17.08.2026
The Pearl River’s Legendary Journey – Tian Jingrong
The "Our river is the main heroin" project continues, and today's story about Chinese nature and its beauty is brought to you by Tian Jingrong from Qujing University of Medicine & Health Sciences.
Today, I will share with you a legendary journey: the story of the Pearl River and the unique river culture of Qujing. This is not only a story about water, but also about myths, nature, and the spirit of a city.
Qujing is widely known as the First City at the Source of the Pearl River, and it proudly holds the name — the Source City of the Pearl River. The Pearl River is China's third longest river, and the second largest in terms of water discharge.
Starting from Qujing, it runs through mountains and plains, nourishing countless lives and becoming the vital vein of life for millions of people.
Behind every great river lies a beautiful myth. In ancient chaos, Fairy Zhu Niang was ordered to descend to earth to find the source of life. She saw the dry, cracked land and all creatures suffering from thirst in the world. Deeply sympathetic, she traveled through thousands of mountains and rivers to Maxiong Mountain.
Her sincerity moved the Dragon King. The Dragon King burst the rock with a powerful water column, and a clear spring gushed out. This spring became the main source of the Pearl River, blessing and nourishing all living things.
This meaningful myth brings us precious spiritual virtues. First, the spirit of exploration symbolizes humanity's earliest longing and pursuit for the unknown origins, showing our endless curiosity about nature and life.
Second, benevolence and compassion teach us to care for all lives and show kindness to the world around us.
Third, perseverance and determination encourage us to stick to our goals and never give up.
Fourth, dedication and sacrifice remind us that true greatness lies in using our strength to bless and nourish more people.
Together, they embody the romantic imagination of "the source" deeply kept in the memory of human civilization.
Myths are not just fantasy; they are romantic interpretations of amazing natural wonders.
At the Source of the Pearl River, the most amazing wonder is "One Spring Feeds Three Rivers".
This unique natural phenomenon connects the Nanpan River, Beipan River and Niulan River.
It creates a rare geographical miracle that links the Yangtze River system and the Pearl River system.
First, let's look at the Nanpan River.
It flows out from the water cave and runs steadily east, forming the main source of the Pearl River.
Next is the Beipan River.
It flows north through mountains and valleys, and finally joins the Nanpan River in Guizhou Province.
The third one is the Niulan River.
It surges west, gathering many tributaries along the way.
In the end, it flows into the Jinsha River, the upper reach of the Yangtze River.
As the saying goes: "It is not just water; it is a living legacy."
It carries ancient myths, witnesses human exploration, and flows with an immortal and inspiring spirit.
This spirit will last forever, just like the Pearl River that runs endlessly.
That's all for my sharing. Thank you very much for listening!