The former personal jet of Mao Zedong has been enjoying an idyllic retirement life at the parking lot of Ridong Plaza in Zhuhai since 1999. A property developer bought the jet to attract visitors to its shopping centre.

Although the plane belonged to the late Chairman Mao, it mainly served his wife Jiang Qing, or Madame Mao, until her arrest as the leader of the Gang of Four in 1976. The jet continued to be in service flying Chinese officials around the country until 1986.

Now, the developer wishes to sell the iconic plane in a bid to free up more parking space. An exact price was not disclosed but it's expected to run up to several million yuan. VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP