Zhishan Cultural Square

Zhishan Cultural Square

Zhishan Cultural Square, situated opposite Zhishan Park in the southern part of the city across the road, features an elegant landscape and is one of the many plaza green spaces in Cixi that contribute to building an ecological garden city.

Walking into Zhishan Cultural Square feels like drifting through a millennia-long stream of Cixi's culture and history. Before the massive metal structure "Light of Cixi," a sudden feeling of boundless space arises. The round sky and square earth, the rising sun in the east, the long flow of time, and the vicissitudes of history—all seem condensed here. Celadon culture, coastal mudflat culture, and immigrant culture are all seemingly embodied within. Ascending the steps, clear flowing water encircles bronze-cast grain storage jars, chicken-head pitchers, three-legged toad-shaped water droppers, and four-handled jars—all large in size and symbolic of China’s celadon culture.

Among the numerous sculptures in Zhishan Cultural Square, the human figures are the finishing touches. Moving from east to west, you can admire them one after another. “Rhythm of Winter,” “Wind of the Sea,” “Song of Autumn,” “Emotion of Spring,” “Dream of Summer,” “Essence of the Source”… Some are vividly realistic and uniquely creative; others are abstract and primal, bizarre and colorful, transcending time and space. The young girl in front of the large relief “Wind of the Sea” is particularly captivating—her left arm outstretched, her right leg bent, her gaze fixed on the seagulls, her center of gravity on her hips, her entire body curving gracefully, her skin delicate and touching, her posture exquisitely elegant.

Seeking water in the hills, asking for direction along the paths, a tranquil stream winds its way where a bronze statue of Dong An, the filial son of the Han Dynasty, holds a jar pouring water to serve his beloved mother—“the child’s filial piety, the mother’s kindness.” Cixi gets its name from this story. The central square, the Sun Square, and the “Spring of Northern Three Regions” Square each offer distinct landscapes, subtly symbolizing the new Cixi being composed of Yao North, Ci North, and Zhen North. Observe the cotton fields, salt pans, and coastal mudflats; admire the giant clams and fountains; pause before the abstract sail shapes—and the spirit of Cixi forging ahead against the wind and keeping pace with the times speaks for itself.

Pavilions, bridges, corridors, flower stands, dance floors, rare flowers, lush trees, clear ponds, flowing springs, fish playing in the water, birds singing in harmony—visitors wandering through the scenery deeply feel that Zhishan Cultural Square encapsulates the landscape, waterscape, and cultural history of Cixi.