Flowing gently towards us is the Dong River. It is more than just a body of water. The Dong River is a lifeline for millions. The Dong River is the eastern tributary of the Pearl River in Guangdong province.
Its journey begins high in Mount Sanbai. This is in Anyuan County, Jiangxi. From there, it winds its way through the landscape. It nourishes the land and sustains communities.
The Dong River plays a vital role in the Pearl River Delta. It is a major water source for megacities. These include Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou. Since 1965, Hong Kong has purchased Dong River water from Guangdong. Over 70 percent of Hong Kong’s domestic water comes from here. The Dong River’s discharge is substantial. It totals roughly 807.5 cubic meters per second.
But the Dong River’s story stretches back much further than that. In 2019, a primary school student made an incredible discovery. While playing near the Dong River, Zhang Yangzhe found a dinosaur egg fossil. It dated back to the Late Cretaceous period.
His mother contacted the Heyuan Dinosaur Museum. Excavation revealed more than 10 dinosaur egg fossils. Each was about 9 centimeters in diameter. They dated back 66 million years. Imagine dinosaurs roaming here.
The Pearl River itself extends southward from Guangzhou. It receives the Dong River. The Pearl River opens into its triangular estuary. Macau is to the west and Hong Kong to the east.
The Pearl River flows for about 70 kilometers. Then it empties into the South Sea. In ancient times, it was called the Pearl Sea. Its channel was then 2,000 meters wide. Now, it has shrunk to just 180 meters.
The name “Pearl River” comes from a large boulder. It looks like a shining pearl. Today, ten bridges span the Pearl River. High-rise buildings and modern shopping malls line its banks.
At night, the Pearl River transforms. Bridges are decorated with colorful lights. Cruise ships carry tourists along its waters. Visitors enjoy the cool breeze and the colorful night view.
During the day, people walk the Scenery Corridor. This dike is built especially for appreciating the scenery. Historic and artistic buildings are nearby. These include the Huangpu Military Academy and the Xinghai Concert Hall.
The Dong River and Pearl River connect historical sites. It showcases both modern culture and historical legacy. They have shaped Guangzhou’s identity. They continue to drive its growth. As we stand here, we witness the flow of history. We see the pulse of a vibrant region.