Spring Floods at Hantan

Spring Floods at Hantan

The ancient Hantan Ferry is located at the confluence of the Pi, Zhong, and Bei rivers in Zhaotown. It was known as Datu in the Han Dynasty. During the Xining era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1068–1077), Han Wanshou, the transport commissioner of the Zizhou Circuit, dredged the Jintang Gorge and renamed it Hantan Ferry. Since ancient times, this place has been a key hub for both land and water transportation. In the past, boats gathered densely along the three rivers, and when spring floods rose, thousands of vessels competed to cross through the emerald waters veiled in willow mist, earning it a spot among the Eight Scenic Views of Jintang as “Spring Floods at Hantan.” After liberation, due to the development of land transportation, the ancient ferry lost its status as a major water transport hub, but the ferry site has since been developed into a popular destination for water tourism. Here, the sand is bright and the reeds dense; in spring, the first flows of clear water emerge amid peach blossoms and green willows, with misty waters and leaping fish and soaring kites. At the confluence of the three rivers at the head of the ancient ferry, a "Hengzhu Park" was built during the Republican era, now called "Meilin Park," famed for its profusion of plum blossoms. During the Republican period, - visited here to admire the plum blossoms and returned in 1957. The park is surrounded by water on three sides, with peach and willow trees planted along the embankment. Inside the park, ponds and pavilions have been constructed, and plum trees are planted throughout. In 1990, a winding path bridge symbolizing plum blossoms was built, named the "Floating Fragrance Bridge," which is connected to a small island in the river by a pavilion called the "Fragrant Isle Pavilion." The winding path adds to the charm and enjoyment.

The Hantan Bridge, situated at the site of the ancient Hantan Ferry, was built in 1982 as the first modern arch bridge in western Sichuan that serves both flood control and sightseeing purposes. Each end of the bridge has three arches, while the central section replaces the arch with a flat platform. To the left, a sloped approach bridge extends perpendicularly from the main bridge toward the small island in the river, while on the right, a semicircular platform stands divided by the water. At the edge of the platform, a water level gauge pole is topped with a colorful sculpture of a crane standing proudly with its neck outstretched. Below the platform is a music hall, and in the center of the platform are three rain shelters with green pillars and golden tiles, adorned with bamboo-patterned hanging ornaments. At each end stand four green square pillars, each topped with a double-eaved golden-domed pavilion. Along the sides of the bridge are flower-shaped lampposts, and at each end of the bridge inscription, a carved mythical beast (suanni) sits atop symmetrically arranged double-eaved, four-cornered golden-domed pavilions with green pillars. From the bridge, one can gaze at the lush peaks of Mount Shengdeng and Mount Yunding; looking down, the Tuo River flows mightily eastward.

The “North Riverside Park,” built along the banks of the Bei River, is surrounded by water. Embankments have been constructed along the river, with trees planted on top and flowers interspersed among them, offering vibrant blooms and lush green willows year-round, gently brushing the emerald waters—making it an ideal spot for walks, tai chi, sightseeing, and leisure breaks. It’s also perfect for young people to read or paint and for couples to meet in seclusion. The river water is clear to the bottom, with stretches of sandy beaches, making it a natural bathing spot. In summer and autumn, water sports enthusiasts ride the waves and frolic in the clear currents. On the eastern bank of the Zhong River, the similarly themed “South Riverside Park” has been developed.