Ancient ferry crossing in Shanxi

Author: Lu Shunmin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-11-01
Features: The crossings of southern Shanxi, both important ports for ancient grain transport and deeply influenced by ancient culture, have witnessed the grandeur of the Qin and Han dynasties, the elegance of the Tang and Song periods. The bustling ancient ferry crossings still retain fragments of Chinese civilization's journey. Yu Men Ferry, Pu Jin Ferry, Wu Wang Ferry, Feng Ling Ferry, Da Yu Ferry, Mao Jin Ferry—each of these ferry crossings is an indispensable part of Chinese civilization. As soon as the Yellow River enters Shanxi, it becomes magnificent, with the earliest development being the ancient crossings along the Sanmenxia-Fengling Ferry-Pu Jin Ferry line in southern Shanxi. As early as the Spring and Autumn Period, this waterway was recorded as "transporting Qin grain to Jin by boat." Here, the ferry crossings are not only important ports for grain transport but also deeply influenced by ancient culture—the grandeur of the Qin and Han dynasties, the elegance of the Tang and Song periods, and fragments of Chinese civilization's journey are still preserved. To the west of the Lüliang Mountains, the mountains and river harmonize, with perched on the peaks, overlooking the great river. The Tianqiao Gorge water village, Yu Men Ferry listening to the waves, and the solitary stone gate are just small tests of this untamed river. At the Hukou section, the mighty current rolls on, waves crash against the shore, and for thousands of years, it has gracefully navigated. The wealthy Jin merchants, renowned across the country, chose this very place, and the best-preserved merchant ferry port on the Yellow River—Qikou Ancient Ferry—stands here. Along the Yellow River in northwestern Shanxi, it has long been the northern frontier of ancient China. Down from Laoniwan, the ancient Great Wall appears alongside the timeless Yellow River, creating a spectacular sight. The melodious folk songs—Manhua tunes in the southern part of Inner Mongolia, Xiantianyou in northern Shaanxi, and Shangqu in the Hebao area— converge here. The ancient ferry crossings in this region are also bridges for ferry songs and folk music.