Jiulongtan Square Guang'an | Musical Fountain & River Views

Jiulongtan Square (九龙滩广场, “Nine Dragon Shoal Square”) is the principal public plaza and riverside park in Guang'an, Sichuan. Built at the confluence of the Qujiang and Xixi Rivers, the square functions as the city’s “Urban Living Room” – a place where residents gather for evening exercise, weekend strolls, and community events. For travelers, it offers an accessible glimpse into modern Guang'an, combining a dramatic musical fountain, panoramic river views, and cultural installations that pay tribute to Deng Xiaoping and local dragon mythology.

Location and How to Get There

Jiulongtan Square sits in Guang'an District, Guang'an City, Sichuan Province, at the scenic meeting point of the Qujiang and Xixi Rivers. It is directly adjacent to the Deng Xiaoping Hometown Scenic Area, connected by a landscape bridge that makes visiting both sites convenient in a single trip.

• By car: From Guang'an city center, the square is roughly a 10–15 minute drive. Paid parking is available near the square entrance.
• By public transport: Local bus routes serve the Deng Xiaoping Hometown stop; from there walk east toward the river along the landscape bridge.
• By taxi or ride-hailing: Drivers know “Jiulongtan Guangchang”. The trip from Guang'an Railway Station takes about 20 minutes.

The square is a flat, open space at 193 meters (633 feet) above sea level. No significant elevation gain is required to explore it, making it wheelchair- and stroller-friendly.

Highlights

Grand Musical Fountain

The centerpiece of Jiulongtan Square is its large-scale musical fountain and water screen movie system. During evening shows (typically around 8:00 PM on weekends and holidays, though the schedule may vary), water columns shoot up to 80 meters (262 feet) high, choreographed to music and colored lights. A 3D water screen projects short films and animations onto a mist curtain, creating an immersive nighttime spectacle.

Practical note: The fountain show is weather-dependent and may be canceled without notice during strong winds or rain. Check with local information desks or hotel staff for the exact schedule on the day of your visit. Arrive 15–20 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot on the main platform.

Panoramic River Views and Viewing Platform

A wide viewing platform extends from the square toward the river, offering unobstructed views of the Qujiang–Xixi confluence. On clear days you can see the city skyline behind you and the low mountains of eastern Sichuan across the water. This is a favored spot for photography, especially during golden hour (late afternoon) and shortly after sunset when the sky still holds color and the fountain lights begin to activate.

Deng Xiaoping Tribute and Cultural Significance

Guang'an is the birthplace of Deng Xiaoping, and Jiulongtan Square carries a commemorative theme: “From Guang'an to the World”. This is expressed through sculptural elements, stone carvings, and the overall design of the square. Visitors interested in Red Tourism – travel to politically and historically significant sites related to China's revolutionary and reform eras – will find Jiulongtan Square a natural extension of the nearby Deng Xiaoping Hometown Scenic Area.

Dragon Culture Sculptures

The name “Jiulongtan” comes from a local legend of nine dragons that subdued ancient floods and transformed into protective shoals. Several large-scale sculptures and reliefs throughout the square depict these dragons in dynamic poses, blending mythology with contemporary urban art. These installations are particularly photogenic at dusk when soft lighting emphasizes their contours.

Urban Living Room Atmosphere

Observing daily life here adds to the experience. Local residents practice tai chi, fly kites, dance in groups to amplified music, and walk their dogs along the riverfront. This lively community atmosphere gives the square an authenticity that purpose-built tourist plazas often lack. Visitors are welcome to join in or simply sit on a bench and watch the city go by.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities in Guang'an. Summer can be hot and humid, though the evening fountain show provides some relief. Winter is cooler and less crowded; the square remains open but the fountain show may operate on a reduced schedule.

For the fountain show, evening visits are mandatory. Combine a late-afternoon arrival with a river-view stroll, then stay for the 8:00 PM show. If the fountain is not operating, the square still provides pleasant nighttime views of the city lights reflected on the water.

Who Should Go and Who Should Skip

Ideal for:

• Travelers visiting the Deng Xiaoping Hometown Scenic Area who want an additional free attraction nearby.
• Photographers interested in nightscape, water reflections, and light shows.
• Families with children who enjoy open space, riverfront walks, and colorful fountain displays.
• Budget travelers – the square has no entrance fee and is a self-guided experience.

Less suitable for:

• Visitors seeking quiet natural scenery – the square is a busy urban public space, especially on weekends.
• Those with limited mobility could still manage, but the viewing platform can become crowded during shows.
• Travelers on tight schedules – a visit can be covered in 30–60 minutes unless you stay for the fountain show.

Photography Tips

• Best light: Golden hour (one hour before sunset) for warm tones on the sculptures and river. The fountain show itself is best photographed at 1/15 to 1/30 second with a tripod to capture water motion.
• Lens choice: A wide-angle lens (16–24mm full-frame equivalent) works well for the full fountain and skyline. A telephoto (70–200mm) can compress the river view or capture details of the dragon sculptures.
• Drone policy: Drones are prohibited over public squares in most Chinese cities unless explicitly allowed. No official drone permissions for Jiulongtan Square were found in source data; fly only if you have obtained local authorization.
• Filters: A polarizing filter may help reduce glare on the water during daytime.

Nearby Attractions

• Deng Xiaoping Hometown Scenic Area – Connected via a landscape bridge. This museum complex covers Deng Xiaoping's early life, with restored buildings and exhibition halls. Plan at least half a day for a thorough visit.
• Guang'an Old Town – About 3 km away, offering traditional Sichuan architecture and local snacks.
• Qujiang River Cruise – Some tour operators offer boat trips along the Qujiang; inquire at local travel desks.

Safety and Comfort

• Footing: The square is paved but the viewing platform edge has no railing in sections; supervise children near the water.
• Crowds: During holidays (National Day, Spring Festival) the square can become very crowded. Consider visiting on a weekday evening for a more relaxed experience.
• Weather: In summer, bring water and sunscreen; in winter, a windproof jacket is advisable because the open riverside can feel chilly.
• Air quality: Like many Sichuan cities, Guang'an may experience haze. Check local forecasts if clear views are important to your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Jiulongtan Square located?
It is located in Guang'an District, Guang'an City, Sichuan Province, at the confluence of the Qujiang and Xixi Rivers.

Is there an entrance fee?
No. Jiulongtan Square is an open public square and city park, generally free to visit.

When is the best time to see the fountain show?
The musical fountain and light show usually take place in the evening (often around 8:00 PM), particularly during weekends and holidays. Check the local schedule upon arrival as times may change seasonally or due to weather.

What attractions are nearby?
The square is closely connected to the Deng Xiaoping Hometown Scenic Area via a landscape bridge, making it easy to visit both in a single trip.

What is the best season to visit?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities and viewing the river scenery.

How long do most visitors spend here?
30 to 60 minutes for a daytime walk; plan 1.5 to 2 hours if you stay for the evening fountain show.

Is the square accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?
Yes. The entire square is flat and paved. The viewing platform is also accessible, though it can get crowded during events.

Note: The information in this article is based on publicly available sources and provided data. Details about the fountain schedule and cultural programming may change. Always confirm with local tourism offices or your hotel before planning your visit.