Datang River

Datang River

Before the 10th century, in Cixi, locals built earthen dikes along the varying terrain of coastal mudflats to defend against tides, known as "scattered dikes." The first large-scale, documented dike construction began with the Dagutang Dike during the Qingli era of the Northern Song Dynasty. The Datang River is the remnant of the Lotus Dike built at that time by Xie Jingchu, the then magistrate of Yuyao County.

The Datang River winds around the northern part of the old Hushan town in Cixi, connecting to the Hushan River in the south and the Zhoujialu River in the north. Intertwined with the city, it paints a scene of lush green trees and crystal-clear waters.

In the urban section, the Datang River flows eastward from Mingshan Weir, flanked by stone embankments lined with weeping willows that reach the water’s edge. A gentle breeze carries the faint and rich hues of blossoms, their reflections dancing on the emerald waves like rosy dawn over spring waters. Bridges span the river, soaring like dragons or arching like rainbows. By Sanpeng Bridge, the southern bank features quaint bridges over flowing streams, with houses nestled in charming disorder, while the northern side is graced by the European-style buildings of Datong Garden, their reflections shimmering on the water, evoking a fleeting impression of Venice. South of Beimen Bridge stands the old city gate, while to its northeast, several ancient camphor trees tower like giant parasols, adding boundless greenery to the river. Further east lies Xiaoshandun Bridge, adorned with cloud-dragon pillars and proud stone lions, its railings carved with the immortal elegance of the Eight Immortals. The Workers’ Bridge soars like a flying rainbow, bathed in spring sunlight, echoing the "Ancient Dike Green Garden" central park to the south and adding another scenic touch to the river. As the water curves eastward, the Datang River welcomes a tributary. To the south lies the bustling and thriving Sanbei Market; to the north stand banks and hotels, shaded by dense green foliage where orioles and Chinese bulbuls trill melodiously from the treetops.

In the past, the Datang River ran parallel to the Lotus Dike. The curved embankment was paved with flagstones, bordered by clusters of water smartweed and reeds, with rows of willows, camphor trees, magnolia, and plane trees lining both shores. Spring breezes rippled the river’s surface, shrouding the banks in misty willows and swaying tree shadows, as fishermen cast lines and children splashed in the water. Boating along the river, startled fish would sometimes splash, sending cool droplets into the air. By night, the scene was softly illuminated, with shimmering ripples. Today, after several renovations, the river is now edged with cement and filled with rubble at the bottom—no boats in sight, offering a completely different view.