Qianxi "Yin-Yang City"

Qianxi "Yin-Yang City"

Qianxi "Yin-Yang City"

Qianxi is located 7 li south of Zhangcun, commonly known as "Qiangou." On the north bank of the Xi Fei River, from Guantai Zi to the south of Chengfu in Bozhou, there is a large ditch called "Qianxi Ditch"; on the south bank of the Xi Fei River, from Guantai Zi to Chuzhai in the south of Wangren Township, there is a small ditch, also called "Qianxi Ditch," commonly known as "Qiangou" or "Ganji Gou." The northern Qianxi ditch is relatively straight and deep, and its course has changed little over time; while on the south side of the Xi Fei River, the course has changed significantly. The upper section of the southern Qianxi ditch from the Xi Fei River to Zhugang has been filled in, leaving only a 15-kilometer east-west ditch running from Wangren Township to Yongxing. During the late Spring and Autumn period, Wu and Chu frequently clashed, competing for control over the states of Xu, Chen, Cai, and Zhoulai. The Qianxi area belonged to the border region between Wu and Chu. Chu, defending against the northern threat of Song and Zheng and guarding against the powerful state of Wu to the east, often stationed troops between the Fei and Huai Rivers. A city was built at the entrance of the Qianxi Ditch into the Xi Fei River to station soldiers — a strategic location suited for both offense and defense. Local residents have traditionally referred to the areas on both sides of the Qianxi Ditch where it meets the Xi Fei River as the "Yin-Yang City." Between Zhoujiahuang Village and Baimiao Village, pottery net sinkers, ant-nose coins (currency of the Chu Kingdom), bronze tripods, bronze mirrors, bronze swords, and chariot fittings have been discovered multiple times. Within a 2-square-kilometer area spanning 2 kilometers across the river — extending south to Zhuangru, west to Weilou, north to Guantai Zi, and east to Zhaolou — the remains of three wooden bridges have been found. The bridge piers were all made of cypress wood, each with a diameter of 70 centimeters.