Many local people in Shaoshan, Central China's Hunan Province, Mao's hometown, are beneficiaries of the charisma of Chairman Mao.

Su Miaogong, a native of Shaoshan and director of the Shaoshan Fengyuan Tourism Co Ltd, purchased 40-year operation rights of the martyr cemetery in Shaoshan for 1.6 million yuan (about US$190,000).

Su plans to use the cemetery as a base to develop memorial badges and wax images of Mao and other great world figures. He also plans to build a star-level hotel and other facilities.

"It is precisely the charms of Chairman Mao that has helped me to succeed today," said Su.

Tang Ruiren is another beneficiary of those charms. Sixteen years ago, Tang, former neighbour of Chairman Mao, started a restaurant opposite the former residence of Mao.

Drawing support from a picture of the great leader with her family and Mao's favourite dish of pork braised in brown sauce, Tang prospered and opened a chain of restaurants in a dozen cities.

Tang's eldest son, Mao Mingjun, is devoted to the preservation of "Shao Music," a traditional music which had sunk into oblivion for ages, will be revived in Shaoshan.

The Shao Music Centre has been built in the Mao Zedong Memorial Park. Mao Mingjun will show up at the memorial ceremony December 26 as a conductor of Shao Music.

Now the local government in Shaoshan regards the tourism business as its foundation.

"It's from today that the 'Mao economy' is truly taking a real pace to the good of Shaoshan," said Peng Ziyu, mayor of the city.

(China Daily December 22, 2003)