A new generation is embracing Mao’s teachings to cope with modern pressures, but analysts say the trend gives Beijing reason to be wary
5-MIN READ5-MINPhoebe Zhangin ShenzhenandAlcott Weiin BeijingPublished: 10:00am, 9 Sep 2026When you are denied a pay rise, when you feel anxious about your children’s education, or when you are alienated by colleagues, Chairman Mao can help.
The only special arrangement in place is at the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall in Beijing, which will open for an extra three hours on Wednesday. Visiting slots for the week are fully booked.
Despite the official silence ahead of the anniversary, it is hard to ignore the quiet comeback of Mao’s popularity in the country.
In recent years, younger generations of Chinese have rediscovered Mao as their life coach. They organise online book clubs devoted to his works, spread the gospel through artificial intelligence-narrated videos, and affectionately refer to him as jiaoyuan, or “teacher”, a title Mao himself once said he preferred.
