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In Nanjing, there is a river that flows not only through the heart of the city, but also through the depths of its history. Known as “China’s First Historical and Cultural River”, the Qinhuai River carries far more than clear water—it carries poetry, dynasties, legends, and the enduring memory of a city. For thousands of years, this river has nurtured Nanjing’s civilization and shaped its unique character. To understand the Qinhuai River is to understand Nanjing itself. 1. The Lifeline of Nanjing: Geography of the Qinhuai River The Qinhuai River is the largest regional river in Nanjing and is often called the city’s “Mother River.” Northern source: Jurong River Southern source: Lishui River Course: Flowing through the urban core of Nanjing before emptying into the Yangtze River From a geographical perspective, the Qinhuai River played a decisive role in the formation, expansion, and prosperity of the ancient city. The river is traditionally divided into two sections: Outer Q...

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum: Why It Has Remained Unlooted for Over 600 Years Chinese Heritage · Nanjing Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum: Why It Has Remained Unlooted for Over 600 Years Imperial tombs often attract looters for a simple reason: they symbolize unimaginable wealth. Yet Ming Xiaoling in Nanjing stands as a rare exception—preserved through geography, design, governance, and centuries of cultural restraint. Reading time: ~8 minutes Topic: Traditional Chinese Culture Format: Field-notes style In this article 1) Why most imperial tombs were looted 2) What is Ming Xiaoling? 3) A quick walk through the site 4) “Anti-theft engineering” without modern tech 5) Protection across dynasties and modern times 6) What Ming Xiaoling teaches us ...