China marks 50 years since Cultural Revolution

It's been 50 years (May 16) since Communist figurehead Mao Zedong unleashed his decade-long Cultural Revolution in China. Chairman Mao's aim was to reinforce Communism by removing any trace of capitalist, traditional and cultural elements from Chinese society. It proved chaotic, causing widespread violence and abuse. But as reports, Mao's vision of a classless society is still proving persuasive.

A farmer works near a statue of Mao Zedong in his home town of Shaoshan, Hunan Province, central China (AAP) Source: AAP