Waterwheel Park

Introducing Waterwheel Park
Waterwheel Park is a renowned tourist destination in Lanzhou. Waterwheel Park covers an expansive area of 55,900 square meters. The park is a meticulously restored representation of the ancient irrigation system that once played a crucial role in Lanzhou’s development, both agriculturally and socially. Exploring Waterwheel Park and its remarkable waterwheels provides visitors with a hands-on comprehension of their historical importance and creative operational design.

Waterwheel Park Fast Facts
• AKA: Waterwheel Park
• Chinese Name: Shui Che Yuan 水车园
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Culture, Waterwheels
• Opening Hours: All Day.
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: 4 Binhe Central Road, Qilihe District, Lanzhou, Gansu Province

History of the Waterwheel Park
During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Lanzhou’s reliance on spring waters for irrigation severely limited its agricultural output. This changed dramatically in 1556 when a government official named Duan Xu introduced a groundbreaking invention: the water wheel. Inspired by similar devices he had observed in the southern region, Duan Xu adapted the design and installed Lanzhou’s first water wheel.

Duan Xu’s invention proved to be a turning point in the region’s agricultural history. Farmers quickly recognized the benefits of water wheels, and their use spread rapidly. By the mid-20th century, over 350 water wheels were operating along the Yellow River, with Lanzhou itself boasting an impressive number of 252 by 1952. These water wheels irrigated a staggering 16,500 acres of land, transforming Lanzhou into a veritable “Water Wheel Capital of the World.”

What to Expect at the Waterwheel Park
More than just a scenic park, Waterwheel Park serves as a living museum dedicated to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of ancient civilizations when it came to irrigation. The park’s meticulously restored water wheels offer a tangible connection to a time when harnessing the power of nature was essential for survival. Visitors can witness firsthand the elegant simplicity of these water-powered machines and gain a deeper appreciation for the impact they had on agriculture and the development of entire societies.

Impressive Waterwheels
The park showcases two impressive 16.5-meter diameter waterwheels, modeled after historical designs and powered by the Yellow River. During high water, the river directly feeds the wheels, and in drier periods, a cofferdam cleverly stores water, ensuring continuous operation. The wheels themselves work on a simple principle: buckets around the rim fill with water, their weight pulling that side down and rotating the wheel. Reaching the top, the buckets empty into a trough, delivering irrigation water. This elegant cycle continues as long as water flows.

Sheepskin Raft
Beyond the famous waterwheels, the sheepskin rafts stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of navigating the Yellow River. Crafted from sheepskins stretched over a wooden frame, this buoyant wonder allows visitors to embark on a leisurely float, soaking in the tranquil surroundings while admiring the majestic waterwheels that once powered the region. It’s a captivating blend of heritage and relaxation, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Lanzhou.

How to Get to Waterwheel Garden
• By Bus: Take bus 25, 137 to Shuicheyuan Station. (Waterwheel Park).

Additional Travel Advice on Waterwheel Garden
• Visitors can experience a sheepskin raft down the Yellow River in the park.
• Please wear body lotion, lip balm and hand cream as it is always dry in Lanzhou.