In Pictures: 50th anniversary of China Cultural Revolution

May 16 marks the 50th anniversary of China's Cultural Revolution. Streets vendors have been selling memorabilia depicting Mao Zedong or themes reminiscent of the dark period in China's modern history. The Cultural Revolution remains a taboo topic in China. No official events are planned to mark the anniversary.

Updated

Published

May 13, 2016, 10:30 AM

A picture made available on May 12, 2016, shows a factory making Mao Zedong statues in Shaoshan, Hunan Province in central China, on April 29, 2016. PHOTO: EPA

Mao Zedong statues in a sculpture workshop in Shaoshan, Hunan Province in central China, on April 29, 2016. PHOTO: EPA

Actors performing a scene of peasants uprising during 'Mao Zedong Comes From China', a show based on the former Communist leader's life, at an outdoor theatre in Shaoshan, Hunan Province in central China, on April 27, 2016. PHOTO: EPA

Visitors bowing in front of Mao Zedong's giant statue on Mao Zedong Bronze Statue Square in Shaoshan, Hunan Province in central China, on April 28, 2016. PHOTO: EPA

A vendor resting beside his stall that displays various items depicting the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong at the Panjiayuan flea market in Beijing, China, on May 8, 2016. PHOTO: EPA

A vendor tending to her stall that displays various items depicting the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong and other items with a Cultural Revolution theme at the Panjiayuan flea market in Beijing, China, on May 8, 2016. PHOTO: EPA

Visitors looking at souvenirs in front of portraits of Mao Zedong at a wholesale souvenir store in Shaoshan, Hunan Province in central China, on April 28, 2016. PHOTO: EPA

Decks of playing cards with various designs including themes on Mao Zedong and the Cultural Revolution being sold at the Panjiayuan flea market in Beijing, China, on May 8, 2016. PHOTO: EPA

A vendor sitting beside a stall that displays various items depicting the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong at the Panjiayuan flea market in Beijing, China, on May 8, 2016. PHOTO: EPA

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