Liging Phoenix Square

Liging Phoenix Square

Liging County Phoenix Square is situated in the heart of Liging County. It is a modern square that combines cultural entertainment and green leisure while fulfilling both municipal and recreational purposes. With a total area of 226 mu (about 150,516 square meters), the square features 60,000 square meters of greenery and 30,000 square meters of water bodies (including 6,750 square meters of newly added water surfaces). Designed using modern landscaping techniques, the square creates diverse recreational spaces. When viewed from above, it forms a beautiful pattern symbolizing a dragon and phoenix bringing prosperity.

The square is structured around “one belt — the waterside scenic belt, two axes — the primary and secondary landscape axes, and four zones — the plaza zone, waterside zone, commercial zone, and administrative office zone.” Using “water, shore, embankment, road, and scenery” as key elements, the layout is well-balanced with focal points and open spaces, varying in height and connectivity. The square includes pavilions, garden sculptures, captivating musical fountains, and a harmonious blend of cultural and natural landscapes, integrating lakeside leisure with water recreation.

Based on the theme of phoenix culture, the square uses soft and abstract curves to depict the graceful forms of the phoenix. It highlights the theme of “a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix, whose cry echoes to the heavens,” while also reflecting the historical and cultural essence of this small town. At the center of the square lies a large granite slab inscribed with the four red Chinese characters for “Phoenix Square.” Behind it stands a striking 12.6-meter-tall scarlet phoenix sculpture with its beak holding a golden pearl and wings spread as if ready to take flight. The base is engraved with the phrase “The Phoenix Descends Upon This Blessed Land,” symbolizing “a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix, whose cry echoes to the heavens.”

On either side of the sculpture are rows of cultural landscape walls. The first wall on the east side is inscribed with the “Ode to Phoenix Square,” written by Mr. Jianhua, a member of both the China Writers Association and the China Calligraphers Association. Walking northward up the steps towards the central phoenix statue, you will arrive at the Phoenix Platform at the heart of the square. Surrounding the platform are eight ten-meter-high stone pillars carved with dragons and phoenixes. Each pillar features bas-reliefs of coiling dragons and dancing phoenixes. At each corner stands a phoenix sculpture, collectively representing the “Phoenix Quartet” that resonates with the square’s main theme.

In the center of the Phoenix Platform is a musical fountain, which performs every weekend. As the music plays, water jets into the air, changing colors, shapes, and heights in sync with the rhythm. On the east and west sides of the platform are twelve symmetrical arched pedestrian gateways, arranged in sequence. To the north, rockeries and woods complement one another, completing a picturesque landscape. The eastern side of the square features a waterside scenic belt, where the Sanli River flows in from the south and out to the north. Over ten thousand square meters of water surface are dotted with five artificial islets, while three arched bridges span the river like rainbows.

On the west bank of the river stand three red steel archways, symbolizing the historical significance of Liging’s Iron Gate Pass — “locking the sea’s throat and grasping the waves — the iron gate holds back the tides.” The square’s management office is nestled discreetly amidst pavilions, featuring red walls and blue tiles that blend classical elegance with a modern atmosphere. Surrounding the office are rolling hills, winding streams, leisure lawns, and fitness trails. A variety of landscape features have been constructed, including rock formations, sculptures of the Iron Gate Pass, viewing pavilions, walking paths, and vine-covered corridors. Using a multi-layered planting approach that combines trees, shrubs, and grasses, the design leverages different plant varieties, colors, shapes, and growth cycles to create a rich, three-dimensional ecological environment. Hedges are used as natural dividers, and pebble paths form fitness trails. Emphasis is placed on group planting and colorful landscape belts. On the large lawns, natural curved hedges are paired with flower pots and benches, complemented by outdoor fitness equipment to enhance the square’s recreational function. The integration of fitness, greening, and beautification efforts results in a vibrant waterfront ecological corridor characterized by “clear water, green shores, beautiful scenery, and smooth access.”

Address: Liyi Road, Liging County

Business Hours: All day

Recommended Visiting Time: About 2 hours

Featured Attractions: Lantern exhibitions are held every year on the 15th day of the first lunar month.

Suggested Tour Route: Phoenix sculpture at the south entrance of the square – relief carvings on both sides – central music plaza – eastern water feature – western red steel archways