BEIJING, Nov 29 (Alliance News): The Si River, historically known as Sishui, holds a place of prominence among ancient rivers in China.
Originating from Heiyu Mountain in Xintai City, Shandong Province, the Si River flows through seven counties and districts, including Xintai, Sishui, Qufu, and Jining, before merging into the South Four Lakes at the junction of Rencheng District and Weishan County.
Spanning 169 kilometers with a drainage area of 2,383.6 square kilometers, the river has long been a symbol of cultural and natural heritage.
Confucius himself reflected on the Si River’s ceaseless flow, remarking, “Time passes by like this, flowing away day and night.” For thousands of years, the river has inspired philosophers, poets, and sages, nurturing the rich Confucian culture and fostering bonds with renowned figures like Mozi and Zhongzi.
The Northern Wei geographer Li Daoyuan hailed the Si River as a “renowned river of the Haidai area” in his work Shui Jing Zhu. During the Tang Dynasty, the poet Li Bai extolled its beauty in his verse: “The autumn waves of Si Shui brighten Culai Mountain far away.” Similarly, Southern Song philosopher Zhu Xi celebrated the river’s natural elegance through his poetry, portraying its vibrant and boundless scenery.
Upstream of the Si River lies Quanlin, historically regarded as its ancient source. Nestled at the foot of Peiwai Mountain, Quanlin is a confluence of seventy-two famous springs, surrounded by verdant willows, bubbling streams, and floating algae.
Known as “the crown of springs in Shandong,” this enchanting area has drawn emperors, generals, and literati over centuries. Qing Dynasty Emperor Kangxi once described it as “a place with superior springs, where sacred traces remain.”
Today, the Si River continues to captivate visitors with its blend of historical and natural beauty. Attractions such as the Si River Haidai Mingchuan Park and Si River Longwan Lake Art Town showcase a harmonious blend of art, culture, and idyllic rural scenery, offering a serene escape where history and nature converge.
