In the old days, passengers taking an airplane to Chongqing would firstly catch sight of the landmark Golden Eagle Sculpture. However, the glittering luster declined after being scorched by the sun and drenched by rain. The good news is that this sculpture will regain the lost charm and be attractive again.

On October 12, Chongqing Public Resources Trading Center introduced that a bidding program for Jinying (Golden Eagle) Garden, Nanshan Botanical Garden of Chongqing, was underway. Chen Senlin, a staff member of Chongqing Nanshan Botanical Garden, said that it was the first significant renovation of this sculpture, and a traditional gilding technique would be adopted. All the foils will be 24k gold.

Traditional gilding technique to be adopted

“It is the first big renovation after the construction of the Golden Eagle,” said Chen Senlin. It has declined from a famous scenic spot to a site with few visitors due to disrepair. “This renovation is not due to the sculpture’s poor safety structure,” Chen Senlin explained. Instead, it aims to cover the Eagle with a gold surface to let it glitter again. Meanwhile, some internal parts will be decorated too. It is worth mentioning that a traditional gilding technique will be adopted so that the ideal effect will last for ten years, at least.

Chen Senlin said that the damaged pedestrian trails and parking lot would also be improved. Specifically, the former parking lot was a sunken yard, which will be replaced by a two-story building. The first floor will be a park and the second one a platform to collect and distribute tourists. The gate of the scenic area will also be designed and rebuilt.

After this renovation, the Golden Eagle Sculpture is expected to regain its lost beauty and become a popular check-in site in Chongqing.

Gold foils totaling 32kg had been used

This sculpture was finished on March 28, 1998, designed by Ye Yushan, former President of Sichuan Fine Arts Institute and reputable sculptor. He is also the designer of the sculpture series of spring, summer, autumn, and winter of Chongqing Yangtze River Bridge.

The whole eagle sculpture, about 32 meters high, is cast with cement, and the complex consists of a 22-meter-high eagle and a 10-meter-high sea snail. The giant eagle is covered with 24k gold foils, shining with a bright luster. A platform on its peak provides a panoramic view. At that time, a total of 32kg in gold foils had been utilized on its surface.

Source: CQCB