主席像 Statue

Mao Zedong’s gaze sweeps across the East China Normal University campus. The 主席像 statue stands as a silent observer of decades of change. This statue isn’t just a depiction of a man. It’s a symbol, a relic of a tumultuous era. The statue at East China Normal University is one of the few remaining Mao statues on university campuses in China. Photographer Cheng Wenjun has documented these monuments across the country since 1997. He found this one here, at ECNU, a testament to Mao’s enduring presence. The first outdoor statue of Chairman Mao was erected in 1952 at the Xinjiang October Tractor Factory in Urumqi. However, the surge in Mao statues began after a statue was unveiled at Tsinghua University in 1967. The Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) saw numerous replicas of the Tsinghua model spring up across China. Interestingly, Fudan University in Shanghai also has a Mao statue with symbolic dimensions. The statue’s height is 7.1 meters, representing the founding date of the Chinese Communist Party (July 1st). The base is 5.16 meters, commemorating the “516 Announcement” that launched the Cultural Revolution. Adding these numbers together (7.1 + 5.16) equals 12.26, Mao’s birthday (December 26th). Many statues followed this numerical pattern. While the government attempted to curb this widespread statue construction, their efforts weren’t entirely successful. After 1977, many statues were discreetly removed. The surviving statues, like the 主席像 here at ECNU, stand as modern historical relics. They invite contemplation on a complex legacy.