By hannover-web.com Title: An “Outside Perspective” on the Culture of the Qiantang River
On September 25, in Hangzhou, the Qiantang River draws attention for its stunning tidal waves, dubbed the “first tide of China.” This phenomenon ranks alongside the Amazon and Ganges as one of the world’s three grand tidal events. Over its extensive history, the Qiantang River basin has hosted numerous remarkable figures who have significantly enriched its material and spiritual heritage.
In a recent interview with China News Service, Hu Jian, president of the Zhejiang Qiantang River Culture Research Association, and Xu Jijun, director of the China Qiantang River Civilization Research Center at Zhejiang University of Technology, discussed the development of “tide-watching” culture, its spiritual essence, and how it is perceived from the outside.
**China News Service Reporter:** How has the “tide-watching” culture of the Qiantang River evolved?
**Xu Jijun:** The tides of the Qiantang River are famous worldwide, sharing the spotlight with the Amazon and Ganges. The tradition of observing these tides has been around for over 2,000 years and includes activities during both day and night. This cultural practice remains vibrant today, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival, when many come to witness the “Qianjiang Autumn Tide.”
The origins of tide-watching can be traced back to pre-Qin times. Historical texts indicate that the philosopher Zhuangzi was mesmerized by the power of the Qiantang tides, marking the earliest recorded mention of this phenomenon.
By the Western Han Dynasty, watching the tides had become a popular activity. The Tang Dynasty saw an outpouring of poetry celebrating these majestic tides, with Li Bai’s famous line, “Tide rises, clouds roll in from the mountains,” highlighting this cultural appreciation.
During the Southern Song Dynasty, tide-watching was well-established, with Wu Zimu’s “Dreaming of the Grain Record” noting that the peak viewing days typically fell between the 11th and 20th days of the eighth lunar month, particularly bustling on the 16th and 18th.
**China News Service Reporter:** What does Qiantang River culture embody at its core?
**Hu Jian:** Often called the “Mother River of Zhejiang,” the Qiantang River flows through and nourishes roughly 47% of the province.
A poignant reflection of this spirit can be found in the lines of Tang poet Li Yi, who remarked, “Had I known the tides would be faithful, I would have married a tide-waiter.” This line honors the courageous individuals who engage with the tides, showcasing their strength.
Literary references such as the “Taiping Yulan” highlight the spirit of “playing with the tides.” The earliest record of swimming competitions in ancient China might well be these accounts of races on the river.
The excitement of tide-watching is further illustrated in Pan Lang’s poem “Jiǔquānzi,” which describes the streets teeming with people gazing at the tides amidst the resounding drumbeats.
Faced with the formidable tides, the “tide-waiter” stands resolute, flag in hand, embodying courage and vigor. This spirit is deeply embedded in the historical narratives of communities along the Qiantang River, reflecting their resilience and boldness in confronting nature’s challenges.
Unlike typical responses to natural disasters, where relocation might be considered, the people of Zhejiang exemplify remarkable courage and creativity, opting to work with nature rather than flee from it.
Historical documents reveal that early inhabitants constructed earth dams for flood control, which later evolved into more sophisticated techniques using mixed materials for increased stability, ultimately leading to the stone dams we see today—a testament to humanity’s harmonious relationship with nature.
**China News Service Reporter:** How is Qiantang River culture perceived externally?
**Xu Jijun:** In the West, much of the perspective on Chinese culture is rooted in silk and porcelain, both of which have their origins in the Qiantang River basin—a prominent hub for silk, rice, lacquerware, tea, and wine culture.
From the 14th century to the early 20th century, Chinese sailing vessels dominated global trade routes. The maritime traditions of Qiantang River culture played a vital role in fostering cultural exchanges, establishing connections with neighboring countries like Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and India, even extending to Europe and Africa.
During the Ming Dynasty, cultural exchanges between Qiantang River culture and European cultures flourished. The Zhengde era brought many European missionaries, merchants, travelers, and adventurers to China, captivated by its unique landscapes, architecture, and local customs.
Spanish missionary Juan de Pineda was captivated by Hangzhou’s allure, famously declaring that “West Lake is one of the world’s wonders” and noting that all silk exported from China originated in Zhejiang Province.
In 1735, French writer Du Herd published “General Knowledge of the Chinese Empire,” featuring extensive insights into Qiantang River culture, portraying Hangzhou as one of China’s wealthiest cities and likening its bustling streets to those of Paris.
This reflects the European view of Hangzhou and the cultural richness intertwined with the Qiantang River. As trade between the East and West flourished, cities like Hangzhou became sought-after destinations for both tourism and trade opportunities.
**China News Service Reporter:** In what ways does Qiantang River culture connect with the world and link diverse cultures?
**Hu Jian:** Historically, great river basins have served as incubators of vibrant civilizations, cultivating profound cultural roots and wisdom.
As a jewel among great river cultures, Qiantang River culture features breathtaking natural beauty along with a rich array of literature, calligraphy, painting, music, dance, theater, religion, and technological innovation. These elements intertwine, creating a distinct charm and solid foundation for Qiantang River culture, bridging ancient traditions with modern influences and facilitating connections with the external world.
In 2017, Zhejiang hosted the “Qiantang River Forum: Humanity and Rivers,” creating a platform for high-level discussions on cultural cooperation and ecological preservation. Experts from around the globe converged to share ideas on cultural exchange and water resource management, promoting a deeper understanding of humanity’s relationship with rivers while fostering harmony among global river cultures.
Through this flowing connection with nature, we aspire to uncover effective strategies for ecological protection and pollution control, showcasing the unique charm and universal impact of Qiantang River culture.
**Interviewee Profiles:**
**Hu Jian:** A former Executive Deputy Minister of the Zhejiang Provincial Publicity Department, Hu Jian currently serves as a consultant for the Zhejiang Provincial Government and heads the Zhejiang Qiantang River Culture Research Association. He is a distinguished professor at the China Academy of Art and the Zhejiang Provincial Party School, with notable publications including “The Power of Thought” and “Cultural Zhejiang: Twelve Talks.”
**Xu Jijun:** Previously the director of the History Research Institute at the Zhejiang Academy of Social Sciences, Xu Jijun is now the director of the China Qiantang River Civilization Research Center at Zhejiang University of Technology. His research focuses on Chinese cultural history, the Song Dynasty, and regional history in Zhejiang, contributing to significant academic works like “The Cultural History of the Yangtze River.”
