Waterwheel Expo Park ～ The Label of the Waterwheel Capital

Lanzhou Waterwheel Expo Park is part of the Binhe Road Green Corridor, adjacent to the Yellow River, connected to Zhongli Bridge Pier in the east and Zhongshan Bridge and other attractions in the west, with convenient transportation.

🌊 1. Core Features

1. Living Waterwheel Cluster

The Expo Park is built along the Yellow River, gathering more than a dozen different types of waterwheels, including hand-pushed, pedal-operated, and drum-type waterwheels, with the largest measuring up to 16 meters in diameter, recreating the magnificent scene of "a forest of waterwheels" historically lining both banks of the Yellow River.

2. Integration of Cultural Spaces

The park is divided into three main functional areas:
- Waterwheel Garden: 12 giant waterwheels demonstrating real irrigation scenes;
- Waterwheel Plaza: displays models of waterwheels from China and abroad, forming a "World Waterwheel Culture Theme Park";
- Cultural Plaza: interprets waterwheel culture through multiple dimensions such as the Strange Stone Museum, History Expo Hall, and cultural performances.

3. Historical Figure Memorial

A statue of Duan Xu, the founder of the waterwheel in the Ming Dynasty, stands in the center of the plaza, vividly restoring the scene of his invention of the waterwheel.

📜 2. Cultural and Historical Value

1. Living Fossil of Ancient Wisdom

- Lanzhou waterwheels originated in the 35th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1556), invented by Duan Xu by combining the southern drum waterwheel principle with the hydrological characteristics of the Yellow River, becoming the most advanced irrigation tool in the ancient Yellow River basin.
- At its peak (1952), there were 252 waterwheels along the Yellow River in Lanzhou, shaping the city's identity as the "Waterwheel Capital."

2. Source of Artistic and Literary Inspiration

- Qing Dynasty poet Ye Li described the splendid scene of waterwheels with the phrase "snow inverted, silver winding through nine bends," and painter Ma Wu’s "Golden City Panorama" and other works feature waterwheels as themes, confirming their status as cultural symbols.

⚙️ 3. Innovation Value

1. Model of Localized Technology

Duan Xu adapted the southern drum waterwheel to the rapid currents of the Yellow River, pioneering water conservancy technology innovation in Northwest China and promoting agricultural productivity.

2. Integration of Tradition and Modern Cultural Tourism

The Expo Park transforms functional agricultural tools into cultural landscapes, achieving living inheritance of traditional technology through interactive experiences such as operating replica ancient waterwheels.

💼 4. Contribution to Lanzhou’s Cultural Tourism

1. City Cultural Landmark

As a free 4A-level scenic spot, it forms the core landscape of the "Yellow River Scenic Line" together with Zhongshan Bridge and the Yellow River Mother Sculpture, becoming the preferred place for international tourists (such as Italian traveler Vina) to experience Lanzhou’s history.

2. Promoting Industry Linkage

- Links with Jinchengguan Cultural Tourism Street, Bamboo Slips Museum, and others to form a cultural experience cluster;
- Selected as a case for the 2024 Silk Road Dunhuang Cultural Expo, enhancing Gansu’s international cultural tourism influence.

3. Economic and Social Benefits

Attracts a large number of visitors annually, driving surrounding dining and cultural creative consumption (such as Ruan’s Gourd Shop), and promoting the transmission of intangible cultural heritage skills.

💎 Summary

Lanzhou Waterwheel Expo Park centers on living water conservancy heritage, combining historical education, technological display, and artistic aesthetics. It is not only a material carrier of Yellow River civilization but also an innovative model of cultural tourism integration. Its success proves the sustainable development path of "empowering cities through culture," providing a model for the protection and utilization of similar heritage.

📍 Detailed Address:
Lanzhou Waterwheel Expo Park is located on Nanbinhe Road, Lanzhou City

🚉 Transportation Guide:
Visitors can take bus lines 20, 25, 37, 135, etc., and get off at the "Green Park" stop to reach the park.