Du Shiniang Square

Du Shiniang Square

The story of "Du Shiniang’s Tragic Rage and the Sinking of the Treasure Chest" is found in Feng Menglong’s Stories to Caution the World from the Ming Dynasty. The material originates from Song Maocheng’s "The Story of a Faithless Lover" in his collection Jiubianji. It narrates the tragic tale of Du Shiniang’s struggle and resistance to change her fate. The tragedy unfolds in Guazhou, which was a key transport and communication hub during the Ming Dynasty, and thus the story has been widely circulated, exerting a profound influence. It has become an enduring dramatic theme known to all.

Du Shiniang Square is located at the intersection of Runyang South Road and the former Yangguo Road in Guazhou Town, Hanjiang District. It faces the Yangtze River to the south and the Grand Canal to the east, overlooking the historic city of Zhenjiang across the river, and is just 13 kilometers away from downtown Yangzhou, a city rich in cultural heritage. The square covers an area of 4,200 square meters and includes the Du Shiniang Sinking the Treasure Chest sculpture, Guazhou landscape stone, leisure plaza, Tongyun Pavilion, Ruyi Corridor, as well as landscaped greenery. The project was completed and opened to the public in September 2015.

Traveling south along Runyang South Road, the first sight to greet you is the snow-white "Du Shiniang’s Tragic Rage and the Sinking of the Treasure Chest" sculpture. As the thematic sculpture of the square, it stands nearly 5 meters tall and is carved from snow-white marble. Its design embodies Du Shiniang’s strong will to pursue freedom and happiness, as well as her unwavering determination in her final act of sinking the treasure chest and throwing herself into the river. With a near-sacred symbolic meaning, it allows people to perceive historical truth through the appreciation of tragic beauty, inspiring love for modern life.

The entire square is laid out in the shape of a nut on the river, symbolizing how the ancient river town of Guazhou is radiating brilliant light in the new wave of cultural tourism development. The Du Shiniang-themed cultural square is a landmark of Guazhou, an important window showcasing the town’s image, and an ideal cultural tourism destination for sightseeing and leisure.