Jinhu Culture Square in Gejiu City, Honghe
Overview
The charm of a city lies in its culture. Gejiu (个旧), known as the “World Tin Capital” (锡都), is an ancient yet modern city where the richness of tin culture is evident in its numerous art sculptures. Jinhu Culture Square (金湖文化广场), named with the consent of Ba Jin’s (巴金) family, showcases the calligraphy of the late Ba Jin and is the largest public cultural square in the tin capital. Nestled at the foot of Laoyin Mountain (老阴山), the square overlooks Jinhu Lake (金湖), allowing visitors to absorb the mountain’s spirit, the lake’s essence, and the warmth of the sun while enjoying the beauty of Gejiu.
Historical Background
Originally a tailings pond, Jinhu Culture Square was transformed through effective urban planning by the municipal government. After nearly a year of construction, the square was officially completed on New Year’s Day in 2004, covering an area of 8.22 hectares. This project not only expanded Gejiu’s urban space but also filled the void of a large public cultural activity square, enhancing the community’s cultural landscape.
Features and Sculptures
At the entrance of Jinhu Culture Square, a series of sculptures depict the early tin mining processes of Gejiu, including:
- Backloading (背塃)
- Packing (驮塃)
- Grinding (磨塃)
- Washing (洗塃)
- Smelting (炼锡)
These five groups of sculptures provide visitors with a rough understanding of how tin was produced in the past.
In addition, there is a sculpture group named “Artistic Wonders” (艺术奇葩), showcasing Gejiu’s unique tin handicrafts, which stand out in the garden of national arts and crafts, captivating all who see them.
Central Area
The central area of Jinhu Culture Square features the Taiji Square (太极广场), which includes a circular water pool surrounded by three arching white marble “Crystal Bridges” (水晶桥). The yin-yang line is laid with pebbles, featuring two points—one square and the other round—symbolizing the universe’s vastness (天圆地方). Surrounding Taiji Square, there are prominent Taiji markers (太极码), allowing visitors to feel as if they are embraced by Laoyin Mountain and Jinhu Lake, as if the world is contained within their hearts.
Location
Address: Next to Jinhu Lake, Gejiu City (个旧市金湖旁)
How to Get There
- By Public Transport: Local buses frequently run from Gejiu City center to Jinhu Culture Square, taking about 20 minutes.
- By Car: The square is easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby.
Travel Tips
- Best Visiting Time: Visit in spring or autumn for pleasant weather and vibrant scenery.
- Photography: The sculptures and the surrounding natural beauty offer fantastic photo opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset.
- Cultural Events: Check for any cultural events or festivals happening at the square, as it often serves as a venue for community celebrations.
- Local Cuisine: After exploring the square, enjoy local dishes at nearby restaurants, where you can sample Gejiu’s unique flavors, including local mushroom and rice dishes.
- Respect the Space: Maintain cleanliness and respect the public areas to enhance the experience for all visitors.
