Funing Bund

Funing Bund

The Funing Bund is a scenic belt along the Sheyang River formed during the construction of New Funing. Major attractions include People’s Square, Evergreen Lawn, rockeries, sculptures, and an echo wall. Strolling along the Funing Bund, you’ll see weeping willows swaying and flowers blooming along the riverbank; the Sheyang River teems with boats. The Funing Bridge, New Century Bridge, New Funing Bridge, Dongfeng Road Bridge, and Funong Bridge span the river like rainbows. A gentle breeze ripples the calm water, creating a refreshing and enchanting atmosphere that makes visitors linger. Amid the fervor of building New Funing, the locals constructed Shebei Road along the north bank of the Sheyang River, establishing a beautiful scenic belt. Due to its geographical resemblance to Shanghai’s Bund, it has earned the nickname “Funing Bund.”

Construction of the Funing Bund began on January 10, 1998, with Phase I. The 1,836-meter-long belt covers an area of 45,000 square meters. Thirty-two county-level organizations jointly funded the project, with the County Greening Management Office overseeing construction. The design was by Anhui Landscape Planning and Design Institute, and the construction was carried out by Changzhou No. 2 Garden Company. It was completed on October 1, 1998. Its completion added another beautiful attraction to Funing. Along the several-mile-long Shebei Road, there are flower beds in various shapes, ever-changing lawns, intricately carved stone sculptures, rugged rockeries, exotic flowers and trees, pavilions, and terraces—all blending the wonders of nature with the ingenuity of human craftsmanship. No two spots are alike; each section offers distinct views, each with its own unique variation. Some flower beds are shaped like pipas or eels. Some resemble exquisitely crafted patterns by artists, with neat and distinctive designs; others look like bold strokes from a calligrapher’s brush—each line a master’s touch. A seemingly casual stroke carries endless charm upon closer inspection. Though the flowers and trees are static, they seem to move without wind, full of dynamic energy yet not a single leaf stirs. The trunks of palm trees resemble beauties draped in veils, their leaves like dancing fans. Clusters of palm trees stand in rows or form plum blossom patterns. Weeping willows sway gracefully, while pine saplings play the role of welcoming guests, their treetops like a maiden’s swept-back hair. Towering Masson pines exude youthful vitality. The soaring stone sculpture of a galloping horse evokes the image of a “heavenly steed roaming the skies”; the kindly stone sheep remind one of the beautiful legend of the Sheep River (Sheyang River); the reclining stone water buffalo brings to mind the spirit of selfless dedication described as “willing to be a child’s ox.” If you wish to admire landscape paintings, step into the pavilions, where the eaves are adorned with traditional Chinese paintings—you can sit or stroll, taking in the scenery to your heart’s content. In fact, the entire Shebei Road is like a long ink-wash painting, a feast for the eyes. The ten-meter-wide cement path of the Funing Bund is smooth as a whetstone and solid as iron, radiating a majestic masculine energy. The cluster of high-rises to its north enhances its grandeur. The numerous attractions along the long belt embraced by water and road are a perfect blend of strength and grace—rocks, flowers, trees, pavilions, and sculptures, whether firm or soft, all contribute to the ambiance.

The Funing Bund at night is even more breathtaking. Thousands of colorful lights along the cast-iron railings distinctly outline the contours of Shebei Road and trace a beautiful arc of the Sheyang River. Each light casts a beam onto the water, creating a river of radiant brilliance—a scene that perfectly matches the ancient poetic line, “Waves sway the still reflections, golden snakes in motion.” Every evening, visitors come here to unwind, indulging in the beauty of lanterns and rippling oars. Nowadays, the visitors are not just locals but also many from out of town; not only people from Funing, but also numerous travelers from elsewhere. The Funing Bund welcomes all with its open arms.