Giant Chairman Mao Statue Erected Where Millions Died

Chairman Mao Zedong still rules in this Central province in China.

A rural town is now home to a massive gold-colored statue of the former communist ruler, whose policies resulted in the deaths of millions of people in the region.

Henan province, where the statue is located, was the site of a devastating famine that killed up to 45 million residents in the 1950s as a result of Mao's strict leadership, according to the Guardian. It remains one of China's poorest regions.

The 120-foot statue cost nearly 3 million yuan (nearly half a million US dollars) to create. The People's Daily China reports that businessmen funded the creation of the statue, along with contributions from villagers.

Chairman Mao is revered by many in China. Current President Xi Jinping praises Mao as a "great figure" but has acknowledged that the former leader made some "mistakes," according to the BBC.

Check out more photos of the statue below: