Desheng Street and Xima Pond

Desheng Street and Xima Pond

Desheng Street and Xima Pond

Desheng Street is the road outside the Jinshui Bridge at the Great North Gate of Jingzhou City. Legend has it that when Guan Yu was stationed in Jingzhou, he once led a northern campaign against Fancheng, where his forces encountered those of Cao Cao at the Mian River. In this battle, Guan Yu flooded seven enemy armies, captured Yu Jin, and executed Pang De, achieving a great victory. As Guan Yu returned triumphantly, he entered the city through this street, and the people lining both sides spontaneously gathered to welcome the victorious soldiers. Firecrackers exploded, drums and music played, and people sang and danced to celebrate the triumph. This rare and historic scene in the ancient city left a lasting impression on its people. The street was thus named Desheng Street (Victory Street), a name that has endured to this day. Overjoyed by such a grand welcome upon his return, Guan Yu noticed that his precious steed, the Red Hare, was covered in dust from the campaign. Feeling compassion, he spotted a crystal-clear pond to the east inside the North Gate and rode his horse there to personally bathe the Red Hare. The people who witnessed this touching scene were deeply moved and henceforth called the pond Xima Pond (Horse-Washing Pond). For thousands of years, this story has been fondly recounted and passed down through generations.