News
23.09.2021
Chengdu and Volgograd: Nostalgia Tourist. Statue of Chairman Mao
This September, Volgograd and Chengdu students have prepared a whole series of colorful and informative videos about the iconic statues, buildings and little-known sites of Volgograd and Chengdu. Today, we continue our talk about the Tianfu Square. Watch out for Xiong Zexi from Middle School Yucai – branch of High School No. 7 Xuedao Campus of Chengdu. She will be telling about the hugely symbolic statue to respected Chairman Mao.
Tell us a little bit about yourself, please.
– I am Xiong Zexi, 12 years old this year, a Grade-6 student from Yucai Middle School Attached to Chengdu No.7 High School, Xuedao Campus. I like reading, singing and dancing.
Why did you choose this particular spot for the video?
– Tianfu Square is a cluster of cultural landmarks in Chengdu, surrounded by Sichuan Theater, Sichuan Science and Technology Museum, Sichuan Library, Sichuan Art Museum and Chengdu Museum. In front of Sichuan Science and Technology Museum, the Statue of Chairman Mao preserved until now is the only giant statue of Chairman Mao Zedong all made of white marble in China, the statue faces south, and Chairman Mao always waves his hands to Chengdu Renmin South Road which is the longest longitudinal central axis road in China. Starting from the core of Chengdu in the north——Tianfu Square, it extends endlessly to the south.
The statue we see now is designed with reference to more than 60 design drafts from across China. The whole statue is processed based on 12 sections, the head alone is 1.6 meters high, one hand weighs 14 tons, and one finger is 70 cm thick. It is glued by all-purpose adhesive used in aviation industry. With steel columns inside and arms supported by rebar, it is designed to withstand earthquake of magnitude 12, the surface is mold-proof, and lightning rods are installed on the head and fingers. Its design and construction level is recognized by the art field as leading in China, and some researchers even think it ranks No.1 in China. I like painting, and also like sculpture. This is why I recommend it to my Volgograd friends.
If you found yourself in Volgograd for a whole day, what would you like to see and do?
– Volgograd is a very charming city. If I have the chance to stay for one day, I would like to see the beautiful Volga River and the sculpture acclaimed as "Motherland" by Russians together with my Volgograd friends. I like painting since childhood. Let's draw a sketch of this sculpture designed in the image of mother. I like reading, and also want to go to the bookstore to read the long desired Story of ZOYA and SHURA.
May we often keep in touch, and have everlasting friendship between China and Russia!
Zexi's video is waiting for you on YouTube: