The First Tower of Jinjiang: Wangjiang Tower Park and the Bamboo Forest of Poetess Xue Tao

The "First Tower of Jinjiang" Standing by the River

1.Located at: No. 30 Wangjiang Road on the south bank of the Jinjiang River in Chengdu, Wangjiang Tower Park (Wangjianglou Park) is one of the city's most iconic cultural landmarks. Covering an area of about 18.8 hectares, the park is a harmonious blend of historic architecture, lush bamboo forests, and the leisurely lifestyle of Chengdu. Its centerpiece, the Wangjiang Tower (historically known as Chongli Pavilion), stands 39 meters tall and is hailed as the "First Tower of Jinjiang." With its vermilion columns, green tiles, and soaring eaves reflecting in the river, it has been a symbol of Chengdu's skyline for over a century. The park is not only a tribute to the magnificent river scenery but also a memorial to Xue Tao, a renowned female poet of the Tang Dynasty, making it a site of deep literary significance and historical romance,.

The Legend of Xue Tao and the Poetic Legacy

The history of the park is intrinsically linked to Xue Tao (768-831 AD), a talented poetess who lived in Chengdu during the Tang Dynasty. Known for her wit and literary prowess, she exchanged verses with famous poets like Yuan Zhen and Bai Juyi. Xue Tao loved bamboo deeply and spent her later years living by the stream, where she invented the famous "Xue Tao Paper" (a type of colorful writing paper). To honor her, the park was established with numerous memorial structures. Visitors can explore the Yinshi Pavilion (Poetry Reciting Pavilion), the Huanjian Pavilion (Paper Washing Pavilion), and the legendary Xue Tao Well. Legend has it that the water from this well gave the paper its unique vibrant color. Walking through these sites offers a glimpse into the life of a woman whose talent outshone the constraints of her time,.

The "Museum of Chinese Bamboos"

2.Wangjiang Tower: Park is also celebrated as the "China Bamboo Museum." Inspired by Xue Tao's love for the plant, the park cultivates over 120 species of bamboo, including rare varieties like the Spotted Bamboo (said to be stained by tears), the delicate Violin-string Bamboo, and the purple-stemmed bamboo. The bamboo forest covers much of the park, creating a serene, green sanctuary where sunlight filters through the leaves, and the wind creates a soothing rustling sound. This "sea of bamboo" provides a high concentration of negative oxygen ions, making it a natural oxygen bar in the middle of the bustling city. The winding paths lined with towering bamboo offer a perfect escape for nature lovers and photographers seeking a tranquil composition,.

A Hub of Leisure and Tea Culture

3.In true: Chengdu fashion, Wangjiang Tower Park is a prime destination to experience the local "Slow Life." The park features traditional open-air tea houses set under the shade of ancient trees and bamboo groves. Here, locals and tourists alike sit in bamboo chairs, sipping jasmine tea from "Gaiwan" (covered bowls), playing mahjong, or engaging in "Longmenzhen" (chatting). The riverside atmosphere is vibrant yet relaxing, with people strolling along the Jinjiang River, feeding birds, or simply watching the water flow by. Whether you are climbing the tower to get a panoramic view of the city or sitting quietly by the river to watch the sunset, the park embodies the leisurely spirit and cultural depth of Chengdu,.