Who is it that connects the magnificent Tibetan Plateau, known as the “Roof of the World,” with the vast East China Sea?
It is our mother river—the Yangtze.
The Yangtze River, stretching for thousands of miles, emerges from the Tanggula Mountains and meanders eastward, flowing powerfully into the sea. Every drop of water embodies a spirit of motion and vitality.
From the pristine streams of snow-capped mountains to the tumultuous waves, from the calls of monkeys on either shore to the sight of myriad sails at sunrise, this mother river creates natural wonders, witnesses historical changes, nurtures cultural exchanges, and sustains the prosperity of the Chinese civilization.
The cultural history of the Yangtze River encapsulates the genetic heritage of the Chinese nation, carries our shared memories, and nourishes our collective spiritual home.
“Yangtze has forged a cultural lineage from the Bashan Mountains and Shu waters to the water towns of Jiangnan. It stands as a representative symbol of the Chinese nation and a hallmark of Chinese civilization, serving as a vital source for cultivating the core socialist values. We must protect, inherit, and promote Yangtze culture, continuing the historical lineage and reinforcing cultural confidence,” said President Xi Jinping, who has made numerous explorations along the river and expressed high hopes for the protection and promotion of its culture.
Carrying President Xi’s earnest expectations, we delve deeper into the Yangtze River.
Starting today, guided by the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, the New Media Committee of the Chinese Journalists Association has coordinated a special reporting activity titled “Cultural China: The Song of the Yangtze,” in collaboration with provincial media from the Yangtze Economic Belt and 13 provinces and cities along the river, including Zhejiang Daily and Chao News.
As we unfold the historical scroll of the Yangtze River, we realize its greatness lies not only in its length and expanse but also in its role as a cradle of enduring civilization.
By the river, we will traverse through time to witness how our ancestors cultivated rice, crafted pottery, and birthed early forms of statehood, marking the dawn of agrarian civilization. Over five millennia, this area has been a tapestry of vibrant daily life, fierce conquests, poignant poetry, brilliant innovations, the rise and fall of towns, and the joys and sorrows of ordinary people.
A millennium ago, during the Tang Dynasty, poet Wang Wan penned the lines “The tide is high and both shores are wide, with the wind just right, a single sail hangs,” as he stood atop North Solid Mountain by the Yangtze. The imagery evokes a world of possibilities.
Now, in this crisp autumn season, we draw upon a contemporary perspective to once again explore and appreciate Yangtze culture—
The culture of the Yangtze needs to be redefined. As we advance the exploration of Chinese civilization, the continual excavations at the Liangzhu site in Zhejiang and the Sanxingdui site in Sichuan have provided tangible evidence of our 5,000-year history. The luminous chapters of Chinese history along the Yangtze require further interpretation.
The culture of the Yangtze also calls for re-examination. With the Yangtze Economic Belt flourishing and emerging as one of the most developed regions in modern China, it is crucial to closely analyze how the cultural drivers behind this prosperity have exerted their influence.
Moreover, Yangtze culture requires modern articulation and engagement with the world. In this new era, China strides forward with renewed vigor, and the pulse of Yangtze culture—both ancient and vibrant—must be expressed in contemporary ways. It needs to be portrayed as a beautiful Chinese story told to the world, engaging in dialogue with global civilizations.
Thus, we embark on another journey along the Yangtze, ready to revisit its culture.
This special reporting initiative consists of seven thematic categories and a cultural investigation of the Yangtze, aiming to deeply explore stories of heritage protection and cultural preservation along its banks. We will carry forward our historical lineage, promote systematic protection of Yangtze cultural heritage, elucidate the spiritual essence and contemporary significance embedded in Yangtze culture, and reinforce cultural confidence while showcasing its critical contribution to the nurturing and development of Chinese civilization—uniting our collective strength for progress.
You emerge from the snow-capped mountains, your spring tides embodying grace; you surge toward the East China Sea, your roaring waves exuding spirit. With the timeless “Song of the Yangtze,” let us hum its melody as we integrate into a new chapter for the Yangtze River in this modern age—
The everlasting Yangtze flows fiercely, revitalizing a thousand years of cultural heritage!
