The Yellow River Mother Sculpture (黄河母亲雕像) is a renowned artwork symbolizing China’s Mother River, the Yellow River. Created by Gansu sculptor He E, the sculpture is 6 meters long, 2.2 meters wide, and 2.6 meters high, weighing over 40 tons. The composition features a “mother” and a “baby,” representing the nurturing and enduring spirit of the Yellow River, and the happy, thriving descendants of the Chinese nation. This sculpture is considered one of the most artistically valuable depictions of the Mother River in China.
The mother figure in the sculpture has flowing hair and a kind expression, with a slender and graceful body. She is depicted reclining on the waves, with her right arm slightly raised. Beside her, on the right, is a boy symbolizing the Chinese people. The boy looks to the left, smiling innocently, exuding a playful and lovable charm. Their poses symbolize the protective and nurturing relationship between the Yellow River and the Chinese people. The composition is elegant and meaningful, conveying deep symbolism. The base of the sculpture is adorned with ancient water wave and fish patterns from Gansu’s painted pottery, reflecting the keen observation of natural phenomena by the ancestors of the Yellow River basin.
The sculpture is made from yellow granite rather than the more refined white marble to better represent the color of the Yellow River and the skin tone of the Chinese people. The coarse texture of the granite also seems to tell the story of the hardships and transformations experienced by the Chinese nation over thousands of years.
The Yellow River Mother Sculpture is not only a significant cultural landmark but also a representation of the profound bond between the river and the Chinese people. Its artistic and symbolic depth makes it a treasured piece of public art, celebrating the enduring legacy and spirit of the Yellow River.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 15 minutes |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
Location and Transportation
The Yellow River Mother Sculpture is located in Lanzhou, Gansu Province, along the south bank of the Yellow River on Binhe Road, near the northern side of Xiaoxihu Park. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 25 or 142 and get off at Yellow River Mother Stop (黄河母亲站).
Metro: The closest metro station to the Yellow River Mother Sculpture is Xiaoxihu (小西湖) on line 1. After getting out of the station from Exit 1, walk about 400 meters to the north to reach the site.
