Night Rain over the Xiao and Xiang Rivers

Night Rain over the Xiao and Xiang Rivers

Night Rain over the Xiao and Xiang Rivers — East of Yongzhou City

The Xiang River becomes known as the Xiao and Xiang after merging with the Xiao River within Yongzhou. The night scene of rain falling over the Xiao and Xiang has long been a renowned landscape that ancient literati used to express their emotions. “Drenched trees by the Xiang River, desolate roads under the Chu sky. Securely tie the boat at the ferry, don’t let it drift away.” (Yuán Dynasty, Jié Xīsī) A heart filled with desolation and helplessness is as sorrowful and lingering as the night rain itself—through the ages, one wonders whether it is the night rain over the rivers and mountains or the night rain in the heart that people have cherished so much?