Taoye Ferry in Nanjing

Taoye Ferry in Nanjing

Taoye Ferry in Nanjing

Taoye Ferry in Nanjing is located near the confluence of the Ten-Li Qinhuai River and the ancient Qingxi waterway, east of Huaqing Bridge. Today, a “Taoye Ferry Stele” stands at the ferry site, along with a “Taoye Ferry Pavilion.” Taoye Ferry is one of Nanjing’s historic scenic spots and is listed among the Forty-Eight Scenic Views of Jinling.

The Qing dynasty writer Zhang Tongzhi wrote in his “Poetic Inscriptions on the Forty-Eight Scenic Views of Jinling” under the scene “Taoye by the Ferry”: “Both Taoye and Taogen were the concubines of the King; yet only Taoye’s name remains by this ferry. Though both were consorts, she was favored more—no wonder a minister like Marquis Rang was so captivated.” The poem tells of how Taoye and her sister Taogen were both concubines of Wang Xianzhi, the great Eastern Jin calligrapher. The ferry gained its name because Wang Xianzhi once welcomed his beloved concubine Taoye here. Wang Xianzhi also composed a “Song of Taoye” that says: “Taoye, oh Taoye, crossing the river needs no oar; fear not the crossing, for I am here to greet you.” Since then, the ferry became widely renowned. This poem, recorded in the “Ancient and Modern Music Collection,” is tender and playful, belonging to the Wu Songs of the Yuefu tradition, and was still “widely sung” during the Chen dynasty of the Southern Dynasties. The “Song of Taoye” has been preserved in Ming dynasty music and can even be found in Japan’s Ming-Qing music repertoire today. “Taoye by the Ferry” thus became an eternal scenic marvel and a timeless tale of romance. From the Six Dynasties to the Ming and Qing eras, Taoye Ferry remained a bustling hub, lined with river boats and illuminated by lantern-lit performances.

Today’s Taoye Ferry coexists with modern civilization, adding brilliance to the landscape of the Qinhuai River scenery belt.

Address: Taoye Ferry, Changbai Street, Qinhuai District, Nanjing

Type: Historical Site

Recommended Visit Duration: About 1 hour

Opening Hours:

Open all day