Archive · 19 Nov 2025
Dazhai: From Mao's Model Village to Symbol of China's New Self-Reliance
Dazhai, a village once praised by Mao as a symbol of self-reliance, has transformed into a tourist spot.
While the village's role has changed, the Communist Party still promotes self-reliance, but with a new focus on technology and independence from the West.
Dazhai, once a symbol of Mao's self-reliance, now a tourist attraction
Villagers' terraced fields replaced by machines and corporate farming
Xi Jinping promotes 'self-reliance' for China's 'national rejuvenation'
Dazhai's role shifts from rural anticapitalist fervor to capitalist commerce
New self-reliance focuses on high-tech independence and security
- Who
- Dazhai villagers, Mao Zedong, Xi Jinping
- What
- Transformation of Dazhai village, shift in self-reliance policy
- When
- Mao's era to present day
- Where
- Dazhai village, Shanxi Province, China
- Why
- To promote self-reliance, economic growth, and national rejuvenation
Mao's Self-Reliance
Xi's New Self-Reliance
Economic Autarky
Mao's Self-Reliance
Promoted by Mao, focusing on rural anticapitalist fervor
Xi's New Self-Reliance
Shifted to high-tech independence and security, allowing for capitalist commerce
- Founding
- Mao Zedong singled out Dazhai in the 1960s
- Visitors
- Over 10 million visited during the Cultural Revolution
- Current Role
- Tourist attraction and symbol of China's self-reliance
- New Self-Reliance
- Focus on high-tech independence and security
- Xi Jinping's Stance
- Promotes self-reliance for national rejuvenation