In the breathtaking landscape of the Yangtze River, we can sense the echoes of ancient poets like Li Bai and Cui Hao, their verses harmonizing with the stunning surroundings. Iconic landmarks such as the Potala Palace, Hongya Cave, the Three Gorges Dam, Yueyang Tower, and the Oriental Pearl Tower light up the night sky, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Yangtze River basin.
Recently, Wuhan, Hubei, hosted the inaugural Yangtze River Cultural and Art Season, themed “Continuing the Cultural Legacy of the Yangtze River, Co-creating a New Era.” This event brings together provinces along the Yangtze, guiding attendees through the “Historical and Cultural Scroll of the Yangtze River” and allowing them to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture deeply rooted in this great river.
The Yangtze flows with immense power, embodying a civilization that is both rich and profound. During a recent visit to Jiujiang in Jiangxi province, I had the chance to explore the Yangtze National Cultural Park. Standing atop the Pipa Pavilion, I was moved by the poetry that reflects on farewells by the Xunyang River, connecting past and present. The river spread wide and calm, bustling with boats navigating this vital “golden waterway.” The picturesque landscapes along the banks were alive with visitors, and a lush ecological corridor meandered gracefully. The flowing waters and the echoes of history stirred a passion that transcends the ages.
For millennia, the Yangtze River has served as a lifeline, connecting upstream and downstream communities as well as its tributaries, fostering a vast socio-economic system that nurtures the industrious spirit of the Chinese people. The cultural history embedded in the river carries the collective memory of the Chinese nation, shaping our common spiritual home.
Yet, the situation hasn’t always been rosy. There have been times when the “Yangtze River was unwell,” plagued by pollution from unchecked industrial practices and water degradation. So, how do we care for our mother river?
General Secretary Xi Jinping has stressed that “the ecological environment is the foundation for human survival and development, and changes in the environment directly affect the rise and fall of civilization.” His message is clear: we must not let the ecological state of the Yangtze worsen on our watch. Protecting this great river and preserving its culture requires a strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
Positive transformations are underway along the river’s banks. Initiatives to address the “chemical encirclement” have resulted in the closure and relocation of thousands of chemical plants. The implementation of a “ten-year fishing ban” is helping to revive the biodiversity of the Yangtze; we’re even seeing more of the endangered Yangtze finless porpoise, affectionately known as the “smiling angel.” Infrastructure enhancements along the riverbanks are gradually creating green ecological corridors. The consensus is evident: “Focus on major protection, not major development,” and the picturesque beauty of “clear waters flowing eastward” is making a comeback.
Today, the Yangtze River pulses with new vitality. In Sichuan’s Dujiangyan, the illuminated Tianfu Source Bridge draws countless night-time photographers. In Chongqing’s Fengjie, the city embraces its poetic heritage, highlighting its millennia-long allure. Meanwhile, in Suzhou, Jiangsu, the preservation of cultural heritage flows seamlessly with tourism development, intertwining cultural richness with economic prosperity, while in Shanghai’s Chongming, a focus on sustainability is crafting a new narrative for this beautiful island.
As General Secretary Xi Jinping aptly puts it, “The Yangtze nurtures a millennium of cultural threads from the Bashan and Shu waters to the waterways of Jiangnan, representing a symbolic emblem of the Chinese nation and civilization, and serves as an important source of values for socialism.” The Yangtze embodies a spirit that evolves with the times, represented by groundbreaking infrastructure projects and emerging industries along its waterfront, signaling the dawn of a new developmental era.
Historically, the Yangtze River has been a vital channel for China’s ceramics, silk, and tea reaching global markets. Today, as land and maritime dynamics converge, it stands as a lifeline for both domestic and international trade, playing a crucial role in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.
In this context, we are reminded that “Chinese-style modernization injects modern vigor into Chinese civilization, while Chinese civilization provides rich foundations for this modernization.”
As we embark on this new journey, it’s essential to protect, pass down, and promote the culture of the Yangtze River, exploring its contemporary significance. By doing so, we can ensure that the cultural legacy of the Yangtze River shines brightly in our modern era, enriching the spirit of Chinese-style modernization.
