Statue of Lord Wan

　　   Tianzhu Mountain, also known as Mount Wan or Wan Mountain, has been deeply intertwined with the culture of Wan since ancient times, sharing an inseparable bond through history and nature. With the ancient relics of Wan as its inspiration, nature has crafted countless wonders on Tianzhu Mountain. Among them, the "Statue of Lord Wan" and the "Map of Anhui Province" are hailed as two breathtaking masterpieces among Tianzhu Mountain’s cultural and natural landscapes.

　　   At the entrance to the Secret Valley in the West Pass of Tianzhu Mountain Scenic Area stands a stone statue revered as the "Statue of Lord Wan." Historical records state: "During the Zhou Dynasty, Qianshan belonged to the State of Wan" and "The Zhou Dynasty appointed the Lord of Wan to govern Wan." During his rule, the Lord of Wan paid close attention to the people’s needs and conditions, winning widespread respect and admiration—so much so that he was respectfully referred to as "Lord Wan."

　　   Lord Wan held a deep love for Tianzhu Mountain. He often climbed the mountain with friends, composing poetry and exploring the peaks and valleys. His lifelong wish was to have his legacy "merge with Wan Mountain" and "benefit the people of Wan."

　　   From a distance, the Statue of Lord Wan appears majestic and solemn, exuding strength and dignity. Up close, one can see the clearly defined features of his face, along with a gentle smile that reflects his amiable and respected character. Listening to the rustling of the pine trees in the valley, it feels as though the poetic verses of ancient Tianzhu Mountain still echo in the air. Following the direction of Lord Wan's gaze, one can take in the sweeping views of the Wan River and its waters, with countless sails dotting the river and boats vying for passage—the bustling prosperity of distant eras seemingly brought back to life. Through wind, frost, snow, and rain, through the changing of the seasons, Lord Wan and Wan Mountain have stood together through a thousand years of shared history.

　　   In November 2010, Qianshan County in Anhui Province invested approximately 6 million yuan to erect a giant statue of "Lord Wan" at the county’s eastern gateway. The project was nearly completed by November 2011.

　　   The statue stands nearly 30 meters tall and is located on a low, open piece of land next to the exit of Chezhou Temple on the Gaojie Expressway in Qianshan County, beside National Highway 318. There, a massive human-shaped sculpture stands dressed in attire from the Spring and Autumn Period.

　　   Walking down the long flight of steps, you’ll find a vast square in front of the statue, spanning over 2,000 square meters. Upon approaching, you’ll notice the base of the statue resembles a city wall, with the two large Chinese characters for "Lord Wan" inscribed in the center, and below that, the four characters for "Ancient Capital of the Wan State." On the north side of the statue’s base, there is an entrance. Entering and climbing the stairs leads you up onto the wall.

　　   The completion of the giant "Lord Wan" statue sparked considerable discussion among both tourists and local residents.

　　   Qianshan has many historically significant cultural figures. Some locals questioned why the government would build such a massive statue for a relatively unknown historical figure. Any tourist attraction needs profound cultural heritage to support it—simply erecting a monument or statue does not automatically make it a meaningful site.

　　   The eastern gateway of Qianshan County is a vital passage leading to both the county town and Tianzhu Mountain, making it the first impression visitors have of Qianshan. In the past, this area was filled with dilapidated houses and overgrown woods, with serious issues of messiness and poor sanitation—an urgent need for comprehensive development. Because this location lies at the rerouted section of National Highway 318, it formed a triangular zone unsuitable for other types of construction. As a result, the county decided to build a landmark here—one that could best reflect Qianshan’s unique character.

　　   As the birthplace of Wan culture, Qianshan holds a pivotal position both historically and geographically.

　　   And "Lord Wan" is considered the "founding father" of Anhui. After extensive deliberation and public review, it was decided to construct a giant statue of "Lord Wan." The project had an estimated total investment of over 10 million yuan and covered a total area of 69,619 square meters. The central scenic area spans 1,480 square meters, with a towering 30-meter-tall stone sculpture of the "Lord of the Wan State" erected right at its heart. This serves not only as a symbolic landmark for the site but also leaves a deep impression on visitors.