Funing Bund

　　Funing Bund is a scenic belt created around the Sheyang River during the development of New Funing. Key attractions include People's Square, Evergreen Lawn, rockeries, sculptures, and an echo wall. Strolling along Funing Bund, you’ll see weeping willows swaying and vibrant flowers blooming along the riverbanks; the Sheyang River is bustling with boats, while bridges such as Funing Bridge, New Century Bridge, New Funing Bridge, Dongfeng Road Bridge, and Funong Bridge span gracefully over the water like rainbows. With a gentle breeze and calm waters, the scenery is both refreshing and captivating. During the construction boom of New Funing, locals built Shebei Road along the north bank of the Sheyang River, creating this beautiful scenic area. Due to its geographical resemblance to Shanghai Bund, it has earned the nickname “Funing Bund.”

　　Construction of Funing Bund began on January 10, 1998, with Phase I. The project stretches 1,836 meters in length and covers an area of 45,000 square meters. Thirty-two local organizations contributed funding, with the County Greening Management Office overseeing construction. It was designed by Anhui Landscape Planning and Design Institute and built by Changzhou No. 2 Garden Company. The project was completed on October 1, 1998. Its completion added another beautiful attraction to Funing. Along the several-mile-long Shebei Road, there are uniquely shaped flower beds, varied lawns, intricately carved stone sculptures, rugged rockeries, exotic flowers and trees, pavilions, and terraces—all blending the wonders of nature with the artistry of human craftsmanship. Each spot is distinct, offering a constantly changing experience. Some flower beds are shaped like pipas or eels; others resemble exquisitely crafted patterns with neat yet distinctive designs, or calligraphy strokes that seem casually drawn yet full of charm. Though the plants are still, they appear to move without a single leaf trembling. The trunks of palm trees resemble beauties draped in veils, their leaves like dancers’ fans. Clusters of palm trees stand in rows or form plum blossom patterns. Weeping willows sway gently, while pine trees play the role of welcoming guests, their treetops flowing like a maiden’s swept-back hair. Tall Masson pines exude youthful vitality. The soaring stone sculpture of a galloping horse evokes the imagery of “a heavenly steed soaring through the clouds”; the gentle stone sheep remind one of the beautiful legends of the Sheep River (Sheyang River); and the reclining stone water buffalo reflects the spirit of selfless dedication described in “willing to be a child’s ox.” If you wish to admire landscape paintings, step into the pavilions where traditional ink art adorns the eaves—you can sit or stroll as you take in the view. In fact, the entire Shebei Road is like a long ink-wash painting, a feast for the eyes. The ten-meter-wide cement path of Funing Bund is smooth as a whetstone and solid as iron, radiating a robust masculine energy. The cluster of high-rises to its north enhances its grandeur. The numerous attractions along the long belt where water meets road are a perfect blend of strength and grace—stones, flowers, pavilions, sculptures—all contribute to the unique ambiance.

　　Funing Bund is even more breathtaking at night. Thousands of colorful lights along the cast-iron railings brightly outline the contours of Shebei Road and trace the beautiful curve of the Sheyang River. Each lamp casts a beam of light onto the water, creating a river of radiant brilliance. This scene perfectly echoes the ancient verse, “Waves rock the still reflections, golden snakes in motion.” Every evening, visitors come here to unwind and feast their eyes on the charming scenery of lanterns and rippling water. Nowadays, the visitors are not only locals but also many from out of town; not just people from Funing, but also tourists from afar. Funing Bund welcomes all with its open arms.