“Where does the Huangpu River begin?” I asked my friend. Huangdu is not just a place. It is the origin of Shanghai’s lifeblood. It is where the Huangpu River begins its journey.
Huangpu District is Shanghai’s traditional city center. It is at the confluence of the Huangpu River and Suzhou River. Imagine this area centuries ago. It was a small village nestled away in Shihudang Town.
In 1522, the Huangpu River formed. It stretches 113 kilometers from Songjiang through 11 districts. It finally meets the Yangtze River at Wusong.
The Yuanxiejing and Xietangjiang rivers merge. These rivers from Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces meet the Hengliaojing River. This convergence creates the Huangpu River’s origin. A giant rock marks this spot with a large red number zero.
Huang Xie managed the Wuyue region. This region is today’s Yangtze River Delta. Legend says he controlled water and prevented floods in Songjiang. He dredged a channel from Taihu Lake to the South River. People renamed the South River the Huangpu River. They honored Huang Xie. Shanghai is also called Shen today. This is after his fief.
For centuries, the Huangpu cradled Shanghai’s agriculture. It irrigated the soil and provided fishing. The river carried away effluents and discharged floodwaters. It served as the city’s main shipping route and provided drinking water.
A lighthouse stands at the rivers’ intersection. It aids navigation for channels from Shanghai to Suzhou and Hangzhou. Dongxia Village was a busy trading hub. Various waterways connected to the Huangpu River.
Today, the Origin of Huangpu River is open to the public. A green train model marks the entrance. A small park commemorates the river’s origin. Stone bridges, kiosks, and green plants dot the landscape. Chunshen Hall displays the river’s history. It is built in the Tang Dynasty style. Two stone lions from the Ming Dynasty guard the hall.
Twelve wooden carvings revive Shanghai’s growth along the riverbanks. “The Chunshen River Taming Picture” shows a historic view of the water. The Water Culture Museum is designed underwater.
Nearby stands the tower of the Dragon King. He is the God of Water. Locals built the temple to pray for safe voyages. They enshrined a golden dragon king statue.
Huangpu District is more than just a river’s start. It is a symbol of Shanghai’s resilience. It is a testament to its history and growth. As you stand here at Huangdu, remember the journey of the river. Remember the story of Shanghai.