Young Chinese turn to Mao Zedong for life advice, 50 years after his death

Fifty years after the passing of Mao Zedong, China's internet influencers are turning to the former state leader for guidance in life's challenges. As the anniversary of his death approaches, Chinese authorities have not announced any plans to commemorate the event, but the former leader's popularity has quietly resurfaced. In recent years, younger generations of Chinese have developed a newfound appreciation for Mao as their life coach, organizing online book clubs, sharing AI-narrated videos, and referring to him as "teacher" or "jiaoyuan."

His teachings are often cited during periods of US-China tensions, with social media users viewing imperialism as a "paper tiger" and quoting his speeches on protracted war. While some of this youthful sentiment aligns with China's official narrative of Mao as a symbol of national independence, experts warn that his teachings could also fuel skepticism about the country's economic policies and interpretation of Marxism.

Among Mao's admirers, he is seen as a symbol of resilience, courage, and dedication to the common people. One blogger on the Douban arts and culture forum praises Mao's selflessness, citing his willingness to send his own son to the battlefield. Young people, disillusioned by China's economic situation and employment opportunities, are increasingly looking to Mao's teachings for comfort and guidance.

The number of annual visitors to Mao's giant statue in Changsha has more than tripled in a decade, and library loans and merchandise sales of his works have also surged.