Mao Zedong, one of the most influential Chinese figures in the 20th century, was born in Shaoshan, a county-level city in Hunan Province. However, another Hunan city should not be neglected in his life: Changsha, where he spent over five years studying and working at Hunan First Normal University.
The university is regarded as the cradle of the New Culture Movement (1915-1923) in Hunan, according to the official website of Hunan First Normal University.
Many notable intellectuals and historical leaders have studied or taught pupils here from 1912 to 1949. The institution not only shaped China's normal education, but it also possesses a high place in Chinese culture and revolution history.
The former site of the university was opened to the public in 1963 and has received over 20 million visitors from home and abroad ever since.
In 1925, Mao, in his early 30s, penned the well-known poem "Changsha: To the tune of Qin Yuan Chun" on the Orange Island in the city to describe his lofty goals. The poem is regarded as one of Mao's best, and as a result, it has become Changsha's regional identity. A huge statue of Mao has been set up on Orange Island to honor him and the red history of this city.