subway Line 1: get off at Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West Station, and Chairman Mao Memorial Hall is to the south. Subway Line 2: get off at Qianmen Station, and Chairman Mao Memorial Hall is to the north.

Community Contributors

Added By

declanmar

Edited By

Kerry Wolfe, Collector of Experiences

  • Kerry Wolfe
  • Collector of Experiences

Published

March 16, 2018

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Sources
  • https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/atlas-obscura-s-guide-to-communist-mummies
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mausoleum_of_Mao_Zedong
  • https://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/beijing/tiananmen-square/chairman-mao-mausoleum.htm
Chairman Mao Memorial Hall
Beijing
China
39.902547, 116.397766

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Beijing

Beijing

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