The hall which houses his remains in Tiananmen Square is closing for renovation.

Chairman Mao died in 1976 and his mausoleum opened a year later. Since then, according to Chinese state media, 158 million visitors have turned out to view Mao's body, which is displayed inside a crystal sarcophagus.

The official Xinhua news agency reported that the mausoleum is due to reopen on 20 September. It did not, however, give any details of the nature of the renovations.

Mao proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, having led the Communists to victory against China's Nationalists after more than 20 years of civil war.

Over 30 years after his death he remains a controversial figure, idolised as the father of the nation by some, and vilified by others who say China suffered under his authoritarian rule and often misguided policies.