Mao Ze Dong Mausoleum Beijing, China

This massive mausoleum and memorial hall was built at Tiananmen Square, the center of Beijing and metaphorically of the whole of China, shortly after Mao's death in 1976. For nearly 30 years Mao was the center of the Chinese universe, and despite how the future may judge him, he is certainly still revered today. The lines that file into the building and pass his glass sarcophagus are long but fast-moving, and visitors often get the feeling they are being whisked away before they can get a good look at the Great Helmsman, fueling rumors that what is on display is a wax impersonation. When you visit the mausoleum be aware that the hours are rather irregular, with Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays being the only full days it is open. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays it is only open in the morning, and Sundays it is not open at all.