Liuzhou Weather
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Danwei Model Worker Award 2008
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yon cool and crystal fountain
Back in 2003, the powers that be decided to destroy the old city square and build what you see today. Most locals preferred the old one with its shade providing trees and places to sit down and have a cup of tea or a beer - or even dinner. Now it is a soulless desert without a single refreshment place.
Part of the new square was the miraculous "computer operated" musical, coloured fountain which does it things most evenings for about half an hour starting around 9 pm. It is what it says on the cover. Dancing plumes of water leap about while computer controlled, multi-coloured lights play on the water. All harmless fun, I suppose but nowhere near as much fun as the hype promised.
For the remaining 23½ hours we have in the average day, the fountain sits idle like a scar on the face of the square. In daylight, it reveals itself to be nothing other than a hideous, plumber's nightmare - an ugly eyesore of pipes and cables.
The fountain has been featuring in the news the last couple of days. It seems the local people didn't recognise it as being a fountain and thought it was a rubbish dump - as they do all public amenities.
So, it has been having clean up in time for National Day on October 1st - the 60th anniversary of The peoples' Republic. It seems that the Chinese authorities have learned a thing or two over the years. Ten years ago, on the 50th anniversary, everything was much more low key. I remember well sitting in the old square with a friend, sipping a beer or three. Nothing much was going on.
But now we are promised a huge military parade in Beijing and festivities to match the Olympic opening ceremony. Here in Liuzhou, the fountain will be doing its thing and we are promised a firework display by the riverside. The same as they do every Spring Festival.
I live in Nanning but have visited Liuzhou several times as my wife went to
school there. I completely agree with you about the water music in
Liuzhou. Nanning has a similar "attraction" in Nanhu park which is also
deserted most of the time.
Last year's F1 was publicised right here on this blog as well as on my
website at www.liuzhou.co.uk.
Nothing beats that fountain on a hot summer night with the competing dance
music(s), fruit and strange thing sellers and those lights.
I haven't disagreed that the fountain can be amusing for a few minutes. My
point is that for the 166 hours a week it is switched off it looks like a
train wreck. They quite simply screwed up the design. The plumbing is meant
to be underwater, but in this fountain it is above water and they couldn't
dig down as there is an underground car park immediately below.
I haven't disagreed that the fountain can be amusing for a few minutes. My
point is that for the 166 hours a week it is switched off it looks like a
train wreck. They quite simply screwed up the design. The plumbing is meant
to be underwater, but in this fountain it is above water and they couldn't
dig down as there is an underground car park immediately below.