Jixin Square

Jixin Square

Jixin Square, also known as Anhan Square, is located at the intersection of Anhan Avenue and Tianbao Road, covering a total area of 120 mu, with over 40 mu of green landscape space and 27 mu of water features. Its front section is constructed with more than 4,000 cubic meters of bluestone.

Xichong was historically known as Chongguo. In 202 BC, during a power struggle, Liu Bang and Xiang Yu were besieged in Xingyang. With the city on the verge of falling and facing imminent defeat, Ji Xin, one of Liu Bang’s generals, volunteered to impersonate the King of Han and surrender to the Chu army by exiting through the east gate. Seizing the opportunity, Liu Bang escaped through the west gate. Ji Xin was later boiled alive in oil by Xiang Yu. After Liu Bang defeated Xiang Yu and established the Han Dynasty, he honored Ji Xin’s heroic act by founding Anhan County in what is now Xichong, in recognition of his contribution to saving the Han.

To promote Ji Xin’s virtues and establish a culture of integrity, in December 2001, the Xichong County Party Committee and County Government decided to build a comprehensive square in the Jindong New District, south of Xichong County town — Jixin Square. This square would integrate municipal functions, public leisure, and entertainment. After a year of construction, a grand square was unveiled to the people of Xichong.

The highlight of Jixin Square is the magnificent central sculpture group — not just light posts or stone carvings typical of urban squares, nor a mere local landmark, but a story — a tragic tale of Ji Xin sacrificing himself to protect his lord and enabling the King of Han to escape to safety. Different figures and expressions depict various stories and emotions. The Ji Xin Saving His Lord sculpture group was meticulously carved from over 4,000 cubic meters of bluestone, nearly 30 tons of bronze, and stone materials. It stretches 95 meters in length and stands 9 meters high. The front of the group depicts Ji Xin heroically riding in a chariot with the King of Han’s four-horse team, leading a spirited uprising, while the King of Han flees in panic with 24 cavalrymen — showcasing Ji Xin’s unwavering loyalty and his tragic sacrifice to save the Han King.

On the eastern side of the square, near three sets of Han-style residences, stands a 11.2-meter-high Han Dynasty memorial archway (que), surrounded by bronze sculptures of 100 great figures from China and abroad who advanced human progress, including Mao Zedong, Marx, Lenin, and Confucius. The rear section of the square features a 400-square-meter and a 2,000-square-meter performance stage and open-air dance floor for theatrical performances and public fitness activities. The southern part of the square includes a cascading water landscape, Yilian Pond, and a musical fountain. Adjacent to the site, on Huaguo Mountain, stands a massive 38-meter-high, 42-meter-wide bronze-decorated Han Dynasty bell, engraved with significant historical events such as Cai Lun’s invention of papermaking and Wang Zhaojun’s departure to the frontier.