Shuigang Bijia Mountain Park

　　   Located in the central area of the Shuicheng Iron and Steel Group Company's factory grounds, 6 kilometers from the Zhongshan District Government. In the middle of the factory area rises a high mountain, with three peaks at its summit connected like a penholder, hence the name Bijia Mountain. The park is built against the mountain, covering a total area of 120,000 square meters, with 1,300 acres of artificially planted forests and over 100 varieties of plants. From the foot to the mid-slope of the mountain, the area is covered with lush green trees, and pavilions, terraces, towers, and pavilions are tucked away in the shade, constructed exquisitely and adorned with painted beams and carved rafters, shining brilliantly amidst the green, especially the pavilions atop the peaks which are even more magnificent. Several stone stairways wind through the park and up the mountain, leading to the peaks of Bijia Mountain. Among the green woods and pavilions are numerous flower gardens cultivating various rare flowers and trees. There are 13 scenic areas in the park. At the entrance, a garden gate archway connects to the “Welcome Bridge,” at the head of which stands a statue of a steelworker, tall and simple. To the left is a children’s playground with various amusement rides. To the front right is a newly built musical fountain, with flower-lined paths leading to the “Emerald Corridor.” Midway up the mountain lies the “Garden Within the Garden,” with a couplet above its gate that reads: “Birds fly beyond the mountain ridge, flowers bloom within this garden.” Above that is the city of Liupanshui’s only zoo, housing lions, tigers, bears, deer, baboons, golden monkeys, black-leaf monkeys, peacocks, black-necked cranes, camels, and more. Ahead is the “Penglai Pavilion,” where one can lean on the railing to look out over the verdant landscape and gaze far into the misty mountains. In the mountain hollow is the “Breeze Pavilion,” offering a place to enjoy the breeze and rest. At the top of the main peak is the “Panorama Pavilion.” The peak is steep and the pavilion is towering, offering views of the landscapes of the Shuicheng basin and the entire urban area from the pavilion. One can see thousands of surrounding mountains, distant peaks in the haze, and enjoy an aerial view of the entire Shuigang area: surrounding peaks encircle the factory area into an oval basin, within which clusters of factories, towering buildings, and widespread skyscrapers stand amidst furnaces glowing red, molten iron splashing, white smoke rising like dragons, crisscrossing factory roads, tree-lined avenues, and vehicles shuttling like shuttles—thus fully appreciating the flourishing scene of the “Ten-Mile Steel City.”

　　   Shuigang Bijia Mountain Park was initially built in the 1980s. In 2000, Shuigang expanded and renovated the park, constructing a new central park on the original foundation. The addition of novel and bright lighting facilities, flat green lawns, and expansive green visibility provided visitors with an extremely comfortable leisure and entertainment space. In August 2006, further renovations were carried out, including the installation of a stylish musical fountain, the construction of protective walls, the placement of fresh flowers, and the planting of osmanthus, red magnolia, hibiscus, and violas, among other flowering trees. The pathways leading up the mountain were widened and leveled, with anti-slip bluestone slabs laid on the main routes. Outdated light poles in the central park were removed and replaced with ornate plaza lights, tower lights, and large red Chinese lanterns. Over 10,000 pots of flowers and potted plants were purchased to create two large flower stands in the central park. The “Garden Within the Garden” was arranged into a premium viewing area for potted plants and flowers, transforming the park into a comprehensive destination for flower viewing during the day and light appreciation at night.