Yellow River Mother Statue

Located in the middle section of Binhe Road on the south bank of the Yellow River in Lanzhou City and on the north side of Xiaoxihu Park.
It is the most artistically valuable sculpture among many sculptures representing the mother river in China.
The sculpture consists of a "mother" and a "baby boy", symbolizing the Yellow River mother and the descendants of the Chinese nation respectively.
"Mother Yellow River" has now become a landmark sculpture in Lanzhou and also represents the image of Lanzhou.

Attractions Location: The middle section of Binhe Road, Qilihe District, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province (north side of Xiaoxihu Park)

Tickets: free

Opening hours:
All day (Monday to Sunday, January 1st to December 31st)

Transportation:
1. Take bus No. 25 or No. 142 and get off at Yellow River Mother Station, which is within walking distance;
2. Take bus No. 56, 58, 103, 106, 107, etc. and get off at Xihu Park Station.

Time reference: Less than 1 hour


Recommended itinerary for Yellow River Mother Statue tours

1-Day Itinerary: Visit Yellow River Mother Statue and Surroundings

The Yellow River Mother Statue, located in Lanzhou, is a symbol of the nurturing power of the Yellow River. Spend a day appreciating this iconic statue and nearby landmarks along the river.

  • Morning: Arrive at Yellow River Mother Statue by taxi or bus (Bus Route 9, 20, 25; approx. 20 minutes from Lanzhou city center)
  • Walk along the Yellow River Scenic Area, enjoy the river views and take photos with the statue (2-3 hours)
  • Afternoon: Visit Zhongshan Bridge (Iron Bridge), a short 10-minute walk from the statue
  • Evening: Explore nearby Waterwheel Expo Park (taxi or bus, 10 minutes)

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Lanzhou city center hotels like Jinjiang Inn or Wanda Realm. Try Lanzhou beef noodles and river fish dishes at nearby restaurants.

Souvenirs: Miniature Yellow River Mother statues, local handicrafts, Lanzhou beef noodle spices.


2-Day Itinerary: Cultural and Scenic Highlights around Yellow River

Combine the iconic Yellow River Mother Statue with Lanzhou’s cultural spots and scenic areas.

  • Day 1: Follow 1-day itinerary
  • Day 2: Visit Gansu Provincial Museum (bus routes 1, 3; approx. 20 minutes), then head to Baita Mountain Park (taxi, 15 minutes), and end at Lanzhou Waterwheel Expo Park

Transportation: Use Lanzhou public buses and taxis for flexible city transfers.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Lanzhou hotels. Sample Lanzhou hand-pulled noodles and local steamed buns.

Souvenirs: Traditional Tibetan crafts, museum replicas, herbal teas.


3-Day Itinerary: Lanzhou City and Yellow River Scenic Exploration

Explore Lanzhou’s history, culture, and natural beauty focusing on the Yellow River region.

  • Days 1-2: Follow 2-day itinerary
  • Day 3: Visit White Pagoda Mountain (Baita Mountain) in the morning, then take a boat ride on the Yellow River if available; afternoon free for shopping in Lanzhou’s night markets

Accommodation/Food: Choose centrally located Lanzhou hotels with easy access to public transport. Try local snacks like lamb skewers and hand-pulled noodles.

Souvenirs: Yellow River-themed artwork, traditional embroidery, local honey and nuts.


4-Day Itinerary: Deeper Cultural and Natural Discovery around Yellow River

Extend your exploration to nearby parks and cultural sites in Lanzhou.

  • Days 1-3: Follow 3-day itinerary
  • Day 4: Visit Lanzhou Botanical Garden (taxi or bus, 30 minutes), then head to Gaolan Scenic Area for a nature walk (about 1-hour taxi drive)

Accommodation/Food: Lanzhou city or countryside guesthouses near Gaolan. Enjoy local beef noodles, mountain herbs, and fresh produce.

Souvenirs: Botanical extracts, herbal teas, local crafts.


5-Day Itinerary: Comprehensive Lanzhou and Yellow River Experience

Explore cultural, historical, and natural attractions in Lanzhou and its surroundings.

  • Days 1-4: Follow 4-day itinerary
  • Day 5: Visit the Lanzhou Museum and the nearby Zhongshan Bridge area again for a relaxing day

Accommodation/Food: Comfortable hotels in Lanzhou city center. Sample Lanzhou specialties including dumplings and noodle soups.

Souvenirs: Local calligraphy works, silk scarves, handcrafts inspired by Yellow River culture.


6-Day Itinerary: Extended Regional Cultural Tour

Take an in-depth journey exploring Lanzhou’s cultural sites and the Yellow River environment.

  • Days 1-5: Follow 5-day itinerary
  • Day 6: Take a day trip to Bingling Temple Grottoes (approx. 3-4 hours by car and boat), exploring Buddhist cave art along the Yellow River

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Lanzhou city or nearby countryside inns. Try local dairy products and Tibetan-inspired cuisine.

Souvenirs: Religious art replicas, local pottery, traditional Tibetan jewelry.


7-Day Itinerary: Full Lanzhou & Yellow River Cultural and Natural Immersion

Spend a full week enjoying Lanzhou’s city life, the Yellow River’s majestic scenery, and nearby historical sites.

  • Days 1-6: Follow 6-day itinerary
  • Day 7: Leisure day to revisit favorite spots, shop at Lanzhou’s Shuangcheng Market, or relax by the river

Accommodation/Food: Lanzhou city hotels with river views preferred. Sample lamb kebabs, hand-pulled noodles, and desert fruits.

Souvenirs: Local teas, handcrafted textiles, Yellow River riverine crafts.


User Reviews

By Ruoruo |

P1 The Yellow River Mother Sculpture carries a long history and culture. The sculpture has profound meaning, symbolizing the Yellow River Mother who has nurtured the Chinese nation's endless vitality and the indomitable spirit, as well as the happy and thriving Chinese descendants.

P2 In 2016, the Yellow River Sculpture Gallery Project was officially launched. The project will invite 160 outstanding Chinese sculptors from all over the world to create the highest level of works in the history of Chinese sculpture in four years, leaving 160 exquisite sculptures along the Yellow River Scenic Line, and conveying an eternal voice to the world beside the mother river: Love the Mother River! Let Lanzhou become a gathering place for Chinese people from all over the world to return to their hometown, express their homesickness, and place their homesickness.

P3 In August 1984, the National Youth Geology Summer Camp erected a monument “Dedicated to the cradle of the Chinese nation - Mother Yellow River”.

By Kang Dongsheng |

When I was in primary school, I saw this on the cover of a history textbook, so I had a deep impression of it. When I heard that I was going on a business trip to Lanzhou, my first reaction was to go see the Yellow River Mother. How should I put it? It is smaller than I imagined. It is right by the Yellow River and belongs to Qilihe District. It only takes about ten minutes to see the whole journey. However, it is a landmark of the original Lanzhou and has great significance. It also expresses people's feelings for the Yellow River.

By Leo |

The Yellow River Mother Statue is made of granite to better reflect the color of the Yellow River and the skin color of the descendants of Yan and Huang, symbolizing the Yellow River Mother who has nurtured the Chinese nation's endless and indomitable spirit and the happy, healthy and strong Chinese descendants. The base of the statue is engraved with water ripples and fish patterns, which are derived from the original patterns of ancient Gansu painted pottery, reflecting Gansu's long history and culture.

By ┄ˇ |

The statue of Mother Yellow River, composed of "Mother" and "Baby Boy", symbolizes the mother Yellow River who nurtures the Chinese nation's endless vitality and is indomitable, and the happy, blessed and thriving Chinese descendants.

By Small D-Culture |

The Yellow River Mother Statue was created for He E in 1984. When I first saw the statue, it was much smaller than I had imagined (6 meters long, 2.2 meters wide, and 2.6 meters high). It was hidden in a corner of the park and was not very noticeable.

By The swallow leaves a trace |

Tourists check in the landscape. Although there are many people, take a look at the Yellow River Mother Statue, take pictures from the front and side different angles, the mother's face is very kind. There are many vendors selling decorative necklaces nearby, bargain by yourself, it's easy to communicate.

By Xiao Bing 88 |

Located on the bank of the Yellow River near Xiaoxihu Park, the Yellow River is the mother river of Lanzhou, and this sculpture also reflects the love of the people of Lanzhou for the Yellow River. It is recommended to start from here, walk east along the south bank of the Yellow River to Zhongshan Bridge, then cross Zhongshan Bridge and climb up to Baita Mountain in the north to enjoy the panoramic view of Lanzhou city.

By Soledad |

There were still many people taking photos at the entrance of the statue. It is also a very famous statue, sculpted by the famous sculptor Ms. He E. This sculpture is smaller and warmer than I imagined. I imagined it to be more majestic and grand, and very large right in front of me, but it is actually quite small.

By Far network short flat fast |

The sculpture was created by Ms. He E, a famous sculptor from Gansu. It is 6 meters long, 2.2 meters wide, 2.6 meters high, and weighs more than 40 tons. It consists of a "mother" and a "baby boy".

By Blues Music 027 |

A very ordinary attraction. It's just a small sculpture! But if you have a Yellow River Mother Fetish, you can come here to check in. There are sheepskin rafts and speedboats below! Overall, it's not recommended!

By Fishing Alone in the Snowy River |

The Yellow River Mother Statue is located in the middle of Binhe Road on the south bank of the Yellow River in Lanzhou City and on the north side of Xiaoxihu Park. It is the most beautiful of the many sculptures in the country that depict the Yellow River, the mother river of the Chinese nation. It has high artistic value and won the Excellence Award in the first national urban sculpture program evaluation.

By Jin |

If you don't really want to check in, or if your schedule is tight, you can skip it. There is only one statue, and the park where it is located has no other features.

By b |

Next to Xiaoxihu Lake, a place to check in along the Yellow River Greenway

By Heavy rain causes flooding |

It is worth visiting the Yellow River, which is the symbol of the Chinese nation's mother river.

By Gan Xiaoxun |

It's a landmark sculpture, so you don't have to go there specially, but you can just take a look when you pass by.

There is a pier behind the main area, a tea stall and a sheepskin raft, which is very nice~~

By Lujiang Zhou Gongjin |

This is one of the symbols of Lanzhou. It is located in an important position on the Yellow River Scenic Line and is a must-visit place when visiting Lanzhou.

By Listen |

A must-visit place for checking in, it can be considered as having been to Lanzhou.

By Fly |

The Statue of Mother Yellow River is located on one side of Lanzhou Xiaoxihu Park, beside the Yellow River. It is free to visit and is one of the must-see spots for tourists to Lanzhou.

By Angel |

It's really just a statue, by the Yellow River, take a photo, and then leave

By Wrong |

Yellow River Mother Statue

2015

Lanzhou is not only about ramen

By Jia Guotian Temple |

The birthplace of Chinese civilization, the Yellow River has witnessed the historical changes of China. Defend our hometown, defend the Yellow River, defend North China, and defend all of China.

By Yuhao |

About 2 kilometers west along the Yellow River from Zhongshan Bridge is the Yellow River Mother Statue. You can walk there or take the bus.

By Watcher |

A statue on the Yellow River Scenic Line, a check-in attraction that can be seen when touring the scenic line.

By Double_six🎉 |

The sculpture of Mother Yellow River symbolizes that Mother Yellow River has nurtured generations of Chinese descendants for thousands of years. I have seen it on TV and in books, but it is not so shocking when I see it in person. There is no way, it is a female macho with no artistic cells. It is a landmark building, and there are so many people taking photos and checking in, you need to queue up.

By Autumn Shadow |

Right next to the Yellow River, the park also has sheepskin rafts for riding, but looking at the surging Yellow River water, not many people dare to ride them.

By Sun Wenju |

The Yellow River Mother, a landmark building in Lanzhou, is next to the Yellow River.

By Walking around the world |

There is a sheepskin raft rafting nearby, round-trip to Zhongshan Bridge, 80 yuan per person after bargaining, but at least 200 yuan is required for the boat to depart. It is off-season. I waited for more than ten minutes but no one else came to share the boat, so I had to give up.

By The sky is high and the clouds are light. The sky is blue. |

The Yellow River Mother Statue is located in the middle of Binhe Road on the south bank of the Yellow River in Lanzhou City and on the north side of Xiaoxihu Park. It is the most beautiful of the many sculptures in the country that depict the Yellow River, the mother river of the Chinese nation. It symbolizes the Yellow River Mother, who has nurtured the Chinese nation's endless and indomitable spirit, and the happy and thriving descendants of the Chinese nation. The sculpture has a simple composition and profound meaning, reflecting the long history and culture of Gansu.

By Puff God |

"Mother Yellow River" is a stone sculpture artwork that represents the Chinese nation's mother river, the Yellow River. It is located in the middle section of Binhe Road on the south bank of the Yellow River in Lanzhou City and on the north side of Xiaoxihu Park. The work is composed of "mother" and "baby boy", symbolizing the mother of the Yellow River and the descendants of the Chinese nation respectively. "Mother Yellow River" has now become a landmark sculpture in Lanzhou and also represents the image of Lanzhou.

By Footprints of the Great Forest |

It's a bit far from Zhongshan Bridge, and there's only one stone statue!

By I'm not an editor |

You have to walk at least 3 kilometers upstream along the river bank to see the Yellow River Mother Statue. In fact, this statue is much smaller than you might imagine, and even its image is not as good as you might imagine. However, perhaps because of its good meaning, or the Yellow River complex of the descendants of Yan and Huang, there is always an endless stream of tourists in front of the Yellow River Mother Statue.

By If your heart faces the sun |

It symbolizes the Yellow River, the mother river that nurtures the Chinese nation's endless and unyielding life, and the happy and thriving Chinese descendants. The sculpture has a simple composition and profound meaning, reflecting the long history and culture of Gansu.

By xiezhq |

It is right beside the Yellow River and is actually a scenic spot in the park along the river.

By Nanshan |

Statue of Mother Yellow River. When I was a child, I always read books about Mother Yellow River. This time, I finally saw the Yellow River in person.

By evening |

It's just a statue. Fortunately, you can reach Zhongshan Bridge and Baita Mountain along the Yellow River.

By Xiaoxiuer |

Lanzhou is a city where the Yellow River runs through. The scenic spots along the Yellow River, the Yellow River Mother Statue, the Windmill Park, and the Zhongshan Bridge are all considered symbols of Lanzhou, but they are not very visible. They are nothing more than a viewing line. You can walk along the Yellow River and feel the nourishment and endless flow of the source of the mother river.

By Simple |

It is smaller than what you imagine, but it is a must-visit place in Lanzhou, with the rushing Yellow River next to it.

By elegant |

There are a lot of tourists, it seems to be a must-visit place for all groups. It is very ordinary, with only a small statue, and the whole place is messy, there is nothing to see.

By Kay. |

Get off the bus and cross the road through West Lake Park. Go out of the north gate and cross the road to see our Yellow River Mother Sculpture. This is a landmark attraction in Lanzhou. Take a commemorative photo. You can also see the "sheepskin raft" there.

By Jam Master |

The Yellow River Mother Statue is located in the middle section of Binhe Road on the south bank of the Yellow River in Lanzhou City and on the north side of Xiaoxihu Park. It is one of the important symbols of Lanzhou.

The taxi driver recommended that taking this place as the starting point and walking to Zhongshan Bridge is the best option.

By Stars and Silent Night |

On the Yellow River Scenic Line, there is a waterwheel park nearby, not far from Baimalan. The Zhongshan Iron Bridge and the Yellow River Mother Statue are both symbols of Lanzhou.

By Great Magician SS |

It's just average. It's 2 or 3 stops away from Zhongshan Bridge. It's just a statue.

By Donggelongdongqiang |

Objectively speaking, the symbolic meaning is greater than the appreciation meaning. It’s just a check-in, please feel free to do as you please!

By Singing on the Waves |

It feels average, not as big as I imagined. You can check it out when you go to Lanzhou. It's called the Mother River Sculpture Gallery, but it turns out to be just this kind of statue.

By noob |

Along the Yellow River... Passing by and checking in...

By Desert |

Love for the motherland is the sentiment of every Chinese. But I feel that the sculpture is not grand enough and should be a little bigger.

By Harley Outdoor Bixuan |

A must-visit place when visiting Lanzhou, this landmark building has many people taking photos here.

By Siyumei |

Just to take a picture of this statue?

Quite a lot of groups come here to take photos and check in, which probably proves that they have been here.

My suggestion is to take a photo of the statue and then walk to the Yellow River to experience the scenery of the Yellow River!

By Hangzhou Old Children |

When you come to Lanzhou, you must see the Yellow River. When you arrive at the Yellow River, you must see the Yellow River Mother Statue. As Chinese people, our feelings for the mother river are self-evident. The statue has a good geographical location, convenient transportation, and complete public service facilities around it.

By banana |

It is a check-in point in Lanzhou. The sculpture is not very big, and it is mainly symbolic. There are many people who come to take photos. We came early, and the army of tourists had not arrived yet. There are some small vendors selling snacks next to the sculpture, and there is nothing else.

By Cola |

The Mother River, the willow catkins flying in the sky, and the people exercising leisurely on the roadside all made me forget my fatigue. I walked for nearly two hours to see the big waterwheel and the Mother Statue, and then left with satisfaction. I also listened to the locals' introduction and went to Junle Ramen Restaurant to eat the local Lanzhou Ramen.

By Yao Peifeng |

About 2km west of Zhongshan Bridge is the stone sculpture of the Yellow River Mother, but under the scorching sun, I was sweating like rain, and these 2km felt like walking 5km. There were many tea breaks on the shore, and locals sang Northwest folk songs, which was another scenery of the Yellow River.

By hyacinth! |

The mother symbolizing the Yellow River has flowing hair, a kind look, a slight smile, and she raises her head and slightly bends her right arm, lying on her back on the waves. On her right side nestles a baby boy, symbolizing the Chinese people, with his head raised and a silly smile, symbolizing that the mother Yellow River loves and protects the Chinese people.

By Autumn wind is blowing |

"Mother Yellow River" is a stone sculpture artwork that represents the mother river of the Chinese nation, the Yellow River. It is located in the middle section of Binhe Road on the south bank of the Yellow River in Lanzhou City and on the north side of Xiaoxihu Park. It is 6 meters long, 2.2 meters wide, 2.6 meters high, and weighs more than 40 tons. The work is composed of "mother" and "baby boy", which symbolize the mother of the Yellow River and the descendants of China respectively. The work won the Excellence Award in the first national urban sculpture program evaluation. "Mother Yellow River" has now become a landmark sculpture in Lanzhou and also represents the image of Lanzhou. The author He E is a famous sculptor in Gansu.

By China-TravelNote users |

It's just so-so. I thought it was quite big, but it's small in scale and can be considered a landmark. However, the whole Lanzhou seems to be very ordinary for tourism... I don't know whose child it is, so I can only take pictures like this... Otherwise there will be no space

By Delta is less than zero |

A place where you can check in and take a look and leave

By Zhong╰ゞ Nuts |

Just a sign that you've been here...

By Xiaoju |

This landmark attraction is a must-visit, right by the Yellow River. The statue won a big award, but more importantly, it has a great significance! Take a photo!

By stroll |

I still have to check in at the local landmark attractions. In fact, it’s just a check-in to prove that I have been there.

By |

The Yellow River Mother Statue is one of the landmark buildings in Lanzhou. It is not far from the Zhongshan Bridge and is only a 10-minute walk away! The sculpture is not big, and many people come to take photos. The main significance of this statue is its symbolic meaning. Although it is just a statue, you can still go and see it.

By Watermelon Islands |

It is really a statue to check in "I have been here". Fortunately, if you go down the stairs, you will find a small pier where you can take a sheepskin raft, and a leisure place where you can drink tea and watch the Yellow River in a daze.

By Flowing Fire |

It looked like a small sculpture by the river. A tour guide happened to be explaining it nearby, and I finally understood the child's curly hair, ethnic diversity, etc.

By Kevin pirate |

There is just a statue on the bank of the Yellow River. From here you can walk along the river, passing the Waterwheel Expo Park and all the way to Zhongshan Bridge.

By Mr. Coco |

The Yellow River Mother Monument in Lanzhou is the most beautiful of the many sculptures in the country that represent the mother river of the Chinese nation, the Yellow River. It has a very high artistic value. People come here to take photos. There is a QR code next to it that can be scanned with WeChat to listen to the explanation.

I don't know if it was because it was a weekend, but there were people doing all kinds of activities along the Yellow River. It's the off-season and there were basically no tourists. Most of the people who were free were locals. I felt very lucky to have seen the most authentic life of local people.

The locals were singing a Gansu folk song called "Hua'er" by the Yellow River. Those who liked to sing sang, those who liked to dance danced, and those who liked to play finger-guessing games and drink had fun on the side. That scene was very touching for a city dweller like me. When they saw me holding up my camera, they quickly lined up for me to take pictures. Their happiness was really enviable.

By Forget more |

The mother river gave birth to Greater China, and the statue is exquisitely designed.

By るぎれん |

If possible, I want to hold my mother's hand forever.

By Feathering |

A little small, not majestic enough, the symbolic meaning is greater

By cecilia_007 |

The Yellow River Mother Statue, the impression of it comes more from the Reader Magazine, which is said to be located nearby. In addition to the Zhongshan Bridge, this statue is considered a landmark in Lanzhou.

By Li HuafeiSky |

A very distinctive statue in Lanzhou, Mother Yellow River, is right next to the Yellow River, opposite the West Lake!

By Rain dampens the dust |

One of the symbols of Lanzhou. It reflects the love of Lanzhou people for the Yellow River. The sculpture was built in the 1980s. It is located on the bank of the Yellow River. It faces the Little West Lake Park.

By The wind is blowing the globe |

Extremely disappointed, I didn't expect the Yellow River Mother to be so small

By Bao Gaishi |

The Yellow River Mother Statue located in the middle section of Binhe Middle Road on the south bank of the Yellow River in Lanzhou is the most artistically valuable sculpture artwork depicting the mother river in the country. The sculpture consists of a "mother" and a "baby boy", symbolizing the mother Yellow River and the descendants of the Chinese nation respectively.

By Big Big Big |

I came here for the sake of sentiment, and the scenery at night is also good.

By Bai Xubo |

The Yellow River flows through so many places across the country, so how come Lanzhou has been able to grasp the title of "Mother Yellow River"?

By TJ Da Zhuangzhuang |

It is not far from the "Zhongshan Bridge", and it takes more than 10 minutes to walk there~! The sculpture is not big, and many people come to take photos, so you must take photos when you arrive at Zhongshan Bridge~! The sculpture consists of a mother and a baby, symbolizing the "Mother of the Yellow River" and the "Descendants of China". It is already one of the iconic sculptures in Lanzhou and also represents the image of Lanzhou~! !