In pictures: China Founder's 40th death anniversary

The People's Republic of China on Friday observed the 40th death anniversary of its Founder Mao Zedong, who passed away on September 9, 1976. Mao, the first Chairman of the Communist party of China, led the country from its establishment in 1949, until his death in 1976. Chinese tourists gathered at memorials across the country to mourn the leader's death.