Miluo River in Yueyang

Overview

The Miluo River (汨罗江) is a significant waterway in the Dongting Lake (洞庭湖) water system, located in the northeastern part of Hunan Province, China. The river originates from the Huanglong Mountain (黄龙山) at the junction of Hunan, Hubei, and Jiangxi provinces. It flows through Pingjiang County (平江县) and Miluo City (汨罗市) in Hunan before ultimately joining Dongting Lake. With a total length of 253.2 kilometers, the river covers a drainage area of 5,543 square kilometers.

The river is the fifth-largest water system in the Dongting Lake basin, ranking after the Xiang (湘江), Zi (资江), Yuan (沅江), and Li (澧水) rivers. It passes through several key towns, including Hanchang Town (汉昌镇) in Pingjiang County, Guiyi Town (归义镇) in Miluo City, and Changshou Town (长寿镇). Miluo City was named after the Miluo River, as was Pingjiang County due to the river’s calm flow.

The river’s source lies in the Lishuigao area of Huanglong Mountain in Xiushui County, Jiangxi Province, and the river’s course flows from Xiushui County into Pingjiang County and Miluo City, where it meets Dongting Lake. The river’s course is divided into three sections: the upstream section from Xiushui County to Changshou Town in Pingjiang, the middle section from Changshou Town to Huangqidan in Pingjiang, and the downstream section from Huangqidan to Miluo City.

Geographical Location and River System

The Miluo River is situated within the latitude range of 28°25′ to 29°06′ N and longitude range of 112°51′ to 132°31′ E. The river is historically significant as the site where the famous poet Qu Yuan (屈原) drowned in 278 BC, giving rise to the Dragon Boat Festival (端午节) and its associated cultural practices.

Main Tributaries

The Miluo River has several notable tributaries, including the Luo River (罗水), Changjiang River (昌江河), Zhi Ma River (纸马河), Chedui River (车对河), Zhongdong River (钟洞河), and Muguo River (木瓜河). These tributaries contribute to the river’s flow and water volume, which supports local agriculture and hydropower initiatives.

Hydrology and Water Resources

Hydrological Features

The river has a significant hydrological system, with a total length of 253 kilometers. Within Pingjiang County, the Miluo River runs for 192.9 kilometers, and in Miluo City, it extends for 61.5 kilometers. The river is characterized by a rich water flow, with a large drainage basin and a steep gradient.

The river’s watershed covers an area of 5,543 square kilometers, and it has an average slope of 4‰. The flow rate in the river varies from section to section, with the average flow rate in Dragon Gate Bridge (龙门桥) being 13.7 cubic meters per second. In Xinshi Street, the average flow rate increases to 104.9 cubic meters per second. The river’s drop from the source to its mouth is 249.83 meters, with steep gradients in certain sections.

Hydro-electric Power

The river’s hydropower potential is significant, with the theoretical power generation capacity of 55,300 kilowatts. The river’s flow supports various hydroelectric power stations along its course, including those in Longmen, Wentan, and Jiayi. The river’s tributaries also contribute to the hydropower capacity, with significant potential in the Changjiang River and other smaller tributaries.

Cultural Significance

Qu Yuan’s Legacy

The Miluo River is forever linked to the tragic end of the poet Qu Yuan, who is said to have drowned in the river in 278 BC. His death marked the origin of the Dragon Boat Festival, a celebration of Chinese culture and heritage. Every year, dragon boat races are held on the Miluo River to commemorate Qu Yuan, with participants racing in elaborate dragon-shaped boats.

The river and its surrounding area have deep cultural and historical significance, as they represent the birthplace of an essential Chinese tradition. Additionally, the Miluo River area is known for its rich folklore and poetry, inspired by the landscape and the river’s flow.

Modern Development and Environmental Issues

River Development and Management

Several initiatives have been undertaken to improve the river’s infrastructure, including the construction of reservoirs, irrigation systems, and hydropower plants. These developments have significantly improved the region’s agricultural productivity and power supply.

However, the river’s management has faced challenges, particularly regarding sedimentation and flood control. Efforts to address these issues have included the construction of levees and flood diversion channels. Despite these efforts, the river still experiences sediment buildup, particularly during the rainy season.

Navigation and Transportation

The Miluo River has historically served as an important transportation route. Various docks and ferries facilitate the movement of goods and people along the river. The river’s navigation system has been further developed with the construction of locks and ramps for larger vessels.

Miluo River Cultural Heritage

Archaeological Sites

The Miluo River basin is home to several archaeological sites, providing a glimpse into the region’s ancient history. Remains of early settlements and artifacts from past civilizations have been uncovered along the river’s banks. The area is of great interest to historians and archaeologists alike.

Dragon Boat Racing

Dragon boat racing on the Miluo River is a key cultural event. The tradition, which dates back more than two thousand years, is an integral part of the Dragon Boat Festival (端午节). The races attract numerous spectators each year, who gather to watch the boats glide across the river in celebration of Qu Yuan’s memory.

Main Tributaries

The Miluo River has several main tributaries, with 86 tributaries that are more than 5 kilometers long. Among them, 16 tributaries have drainage areas larger than 100 square kilometers.

Miluo River Tributaries

1. Mugua River (木瓜河)

The Mugua River originates from the southern slope of the Mufu Mountains (幕阜山脉) at Tianyue Pass (天岳关). It collects the runoff from Tianyue, Hongqiao, Mugua Township (木瓜乡), as well as parts of the runoff from Changqing (长庆) and Yongsheng Townships (咏生乡). The river flows through several villages, including Shanggongcun (上中村), and converges with Daping Shui (大坪水) at Putiyan (菩提岩) in Mugua Township. The river length is 48 kilometers, with a drainage area of 308 square kilometers, a fall of 352.2 meters, and an average slope of 4.2%. Its theoretical water energy potential is 5518 kW.

2. Daping River (大坪河)

The Daping River originates from the base of the mountain in Sanxing Village (三星村) of Daping Township (大坪乡). It flows through Daping and Mugua Township, eventually converging with Mugua Shui (木瓜水) at Putiyan (菩提岩). The river length is 31 kilometers, with a drainage area of 105 square kilometers, a fall of 380.9 meters, and an average slope of 10.1%. Its theoretical water energy potential is 3678 kW.

3. Quxi River (曲溪水)

The Quxi River originates from Renjia Ridge (仁家岭) in Shui Lian Village (水联村), Chángshòu Township (长寿镇, originally Nánqiáo Township, 南桥乡). It flows through Nánqiáo, Dàkǒu, and Guìqiáo Townships (桂桥乡), where it converges with the Miluo River at Chuanbu Li (船埠里) in Yangping Village (阳坪村) of Guìqiáo Township. The river length is 33 kilometers, with a drainage area of 100 square kilometers, a fall of 368.8 meters, and an average slope of 5.1%. Its theoretical water energy potential is 2608 kW.

4. Huangjin River (黄金河)

The Huangjin River originates from Diaoshui Peak (吊水尖) in Qiming Village (启明村), Changshou Township (长寿镇, originally Huangjindong Township, 黄金洞乡). It flows through Huangjindong and Changshou Townships, eventually joining the Miluo River at Shuangjiangkou (双江口) in Zhifu Village (致富村). The river length is 55 kilometers, with a drainage area of 270 square kilometers, a fall of 402.6 meters, and an average slope of 4.1%. Its theoretical water energy potential is 5830 kW.

5. Zhongdong River (钟洞河)

The Zhongdong River originates from Taoshudun (桃树墩) in Gaoyuan Village (高源村), Changqing Township (长庆乡) of the Mufu Mountains. It flows through Sandun, Enxi, and Sanshi Townships (三市镇) and converges with the Miluo River at Baihukou (白湖口) in Feitian Village (肥田村) of Sanshi Township. The river length is 62 kilometers, with a drainage area of 321 square kilometers, a fall of 655.3 meters, and an average slope of 3.5%. Its theoretical water energy potential is 6651 kW.

6. Lijiang River (丽江)

The Lijiang River originates from the Linhai Forest Farm (芦头林场) at Ping in Jiayi District (嘉义区) on the border of Liújiāo. It flows for 30 kilometers before joining the Kan Tang Shui (坎塘水), and finally converges with the Miluo River. The river length is 30 kilometers, with a drainage area of 113 square kilometers, a fall of 308 meters, and an average slope of 7.5%. Its theoretical water energy potential is 3544 kW.

7. Zhimahu River (止马河)

The Zhimahu River originates from the southern end of the Lianyun Mountains (连云山脉), at Fushou Forest Farm (福寿林场), and Zenggai Mountain (甑盖山). It collects the runoff from Lúdòng, Āndìng, and Chángtián Townships (安定、长田三乡). After convergence at Shuinan Village (水南村), it continues to flow through Shanghuang, Zhonghuang Villages (上黄、中黄村), and Guantang Farm (官塘农场), eventually merging with the Miluo River at Shuijiangkou (双江口) in Zhimahu Village. The river length is 33 kilometers, with a drainage area of 355 square kilometers, a fall of 658 meters, and an average slope of 9.4%. It is the tributary with the greatest drop into the Miluo River. Its theoretical water energy potential is 7623 kW.

8. Qingshui River (清水)

The Qingshui River originates from Longtoujian (龙头尖) in Duiping Village (对坪村), Qingshui Township (清水乡). It flows through Qingshui and Daqiao Townships (大桥乡), eventually merging with the Zhimahu River. The river length is 22 kilometers, with a drainage area of 108 square kilometers, a fall of 137 meters, and an average slope of 6.2%. Its theoretical water energy potential is 2070 kW.

9. Xianjiang River (仙江)

The Xianjiang River originates from Xiangbin Cave (湘滨洞) on the southwest ridge of Wujiao Mountain (五角山), in Xianggao Village (显高村). It flows through Hupai, Zhongdong, Tuanshan, and Zhuoshui Townships (浊水等乡), eventually merging with the Miluo River at Xishi (下石). The river length is 41 kilometers, with a drainage area of 145 square kilometers, a fall of 329.7 meters, and an average slope of 1.37%. Its theoretical water energy potential is 3273 kW.

10. Changjiang River (昌江)

The Changjiang River originates from Fujia Cave (傅家洞) on Moke Mountain (墨家山), in Huangqiao Village (黄桥村) of Dongta Township (冬塔乡). It collects the runoff from 15 second-tier tributaries, 11 third-tier tributaries, and 2 fourth-tier tributaries, including Shijiang River (石浆河), Zao Creek (躁溪水), Dazhou Creek (大洲水), and Yiping Creek (余坪水). After flowing through several townships including Dongta, Nanjing, Dazhou, Zhezhang, Meixian, Zhangshi, and Hedong, it converges with the Miluo River at Qingkou Tan (青口滩) in Yangmei Village (杨梅村). The river length is 84 kilometers, with a drainage area of 670 square kilometers, a fall of 178.6 meters, and an average slope of 0.52%. Its theoretical water energy potential is 11615 kW.

11. Qujiang River (曲江)

Also known as Yuping River (余坪水), the Qujiang River originates from Wufengjian (巫峰尖) in Cen Chuan Township (岑川乡). It collects the runoff from Tánxū Township (谈胥乡) and part of Meixian Township, and finally converges with the Changjiang River at Shitou Zui (石头嘴). The river length is 20.6 kilometers, with a drainage area of 125.41 square kilometers, and an average slope of 6‰. Its theoretical water energy potential is 2174 kW.

12. Chezui River (车碓河)

The Chezui River originates from Changsha County (长沙县) and flows through Xiangjia (向家), Sanhe Township (三和乡). It reaches the Miluo River at Wugang Village (武冈村). The river length is 41 kilometers, with a drainage area of 344 square kilometers, and its theoretical water energy potential is 8482 kW.

Tributaries in the Middle Reaches

Luo River (罗水)

The Luo River, recorded in historical works such as “Spring and Autumn Geography” (春秋地理考) and “Water Classic” (水经注), originates from Ba Ling Luo Nei (巴陵罗内), also known as Luo Li (罗里). It spans the boundaries of Yueyang (岳阳), Pingjiang (平江), and Miluo (汨罗) counties. The main course flows for 88 kilometers, with a drainage area of 595 square kilometers. The average annual rainfall in the watershed is 1390 mm, with a theoretical water energy potential of 11,800 kW.

Geographical Overview

The Miluo River (汨罗江) basin is located on the western shore of Dongting Lake (洞庭湖), bordered to the east and north by the Mufu Mountain (幕阜山), Huanglong Mountain (黄龙山), and the Xinqiang River (新墙河) basin, and to the south by Lianyun Mountain (连云山) and the Laodao River (捞刀河) basin. The basin spans about 120 kilometers in length from east to west and has an average width of about 37 kilometers from north to south. The total area of the basin is 5,543 square kilometers, with Pingjiang County (平江县) covering 4,053 square kilometers and Miluo County (汨罗县) covering 965 square kilometers. The terrain is higher on the east, south, and north sides, and lower on the western side, transitioning from mountainous to hilly areas, eventually leading to the Dongting Lake plain. The average slope is 0.46%, with a vertical drop of 249.8 meters. The upper reaches of the river are above Changshou Street (长寿街), the middle reaches are above Huangqiduan (黄旗煅), and the lower reaches are below.

Historical Sites

The Quzi Temple Ruins

The Quzi Temple (屈子庙) ruins are located on the western slope of Phoenix Mountain (凤凰山), east of Qu Pond (屈潭), and in the village of Phoenix (凤凰村), Fenghuang Township (凤凰乡). Originally, the Quzi Temple was situated in an ideal location, surrounded by natural beauty. To the north, it was blocked by the rugged, towering rocks; to the south, it faced the Miluo River (汨罗江); to the west, it overlooked the river bay; and to the east, it embraced Phoenix Terrace (凤凰台). In the front, one could admire the picturesque views of Dongting Lake (洞庭湖), and in the back, ancient trees and bamboo swayed in the wind, creating a serene atmosphere with the waters encircling the mountain. The temple was an important feature of the Eastern Dongting Bay in ancient times.

The temple was built in the 12th year of the Tongzhi period (1873) of the Qing Dynasty (清朝) by local officials and merchants from Pingjiang County. At that time, merchants frequently traveled along the Miluo River, passing through Dongting Lake and the Yangtze River. As a means of commemorating the great patriot and poet Qu Yuan (屈原), they established the temple, which also served as a dock for cargo transshipment. The building materials were all brought from Pingjiang County, and each brick was inscribed with the words “Pingyi” (平邑).

The structure of the temple and its layout followed the style of the Quzi Temple on Yuxi Mountain (玉笥山), though the temple’s main gate was slightly taller than that of the Yuxi temple, and its inner space was shorter. The temple had three sections: the central part and two wings. Above the central gate were three large characters “Quzi Miao” (屈子庙), with “Ice Clear” (冰清) inscribed on the left and “Jade Pure” (玉洁) on the right. The temple had a set of 8 horizontal sculpted scenes that depicted traditional Chinese drama.

The temple was divided into three sections: the lower section housed the theater, which had an octagonal pavilion roof with wooden dragon and phoenix carvings. The front of the stage had a stone-paved platform. The middle section was called the “Xin Fang Pavilion” (信芳亭), which was named after a line from Qu Yuan’s “Li Sao” (离骚) that expressed loyalty: “Not knowing my heart, if it were my belief, it would be fragrant.” It had four large stone pillars and inscriptions by famous local figures.

The upper section of the temple was a shrine dedicated to Qu Yuan, with statues of various deities such as Guan Gong (关公) and female gods. The temple was beautifully designed and well-known across the region.

The Quzi Temple was demolished in 1969 as part of the “Four Olds” campaign (破四旧), and the temple records were burned. Only the ruins remain.

Qu Pond (屈潭) / River Bay Pond (河泊潭)

Qu Pond, also known as River Bay Pond (河泊潭), is located in Fenghuang Township. The “Yitong Zhi” (一统志) states: “The Miluo River divides into two waters, which join again at Qu Pond, now known as River Bay Pond, 30 miles from the ancient Luo City (罗城).” Qu Pond is a place of deep historical significance related to Qu Yuan, and numerous literary figures from the Tang, Song, and other dynasties visited here to compose poems and pay tribute to Qu Yuan.

In 1981, the area was designated as a county-level cultural relic protection site, and a granite monument was erected, marking the location where Qu Yuan tragically drowned in 278 BC. In 2009, the local people raised funds to build a new “Huai Ren Pavilion” (怀仁亭) here to honor Qu Yuan’s memory.

Wumu Temple (武穆寺)

Wumu Temple (武穆寺), located in the southwestern part of Yingtian Town (营田镇) near the mouth of the Xiang River (湘江), was built during the late Southern Song Dynasty (南宋). The temple’s front was designed with a “one-character” wall and had three main gates. The middle gate was inscribed with “Yue Zhongwu Temple” (岳忠武庙), referring to General Yue Fei (岳飞). The temple had a stage and a hall where the god of Yue Fei was worshipped.

In 1939, the temple was destroyed by fire. However, in 2002, it was rebuilt with funds raised by the local community.

Culture

Qu Yuan and the Dragon Boat Festival Culture

On the 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar in 278 BC, Qu Yuan, a great patriotic poet from the Chu Kingdom (楚国), upon hearing that the capital was being attacked, was overcome with grief. He wrote his final poem, “Huai Sha” (怀沙), and threw himself into the Miluo River (汨罗江) at Qu Pond (屈潭), also known as River Bay Pond (河泊潭). The local people, upon hearing of his death, rushed to the river in boats to rescue him and threw rice dumplings (zongzi) into the river to prevent fish and shrimp from eating his body. This event gave rise to the Dragon Boat Festival (端午节) and the tradition of dragon boat racing, which has been passed down for over 2,000 years.

In 1958, the local area was reclaimed as Qu Yuan Farm (屈原农场), named in honor of Qu Yuan’s spirit of perseverance and quest for progress.

Qu Yuan’s Legacy

The region of Qu Yuan’s life, writings, and tragic death is a place of significant cultural and historical importance. During the Warring States period (战国时期), the powerful Qin state posed a threat to the Chu Kingdom, and Qu Yuan, a reformist official, worked to strengthen his nation. However, due to political intrigue, he was exiled to the Miluo River for over nine years. It was during this time that he composed famous works such as “Li Sao” (离骚), “Jiu Ge” (九歌), and “Tian Wen” (天问). Various monuments have been erected in his honor, such as the “Bi Jia Mountain” (笔架山) where it is said that Qu Yuan wrote much of his poetry, including “Li Sao.” The “Fishing Terrace” (钓鱼台) is another site of significance where Qu Yuan reportedly fished to relieve his sorrow. The “Nanyang Temple” (南阳寺) is located at the site of Qu Yuan’s former residence.

Miliu River Overview

The Miliu River (汨罗江) flows from Xiuyong County (修永县) in Jiangxi Province into Longmenchang (龙门厂) in Pingjiang County (平江县). It runs through Chángshòu Street (长寿街), Jiayi (嘉义), the city of Pingjiang, and Yangmei (杨梅), collecting water from the Chang (昌) River, then continuing through Chánglè Street (长乐街) before merging with the Luo River (罗江) at Leishi Mountain (磊石山) and draining into Dongting Lake (洞庭湖). The total length of the river is 253.2 kilometers, with a drop of 249.8 meters. It is a mountainous river, highly seasonal, with significant fluctuations in water levels, especially during the rainy season, and a long dry season lasting up to seven months each year.

The navigable section of the Miliu River is about 237 kilometers long, extending 203 kilometers from Chángshòu Street to the confluence with the Luo River, passing through 87 rapids. Historically, wooden ships carrying up to 7800 dan (1 dan = 50 kilograms) of salt were able to travel from Yuezhou (岳州) to Pingjiang’s city center. In the late 1950s, the river could accommodate wooden boats weighing 8 to 12 tons during the dry season and motorized wooden sailboats of 12 to 30 tons during flood seasons. However, due to severe sedimentation, the 205 kilometers of the river above the Miliu River Railway Bridge became unnavigable by the late 1960s. In 1999, only the 70-kilometer section from Leishi to Qingchongkou remained seasonally navigable.

Tributaries of Miliu River

The Miliu River has many tributaries, with 86 major tributaries longer than 5 kilometers. The longest is the Luo River (罗水), which stretches for 88 kilometers, followed by the Chang River (昌水), which is 84 kilometers long. These rivers have been traditional transportation routes for bamboo and wood, but their navigation ceased after the construction of dams and locks in 1961.

Chang River

The Chang River, also known as Meixian Water (梅仙水), originates in the northwest of Pingjiang County from the Fùjiā Cave (傅家洞) at the foot of the Mufu Mountain (幕阜山) and joins the Miliu River at Yangmei Port (杨梅港). The river is 84 kilometers long and has a drainage area of 670 square kilometers.

Luo River

The Luo River, the second largest tributary of the Miliu River, starts from Bājiaoxiang (芭蕉乡) in Yueyang County (岳阳县) and flows southwest, joining the Miliu River at Daqiuwan (大丘湾) in Miliu City (汨罗市). This tributary has a length of 88 kilometers and a drainage area of 595 square kilometers.

Mu Gua River

The Mu Gua River originates from the southern slopes of Mufu Mountain and collects runoff from the Tianyue, Hongqiao, and Mu Gua villages, as well as parts of Changqing and Yongsheng towns. It is 48 kilometers long, with a drainage area of 308 square kilometers and a drop of 352.2 meters.

Miliu River Culture

The Miliu River’s fame is largely attributed to the legendary poet Qu Yuan (屈原) from the Warring States period. Qu Yuan, a prominent statesman and poet of the Chu State, was exiled and lived by the Miliu River near Yushi Mountain (玉笥山). In 278 BC, after the fall of the capital Ying (郢) to the Qin army, Qu Yuan, feeling hopeless about saving his country, drowned himself in the Miliu River.

Qu Yuan’s Memorial Site

The area near the confluence of the Miliu River and Dongting Lake (洞庭湖) is particularly significant, as it is believed to be where Qu Yuan ended his life. This site, known as Hebo Pond (河泊潭), has a commemorative stone tablet marking the location. Due to the river’s curve and relatively shallow depth, the site is also known as Chensha Port (沉沙港), referring to the tradition that Qu Yuan’s clothes filled with sand, causing him to sink.

On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month each year, locals perform rituals to honor Qu Yuan by throwing zongzi (粽子), sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves, into the river as an offering to the poet’s spirit. This custom led to the annual Dragon Boat Festival (端午节) celebrations, which include dragon boat races.

Dragon Boat Races

The tradition of dragon boat racing is deeply intertwined with the Miliu River and Qu Yuan’s legacy. Legend holds that local fishermen attempted to rescue Qu Yuan by racing their boats to the spot where he threw himself into the river, hoping to save his body from being devoured by fish. To prevent the fish from eating his remains, the fishermen threw rice dumplings into the water, an act that evolved into the dragon boat races and the custom of eating zongzi.

Today, dragon boat racing is celebrated in China, Vietnam, Japan, and the Ryukyu Islands, and is even an official event in the Asian Games. The most widespread origin story of the races comes from the “Records of the Grand Historian” (史记), which recounts the locals racing to rescue Qu Yuan. Other historical texts also mention dragon boat races as a means of remembering the poet’s sacrifice.

Miliu River’s Historical and Natural Significance

Miliu River, with its picturesque landscape, mild climate, fertile land, and abundant resources, is historically significant as a waterway for transportation. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, the area saw heavy fighting due to its strategic importance. Japanese forces inflicted severe damage on the environment, leading to soil erosion, rising riverbeds, and a decrease in navigability.

Before the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the Miliu River’s mouth had already been enclosed by 33 embankments. After the founding of the People’s Republic, 436 reservoirs were built along its tributaries, and the river was cleaned up and straightened to improve navigation.

Relics and Memorials

Today, the region features several historical sites commemorating Qu Yuan’s life and death, such as the Quzi Temple (屈子祠), Saotan (骚坛), and the Qu Yuan tombs (屈原墓群). The Qu Yuan tombs, located on Miliu Mountain (汨罗山), contain twelve small burial mounds scattered across a 1500 square meter area. Stone tablets mark these burial sites as the “Tomb of the Three Lü Ministers of Chu” (故楚三闾大夫墓).

The Miliu River, with its stunning landscapes and cultural significance, continues to draw visitors and serve as a testament to Qu Yuan’s enduring legacy in Chinese history and culture.