The cultural revolution was trying to get rid of all of the "old China" influence. Millions died to "purify" China. I don't think the communists have a fond memory of pre-communist China.
The fondness of "old China" depends on the topic of discussion. Old China is a fond old buddy when it is used to justify distrust of the West and re-enforce the victim mindset. On the other hand, it is a dirty old SOB when someone asks "why have a revolution?"
The real devil is all the details.