The Origin of the Qinhuai River: One River, Half the History of Nanjing

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 Qinhuai River – the moat outside the Ming city wall Inner Qinhuai River – running through the city and past the Confucius Temple, about 5 kilometers long The most famous section, known as “Ten Miles of Qinhuai”, represents the very essence of Qinhuai scenery and culture. 2. The Name “Qinhuai”: Legend and History 1️⃣ The Legend of Emperor Qin Shihuang One of the most famous legends surrounding the Qinhuai River dates back over two thousand years. After unifying China, Qin Shi Huang traveled east on an imperial inspection tour. When he passed through Jinling (ancient Nanjing), a geomancer accompanying him claimed that the region possessed a powerful “imperial aura”—a sign that future emperors might rise there. To suppress this “royal energy,” Qin Shi Huang allegedly ordered: The cutting of mountain ridges near Fangshan (also called Tianyin Mountain) The redirection of a local river known as Huai Water or Longcang Pu The channeling of its flow northward through the city and into the Yangtze River The symbolic intent was to wash away Nanjing’s imperial destiny. As a result, the river was said to have taken the surname “Qin,” becoming the Qinhuai River. 2️⃣ Historical Reality Behind the Myth From a historical standpoint, however: The Qinhuai River was primarily a natural watercourse Certain sections were later modified or dredged by human activity The name “Qinhuai River” did not become widely used until the Tang Dynasty Ironically, the so-called “imperial aura” was never truly suppressed. During the Three Kingdoms period, Sun Quan established his capital in Nanjing, marking the beginning of its era as a capital city. 3. A River Through Time: Historical Development ▍ Stone Age Origins: The Dawn of Civilization Human activity in the Qinhuai River basin dates back to the Stone Age. Archaeological remains have been found near the ancient Changgan Bridge Around the 5th century BCE, King Goujian of Yue built Yue City along the river From its earliest days, the Qinhuai River was intertwined with the birth of Nanjing’s civilization. ▍ Six Dynasties to Song Dynasty: A Center of Power and Culture During the Six Dynasties period, the banks of the Qinhuai River became home to: Aristocratic families Government officials Cultural elites Although the region declined during the Sui and Tang dynasties, it revived in the Song Dynasty as a major cultural hub of southern China. The legendary strategist Zhuge Liang once praised Nanjing’s geography with the words: “A coiled dragon at Zhongshan and a crouching tiger at Stone City.” This vivid description earned Nanjing the enduring nickname “Stone City.” ▍ Ming and Qing Dynasties: The Golden Age of Ten Miles Qinhuai The Ming and Qing dynasties marked the peak of Qinhuai prosperity. Bustling commerce Elegant painted boats drifting on the water Scholars, artists, and merchants gathering along the river The famous phrase “A land of beauty in Jiangnan, an imperial city of Jinling” perfectly captures the splendor of this era. Countless poems, essays, and paintings immortalized the Qinhuai River, securing its place as one of the most iconic cultural landscapes in Chinese history. 4. Living Memory: Qinhuai River Today The Qinhuai River is more than a historical relic—it is a living witness to Nanjing’s past and present. It reflects: The rise and fall of dynasties The transformation of urban life The continuity of everyday human stories Even today, as lanterns glow and boats glide across the water at night, the river continues to breathe life into the city. 5. Conclusion: Where History Still Flows If the Yangtze River defines Nanjing’s physical landscape, then the Qinhuai River shapes its cultural soul. Thousands of years have passed, yet the reflections of history still shimmer on its surface. To walk along the Qinhuai River at night is to walk through time— where the past and present meet in the gentle flow of water. This is the timeless charm of the Qinhuai River.