Yellow River Mother Statue

黄河母亲

The best-known urban sculpture along the Yellow River Scenic Line, showing a mother cradling a child to symbolise the river nurturing Chinese civilisation; the starting point for cycling, strolling and sheepskin rafting.

The Yellow River Mother statue stands on the south bank of the Yellow River in Qilihe District, along Binhe Middle Road. Completed in 1986, it was created by the sculptor He E and carved from granite: a reclining mother cradles an infant, with the mother representing the river and the child representing the descendants of the Huaxia (Chinese) people. The sculpture is 6 metres long and 2.6 metres high, and its base is carved with wave and fish patterns from the Yangshao culture. It is among the most famous Yellow River sculptures in China and a symbol of Lanzhou. The Yellow River Scenic Line runs along the south bank for about 40 km, from the Yellow River Tower, the Waterwheel Garden and the Yellow River Mother in the west, past Zhongshan Bridge, to the Waterwheel Expo Park in the east. Along the way are shaded paths, cycle lanes, Xiaoxihu Park, numerous sculptures and waterside platforms. Things to do: rent a shared bike at the Yellow River Mother and ride about 3 km east (20 minutes) to Zhongshan Bridge, watching the river and the northern hills opposite; or take a sheepskin raft (about 100 yuan) from nearby down to Zhongshan Bridge; at sunset the river turns golden. Entry is free, and the statue can be seen all day. Getting there: about a 10-minute walk from Xiaoxihu Station on Metro Line 1, or take the bus to the 'Yellow River Mother' stop. Notes: the statue is crowded for photos in peak season, so visit early in the morning when it is quietest; there are steps down to the water's edge, but the Yellow River flows fast, so do not go into the water; protect yourself from the sun in summer.

Yellow River Mother Statue

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