The Waterways Classic

Author: (Northern Wei) Li Daoyuan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: The Water Economy is the main commentary by Li Daoyuan of the Northern Wei dynasty on The Water Classics. The Water Classics is an ancient book that specializes in recording the river systems of China, divided into three volumes, with the author now unknown. Based on its content, it is likely drafted during the Xin Dynasty and Eastern Han period, and completed during the Three Kingdoms era. The Water Classics introduces 137 rivers, but only briefly mentions the source and course of each river, as well as the river into which it flows—its brevity is evident. In terms of form, The Commentary on the Water Classics is a commentary on The Water Classics, but in content, it is not only more than 20 times larger but also rich and vivid, making it a classic masterpiece. The Commentary on the Water Classics records 1,252 rivers of various sizes, in addition to more than 500 lakes and swamps, and over 200 springs and wells. It also discusses not only rivers but also the geomorphology, geology, minerals, and flora and fauna along the riverbanks. The Commentary on the Water Classics holds great importance in geography, archaeology, and water conservancy, while also achieving outstanding literary success. It is a collection of landscape prose from the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties periods, a compendium of Chinese legends, a guide to famous scenic spots and historical sites, and an archive of local customs and traditions.