Waterwheel Park
» Lanzhou, Gan Su

水车园 '水车旋转自轮回,倒雪翻银九曲隈.始信青莲诗句巧,黄河之水天上来'

The Waterwheel Park at the west side of the Binhe Road, to the west of the Yellow River Mother Sculpture, is another highlight along the Yellow River in Lanzhou City. Built in 1994, the park covers an area of 1.45 hectares (3.58 acres) and is comprised of two waterwheels, a cofferdam, the recreation area and a house of water mill.

The function of a waterwheel

It is an ancient irrigation device that uses flowing or falling water to create power by means of a set of paddles mounted around a wheel. The force of the water moved the paddles, and the consequent rotation of the wheel is transmitted to machinery via the shaft of the wheel.

The long history of waterwheels

The unique-shaped waterwheel has a long history and the first reference to it appeared in the Ming Dynasty. Lanzhou is the only city through which the Yellow River flows; there are thus many irrigation machines in the city. The waterwheel invented by Duan Xu in the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) is the oldest one. Duan Xu learnt from the irrigation machines in Yunnan Province and invented a distinctive style with the appearance of chariot wheels and a diameter ranging from 10 to 20 meters (32.8 to 65.6 feet). Until 1952, about 252 waterwheels stood along the river in Lanzhou, and at that time, the city was reputed to be the "City of Waterwheels."

What to visit in the park

A visit to the Waterwheel Park provides an insight into the irrigation tools of ancient times and you will get a clear idea how the traditional irritation tool works.

Two huge waterwheels

In the park, two huge waterwheels with striking appearances stand uprightly on the south bank of the Yellow River. They are modeled on the antique waterwheel, having quadrate buckets and a diameter of 16.5 meters (54.1 feet). In high water periods, they are driven by flowing water from the river; in low water periods, they are driven by water gathered by cofferdam.

Waterwheel teahouse

Owing to the two waterwheels and an advantaged position, the Waterwheel teahouse attracts a lot of tourists. Here, visitors can appreciate the revolving waterwheels while enjoying a cup of tea. Moreover, the photo studio, stores and the house of water mill in the park provide further entertainment and convenience for visitors.

What to enjoy

Apart from the waterwheel teahouse, the photo studio, stores and the house of water mill in the park provide further entertainment and convenience for visitors.

Moreover, in the park you can experience crossing the river on a sheepskin raft, which is the most primeval ferrying tool in the northwest region of the Yellow River.

When to see

  • Opening Hours: 08:00a.m. - 18:00p.m.

Attractions around » Lanzhou, Gan Su

Historical Site

Historical Site

Cultural Site

Cultural Site

With two huge waterwheels with striking appearances stand uprightly on the south bank of the Yellow River, the Waterwheel Park provides an insight into the irrigation tools of ancient times and you will get a clear idea how the traditional irritation device works.

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