The village that continues to "march ahead under the glorious guidance of Chairman Mao’s thought"
if you think the era of Mao only appears in Chinese pop-art these days, you’re in for a big surprise. Within Henan province, Nanjie in Luohe, commonly referred to as Nanjiecun is a very special village that will change your mind.
The largest restaurant in the village, is the Red Restaurant. Pictures and teachings of Chairman Mao adorn every wall while dishes prepared only for tourists is served by men and women dressed in Reg Guards uniforms. Similarly-dressed staff work at the only hotel in the village. Most villagers work in the state-owned factories, and receive the same pay, housing, food, healthcare and education from the village.
In the centre of the village is the town square that's marked by a large statue of Chairman Mao that's often visited by villagers who come to pay their respects and even pray for blessings from the former Chinese leader.
The first sign, literally, that you are near the village which is an hour north of Luohe, is a huge signboard with a red insignia that hangs over a road. Enter the village on this road with loudspeakers every 100m that blare the thoughts of Chairman Mao and revolutionary songs.
9