The Eternal Embrace: Discovering the Iconic Yellow River Mother Sculpture in Lanzhou

A Symbol of the Chinese Nation

1.Located on the south bank of the Yellow: River in Lanzhou, the Yellow River Mother Sculpture is the most representative and artistically significant landmark within the city's 40-mile Yellow River Scenic Belt. Often referred to as "Lanzhou's Little Bund," this scenic area features the sculpture as its spiritual and cultural centerpiece. Standing at an altitude of approximately 1,520 meters, the sculpture gazes across the river that has sustained Chinese civilization for millennia.

Artistic Mastery and Design

2.Designed by the renowned female sculptor He: E and carved in Beijing in 1986, the sculpture is a massive granite monument. It measures 6 meters in length, 2.2 meters in width, and 2.6 meters in height, with a total weight exceeding 40 tons. The composition features a mother and a child resting on a base adorned with water ripples. The mother's神态 (expression) is kind and serene, with her hair flowing like the river's currents, while the mischievous child leans against her right side, looking up with a playful smile.

Deep Cultural Symbolism

3.The sculpture carries profound meaning: the mother represents the Yellow River, the "Mother River" that has nurtured the Chinese nation through its unyielding spirit, while the child symbolizes the happy and flourishing descendants of the Huaxia people. Notably, the ripples and fish patterns carved into the base are derived from ancient Gansu painted pottery, a direct nod to the region's prehistoric cultural roots and thousands of years of heritage.

The Heart of the Scenic Belt

The sculpture is situated in the middle section of Binhe Road, just north of Xiaoxihu Park. As a primary stop on most Lanzhou city tours, it offers visitors a moment of reflection amidst the city's vibrant modern pulse. During the "golden hour" of sunset, the granite takes on a warm, golden hue, creating a striking contrast with the moving waters of the Yellow River. It remains one of the most photographed and beloved sites in Northwest China.