Statue of Mao Zedong stands in Chengdu

A giant statue of China's former helmsman Mao Zedong welcomes both visitors and Chinese to downtown Chengdu August 29, 2010. Despite China's economic boom and continued opening-up to global trade and culture, Mao, who is known for keeping China isolated during the Cultural Revolution, is still admired throughout much of China. UPI/Stephen Shaver