Mao Sui Park in Handan

Mao Sui Park (毛遂公园), also known as Mao Sui Cultural Park (毛遂文化园), is located in the eastern new district of Jize County (鸡泽县), Handan (邯郸), Hebei Province (河北省), to the east of Fuyuan Street (富园大街) and to the south of People’s Road (人民路). It is an important part of the Book of Songs (诗经) Cultural Park. Covering a total area of 33 hectares, the park includes 8 hectares of lake, 6 hectares of mountainous terrain, and 19 hectares of green space and cultural facilities. The park is structured with one lake, one mountain, three islands, eight scenic spots, and nine zones, all forming the Fengshan Longdao (凤山龙岛) landscape. The park also integrates eight historical and cultural landmarks, including the Jin Hou Alliance Platform (晋侯盟台), Fengshan Dawn Moon (凤山晓月), Ancient City Illusion (古城幻影), and the Stone Buddha Sacred Pool (石佛神池).

In its design, the park draws from the historical and cultural legacies of “Ancient County” and “Hometown of Mao Sui” (毛遂故里), combining the local history and innovative cultural dissemination. The park adopts a dual approach, emphasizing historical cultural heritage and modern cultural innovation, and has become a symbol of Handan’s commitment to cultural preservation and development.

Location and Accessibility

Mao Sui Park is strategically located with easy access to major transport links. It is bordered to the east by the Handan-Huanghua Railway (邯黄铁路) and the under-construction Handan Port Expressway (邯港高速公路), to the west by the G515 National Highway (G515国道), and is 6.6 kilometers north of Jize Railway Station (鸡泽火车站) and 14.8 kilometers south of Caozhuang Town Railway Station (曹庄镇火车站). It is well-connected for visitors traveling by car, train, or public transport.

Climate

The park experiences a warm temperate continental monsoon climate, characterized by distinct seasons, hot summers, and cold winters.

Opening Hours and Visitor Information

• Opening Hours: The park is open year-round, from Monday to Sunday, 00:00 – 24:00.

• Ticket Price: Free admission.

• Level: AAA-level scenic spot.

• Famous Attractions: The Giant Mao Sui Statue (毛遂巨像) and Self-Recommendation Pavilion (自荐阁).

• Investment: 50 million RMB.

• Completion Date: December 12, 2009.

Development History

Mao Sui Park was designed to preserve and promote the spirit and culture of Mao Sui (毛遂), a historical figure known for his contributions to the state of Zhao during the Warring States period. The park was designed with the concepts of “ecology, humanity, and uniqueness” and incorporates the historical culture of Jize County and Mao Sui’s legacy. Construction began in early 2009, and the park has been continuously improved and expanded since its inception. The park combines water features, mountain terrain, cultural facilities, and green space to embody the theme of “Lake as the vein, mountain as the valley, greenery as the forest, and culture as the soul.”

The park is not only a recreational area but also serves as a venue for sightseeing, gatherings, and water sports. It has become a popular leisure destination for the residents of Jize County and surrounding areas.

Significant Events

During the 2016 Chinese New Year, Mao Sui Park saw a record number of visitors, attracting over 30,000 people daily, making it the highest among all 4A-level parks in the province in terms of visitor traffic. The park also set another visitor record during the 2017 Chinese New Year, with a total of over 160,000 visitors, including 50,000 daily visitors.

Famous Programs

In the period between November 20, 2015, and February 1, 2016, the park served as the location for the opening scenes of the Handan (邯郸) segment of the Chinese TV program “Chinese Idioms Competition” (中国成语大会) on CCTV-10 (Science and Education Channel).

Attractions and Features

Mao Sui Park is home to several iconic attractions, such as the Giant Mao Sui Statue (毛遂巨像) and the Self-Recommendation Pavilion (自荐阁). The park’s architecture and landscaping incorporate various cultural and historical elements, ensuring a unique and enriching experience for visitors. Among the eight scenic spots, the most prominent ones include:

• Jin Hou Alliance Platform (晋侯盟台): A tribute to the historical alliance in ancient China.

• Fengshan Dawn Moon (凤山晓月): A scenic spot featuring moonlit views over Fengshan Mountain.

• Ancient City Illusion (古城幻影): A cultural feature that showcases the illusion of an ancient cityscape.

• Stone Buddha Sacred Pool (石佛神池): A peaceful, reflective area with a sacred stone Buddha.

The park’s design integrates interactive features such as electronic touchscreens, movable sand tables, animation scenes, and phantom imaging, allowing visitors to engage with the exhibits and enjoy a more immersive experience.

Geographic and Transportation Details

• Location: East of Jize County in Handan, Hebei Province, China.

• Transport Links: The park is accessible by multiple transportation routes, with connections to the major railways and highways surrounding the area. It is also near major train stations, ensuring easy access for visitors traveling from different parts of the region.

Main Attractions (主要景点)

Upon entering Mao Sui Park (毛遂公园), the first sight to capture your attention is the large sculpture of Mao Sui (毛遂), standing 11.09 meters tall and weighing 142 tons. This impressive figure, carved from red mountain rock, stands proudly in the central square of the park’s water activity area. With a sword in hand and a confident expression, the statue embodies the spirit of Mao Sui’s self-recommendation and his bold actions, representing his courage in joining the alliance against the state of Chu. It signifies his role in the historic alliance, full of determination and grandeur. This is the largest single Mao Sui statue in China.

As you enter Long Lake (龙湖), you will be greeted by the sight of clear water gently rippling. Walkways stretch out into the water, and small boats drift across the surface, creating ripples that add to the serene atmosphere. Pavilions with curved eaves and water pavilions stand still on the lake, while swallows skim the water’s surface and goldfish playfully swim. The entire scene forms a picturesque and tranquil landscape.

When you reach Feng Mountain (凤山), you’ll be immersed in a landscape that is both stunning and peaceful. Visitors and children’s laughter echo through the crowds, further enhancing the vibrant atmosphere.

Zijiang Pavilion (自荐阁)

Zijiang Pavilion (自荐阁) is located at the south gate square of the Mao Sui Cultural Park (毛遂文化园) and is built in the style of the towers from the Warring States period. The pavilion stands 31.4 meters tall, divided into three stories, with a base height of 5.7 meters and a pavilion height of 25.7 meters. The numbers 57 and 257 represent Mao Sui’s age of 57 years and the year 257 BC when he famously recommended himself. Inside, the pavilion showcases various historical stories, such as the origin of Jize (鸡泽), Mao Sui’s birth, his early ambitions, his learning experiences, maps of the Warring States period, the flood control efforts on the Fu River (滏河), a “Mao Sui Movie,” and the migration route of the Mao family.

Jin Hou Alliance Platform (晋侯盟台)

Located east of the county town, near Old City Camp (旧城营村), the Jin Hou Alliance Platform (晋侯盟台) holds great historical significance. In 570 BC, during the Spring and Autumn period, Duke Dao of Jin (晋悼公) and the lords of nine states gathered here in Jize to form an alliance to battle the state of Chu. This alliance marked a key moment in history and the platform became an important cultural landmark.

A poem by Qi Zuowang (齐祖望), a Jinshi (进士) from the Qing Dynasty, commemorates this event:

“古垒西风起， 当年会列侯。

衣裳来鲁卫， 年月纪春秋。

隐隐西山影, 溅溅东滏流。

苍茫烟雾裹， 残碣立群鸥。”

— Qi Zuowang (齐祖望)

Golden Dragon Pavilion (金龙飞阁)

The site of the Golden Dragon Pavilion (金龙飞阁) lies beyond the northern gate, rising several meters high, with red railings and sparse latticework. The pavilion is adorned with a golden dragon, which is why it is called the Golden Dragon Flying Pavilion. In front of the pavilion stands the majestic Tai Mountain (泰山) Palace Hall, creating a grand and imposing atmosphere. In the summer and autumn, the surrounding landscape transforms into a picturesque scene, with an expansive view stretching for miles.

A poem by a scholar from Jiangnan (江南) who visited the pavilion in the 21st year of the Qianlong reign (乾隆二十一年) reads:

“泽国千村水四围，

碧霞宫殿转峨巍。

云烟漠漠青畦外，

好拟题诗上翠微。”

— Qing Dynasty Scholar

Phantom of the Ancient City (古城幻影)

Located 20 miles southwest of the city, the terrain is flat with green fields and a wide view of the plains of Chu (楚). This site is said to be where the ancient King Dou Jiande (夏王窦建德) stationed his troops. There are remnants of the Jiande City (建德城) and the Black Tower Fort (黑闼垒), which were built by Liu Heita (刘黑闼) when he occupied the Mingzhou (洺州). According to legend, during spring and summer, when the sun rises and dew glistens in the morning, the faint outlines of ancient buildings, towers, and the bustling life of a city can be seen, with sounds of chariots and people faintly echoing.

A poem confirms this vision:

“农桑今乐土， 前古几鏖兵。

偶值云烟结， 旋闻车马声。

望中悬旧堞， 影里列连营。

晓日清光显， 楼台片刻倾。”

— Anonymous Poet

Mingpu Spring Field (名浦春畦)

At the foot of Fengqi Mountain (凤起山) and along the banks of the Ming River (洺水河), the landscape is idyllic, especially during spring when flowers bloom. The fields stretch out, green and fertile, and farmers work the land, while fishermen peacefully row their boats on the river. Birds sing in the lush willows along the banks, and the entire scene resembles a beautiful painting, akin to a paradise on earth.

Two ancient poems praise the beauty of the fields along the Ming River:

“春风冉冉入洺溪，

宿来连云千亩齐。

欲话桑麻停短棹，

忽听布谷陇头啼。”

— Ancient Poet

“烟波洺浦绕, 芳草绿萋萋.

蛙闹公私地, 鸦飞高下堤.

新图思欲画, 好句梦堪题.

田叟怡春趣, 轻鞭缓把犁.”

— Ancient Poet

Fengshan Dawn (凤山晓月)

To the north of the original county city lies Fengqi Mountain (凤起山), a hill that rises prominently from the flat landscape, offering a great vantage point for overlooking the surrounding area. The hill is surrounded by two ponds and a deep pool, creating a peaceful and picturesque setting, especially on clear nights when the stars and moon reflect off the water. Writers and poets have long admired the view here and left behind their praises.

A classic poem by an unknown poet describes the scene:

“凤起山头月半环，

五更曙色满烟鬟。

青鸾舞罢妲娥镜。

又见朝阳五色斑。”

— Anonymous Poet

New Water Control Pavilion (治水新亭)

In the Kangxi period (康熙), the Niuwei River (牛尾河) suffered frequent flooding. County official Jiang Zhao (姜炤) used his personal funds to purchase land, dig a new river channel, and build a new embankment to control the floods. The people, grateful for his efforts, built a pavilion in his honor, named the “New Water Control Pavilion” (治水新亭). Located southwest of Fengzheng Village, the pavilion has long since disappeared but was once a notable landmark.

A poem recalls its significance:

“冀野千年近紫宸，

河山依旧治功新。

安澜庆后浑无事，

载酒新亭看陇春。”

— Anonymous Poet

Stone Buddha Sacred Pool (石佛神池)

Located in Yanchi Village (砚池村), Jize County (鸡泽县), this sacred pool became famous during the Song Dynasty (宋朝) after a thunderstorm revealed a stone Buddha in the water. The pool has never overflowed during floods or dried up during droughts, always remaining crystal clear. The locals believe it to be a sacred place, and a Stone Buddha Temple was built in its honor.

A poem by a Qing Dynasty scholar describes the sacred pool:

“何年真佛性， 清水碧粼粼。

石企峰头足， 泉水彼岸春。

方塘浮宝筏， 群鸟唤迷津。

能濯污泥染， 长留智慧神。”

— Qing Dynasty Scholar

Guandi Temple Sacred Thorn (关帝灵棘)

The Guandi Temple (关帝庙) is located in Jize City (鸡泽城) and houses an ancient thorn tree from the Han Dynasty (汉代). During the Ming Dynasty’s Tianqi period (天启), the thorn tree came back to life and flourished, drawing the admiration of locals. Many people came to pay homage to the tree, believing it to be a divine sign.

A poem by Wang Lisan (王丽三), a scholar from Jiangnan, written during the Qianlong period (乾隆), reads:

“独扶炎汉意何深，

枯棘犹留未死心。

若得少陵过此地，

不应独赋柏森森。”

— Wang Lisan (王丽三)

Future Development (未来发展)

Mao Sui Park (毛遂公园) is named after the famous Mao Sui, a native of Jize County (鸡泽). His self-recommendation is well-known, and the large statue of Mao Sui at the park’s center serves as a visual representation of the county’s rich cultural heritage, evoking a sense of pride among the local people. The park features nine functional areas, including a square, a special plant zone, and other recreational areas, making it an excellent place for fitness and leisure.

In 2016, the county plans to improve the surrounding ecological environment, focusing on the construction of water bodies like the Ring City Water System (环城水系), Xianmu Lake (仙沐湖), and Golden Rooster Lake (金鸡湖). Parks such as the Chinese Mao Family Cultural Park (中华毛氏文化园) and the Shijing Wetland Park (诗经湿地公园) will be developed, with accompanying green spaces and recreational areas. This plan aims to create a 100-mile-long scenic corridor, incorporating history, culture, and tourism into a unique cultural route that highlights Mao Sui’s legacy, pepper culture, and ecological tourism in Jize County (鸡泽).

Additionally, the county is working on extending the Guofu Tourism Line (广府旅游专线) to Jiexian (椒乡) and incorporating tourism routes centered on Mao Sui’s culture, chili culture, and eco-agriculture into a broader regional tourism development framework.