In 1987 I left Beijing by train on a journey south to Guangzhou. At that time, announcements were made about every city we stopped at. At Changsha I learned about the nearby town of Shaoshan, birthplace of Mao Zedong. Although never visiting it personally I delighted in going to a ‘Shaoshan Family Restaurant' in Beijing and experiencing the delicious, spicy cuisine famed in that part of Hunan!
Guangzhou then was only a brief overnight visit before continuing onto Hong Kong. Returning to work and live in that bustling metropolis for a year in 1992 I familiarized myself with its history, particularly people and events important for China prior to 1949. Dr Sun Yat-sen, referred to as one of the ‘Fathers of Modern China', was born near Zhongshan, south of Guangzhou. A grand octagonal-shaped memorial hall dedicated to him is situated in the heart of the city within a beautiful parkland area.
