Tianfu Square is located in the heart of Chengdu and serves multiple functions, making it a central hub for transportation in the city. It is not only the largest leisure and entertainment square in Chengdu but also a key showcase of the city’s cultural essence, individuality, and unique charm.
Covering an area of over 80,000 square meters, the square is divided into eastern and western sections by a curved line resembling the Yin-Yang symbol. The eastern square features a sunken design, while the western square is home to a spectacular fountain display.
The design of Tianfu Square embodies Chinese grandeur, national characteristics, and the ancient Shu culture, representing the pinnacle of Chengdu’s civilization. Notable landmarks within the square include the Sun God Bird sculpture, the Fish Eye Dragon Fountain in the shape of a Taiji cloud map, and twelve totemic pillars that reflect the brilliance of ancient Shu culture.
Additionally, the square boasts two water pools with over 1,500 fountains, which put on an impressive fountain show daily. The surrounding greenery, including ginkgo, camphor, and osmanthus trees planted on the eastern, southern, and western sides, creates a lush urban garden, enhancing the square’s appeal as a tranquil escape in the city.
Travel Information about Tianfu Square
Getting to Tianfu Square
Location: 18 Dongyu Street, Qingyang District, Chengdu.
Public Transport: Visitors can take Metro Line 1 or Line 2 and get off at Tianfu Square Station.
Rating of the Attraction
- Cultural Value: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★
- Romance: ★★
- Adventure: ★
Highlights of Tianfu Square
Sun God Bird Statue
At the heart of Tianfu Square stands a magnificent circular Sun God Bird statue. The inner layer features a sun surrounded by twelve arcs of radiant light, while the outer layer showcases four mythical birds flying in reverse. These birds stretch their necks and legs, connecting their heads and feet as they soar around the sun.
This exquisite Sun God Bird statue is a remarkable creation of the ancient Shu civilization from three thousand years ago and is now recognized as a cultural heritage site by the state. The statue’s brilliant golden design and dynamic patterns emphasize the image of the four birds soaring towards the sun, reflecting the reverence of the Chinese people for the sun.
Dragon and Fish Eye Fountain Sculptures
On either side of Tianfu Square are the dazzling Dragon and Fish Eye sculptures. The Eastern Fish Eye sculpture is located in the sunken plaza and features a large, two-tiered basin standing over ten meters high. A massive dragon, symbolizing the Yellow River culture, wraps around the basin and soars skyward, measuring more than 40 meters in length.
On the Western side, the Fish Eye sculpture stands at a height of 10.8 meters, with a majestic dragon representing the Yangtze River culture coiling above it, reaching approximately 58 meters long. Both dragons proudly stretch their necks and rise into the sky, showcasing a vibrant and spirited presence. Adding to the spectacle, the Eastern Fish Eye sculpture features a multi-layered waterfall, with cascading water that highlights the golden dragon, creating a dynamic and lively atmosphere as it seems to leap into the air.
Related Details:
Every weekend and during holidays, Tianfu Square hosts spectacular fountain, music, and light shows. Accompanied by melodies like “Tianfu Ode” and “Jinjiang Spring,” the fountains dance in unison, with water jets soaring over 2 meters high. The water cascades into a basin and flows along the edges of the sunken plaza, creating a stunning waterfall effect.
As mist gradually rises from the thousands of nozzles around the Dragon Eye sculpture and other areas, the square transforms into a dreamy “sea of clouds.” Within minutes, the sculptures, the Sun God Bird, and the sunken plaza become enveloped in a delicate, white mist, making visitors feel as though they are in a fairyland.
Twelve Cultural Pillars
Surrounding Tianfu Square are twelve exquisite cultural pillars, each soaring to a height of 12 meters. The design of these pillars features a square outer shape with a round inner core, inspired by the jade cong unearthed from the Jinsha Site.
These cultural pillars draw from the rich history and cultural significance of ancient Shu, including elements from the Jinsha and Sanxingdui sites. Their beautiful and unique designs symbolize the profound mystery and depth of ancient Shu culture, making them a significant highlight of the square.
Viewing Garden
The Viewing Garden is located at the northern end of the top floor of a department store near Tianfu Square. Each column here displays old photos of Tianfu Square collected from citizens, allowing visitors to appreciate the historical transformations of the square through these comparisons.
On the side facing Tianfu Square, a row of transparent glass windows provides a stunning view of the square below. From this vantage point, visitors can see the entire Tianfu Square as a beautiful Taiji cloud map, featuring the Sun God Bird sculpture, the Dragon Eye fountains on the east and west sides, the cloud-shaped waterfalls, circular murals, spiral staircases, sun patterns, and decorative jade-like corners – all in full view.
Mole Department Store
Mole Department Store, located on the eastern side of Tianfu Square in the heart of Chengdu’s commercial district, is a bustling hub of activity. This shopping destination attracts a large number of visitors and features a diverse range of high, medium, and low-end department stores, alongside a variety of specialty shops.
The mall is home to numerous dining, entertainment, and leisure options, making it a popular choice for shoppers. With over 400 parking spaces and an indoor car care center, it stands as one of the largest, most representative, and influential fashion department stores in Sichuan Province and Chengdu. It is also recognized as one of the most convenient shopping destinations in the region.
Far East Department Store
The Far East Department Store, located on the southern side of Tianfu Square, is situated in the heart of Chengdu, a landmark of the region. The store features a total area of 60,000 square meters, spread across one underground level and eight floors above ground.
With its proximity to the subway entrance, the store offers excellent transportation convenience. Far East Department Store boasts a wide range of offerings, including international top brands, boutique fashion, a gourmet supermarket, unique restaurants, and a vibrant food street. It represents a modern, innovative, and comprehensive shopping experience for consumers.
Sichuan Science and Technology Museum
The Sichuan Science and Technology Museum is located at No. 16, Renmin Middle Road, Qingyang District, covering an area of 60,000 square meters. It is the fourth-largest science museum in China, following those in Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, and serves as a prominent science education hub in Sichuan.
The museum consists of five floors with over 20 themed exhibition areas, including aerospace, machinery, robotics, and the universe. Utilizing modern techniques such as sound, light, and electricity, the museum offers a contemporary “encyclopedia” of knowledge. The design of both the exhibition halls and the arrangement of exhibits highlight a unique blend of scientific inquiry and artistic expression, establishing the distinctive character of the Sichuan Science and Technology Museum.
One of the most eye-catching features is the 4D cinema on the first floor, which has 60 seats and showcases more than ten short 4D films daily, each lasting several minutes.