By April of 1976, the Cultural Revolution had been raging for a decade, and China’s people were frustrated with the political movements and government leaders, especially the so-called Gang of Four. Premier Zhou Enlai passed away on January 8, 1976，who was one of China’s few truly beloved leaders at the time. Zhou’s death was particularly sensitive because he has been such a popular figure, because his revolutionary credentials were unassailable, and because at the time of his death in January, the government had taken significant measures to curb displays of mourning, frustrating his many supporters. The photo recorded the grand scene of commemorative activities on the square.

(Edited by Su Wenxiang, Xu Chongbao, Huang Si, 2015)