Flowing through Shanghai, the Huangpu River is more than just a waterway. It is the lifeblood of the city. The Huangpu River has nurtured Shanghai for centuries. But do you know where this famous river begins?
The Huangpu River begins in a small village in Shihudang Town. It is located in the south of Songjiang District. This origin point is now a tourist destination. A green train model marks the entrance.
Driving along Minta Road and onto a country road reveals the open water. The Yuanxiejing and Xietangjiang rivers merge first. They run to meet Hengliaojing River. Then they converge to form the Huangpu River. A giant rock marks the spot with a large red number zero.
A lighthouse stands at the rivers’ intersection. It aids navigation for channels from Shanghai to Suzhou and Hangzhou. Dongxia Village, the origin point, was once a busy trading hub. Various waterways joined here. The Huangpu River was the largest.
Formed in 1522, the Huangpu River stretches about 113 kilometers. It runs from Songjiang through 11 districts in Shanghai. Finally, it flows into the Yangtze River at Wusong in Baoshan District. Over time, the Huangpu has supported Shanghai’s agriculture. It has irrigated the soil and provided fishing. The river has carried off waste and discharged floodwaters. It has also served as the city’s main shipping route and provided drinking water.
There is a small park commemorating the river’s origin. The park includes stone bridges and green plants. Chunshen Hall showcases the river’s history. It features architecture from the Tang Dynasty. Stone lions from the Ming Dynasty guard the hall.
The hall also serves as a shrine. It remembers Governor Huang Xie who managed the area. Legend says Huang Xie controlled water and prevented floods in Songjiang. He dredged a channel from Taihu Lake to the South River. People later renamed the South River the Huangpu River to honor him. Shanghai is also called “Shen” today.
Inside Chunshen Hall are 12 wooden sculptures. These sculptures depict key moments in Shanghai’s growth along the river. “The Chunshen River Taming Picture” shows a historic view of the water. The Water Culture Museum is designed to be underwater.
A few steps from the hall is the tower of the Dragon King. The Dragon King is the God of Water in Chinese mythology. He is believed to control floods. Locals built the temple and enshrined a golden dragon king statue. They prayed for safe voyages.
The Huangpu River separates Shanghai into Pudong and Puxi. It is considered Shanghai’s Mother River. It serves many purposes including drinking water, shipping, and tourism.
To see the river, visit the Bund on the west bank. Alternatively, go to Binjiang Avenue on the east bank. The Bund features historical buildings in western styles. Pudong boasts tall modern skyscrapers. This contrast shows Shanghai’s development.
Two bridges cross the river: Yangpu Bridge and Nanpu Bridge. The Oriental Pearl Tower stands between them. The scene looks like two dragons playing with a pearl. Waibaidu Bridge is another famous bridge. It has witnessed the city’s growth for hundreds of years.
At Wusong Port, you can see tri-color water. This is where the Huangpu River and Yangtze River meet the East Sea. The Huangpu’s water is steel grey. The Yangtze’s water is yellow with sand. The East Sea’s water is green.
The best way to appreciate the Huangpu River is by taking a cruise. The cruise lasts about 50 minutes. You can enjoy the sights on both sides of the river. At night, the lights create a beautiful display. If you are short on time, take a ferry between Pudong and Puxi.