Site of Ancient Gu Ling

　　The ancient city of Gu Ling is located 12.5 kilometers northwest of the county seat, in Liulin. According to research, the ancient city of Gu Ling was submerged by the Yellow River after the Song Dynasty. In 1958, when locals were digging a well, pottery jars were discovered at a depth of 7 meters, along with a mulberry tree measuring about 0.7 meters in diameter and roughly 2 meters in height. This indicates that relics remain preserved below the seven-meter level.

　　According to *Records of the Grand Historian · Biography of Xiang Yu*: “When they reached Gu Ling, the troops of Xin and Yue did not arrive.” *Book of Han · Annals of Emperor Gaozu* states: “In the winter of the fifth year, in the tenth month, the King of Han pursued Xiang Yu as far as the south of Yangxia, where he halted the army and arranged to join forces with the King of Qi, Xin, and the Chancellor of Wei, Yue, to attack the Chu forces. However, they did not arrive at Gu Ling.” *Yuanhe Maps and Records of Prefectures and Counties* notes: “After his defeat, Xiang Yu fled south to Gu Ling — this is the place.” Archaeological evidence confirms that Liulin in the northwest of present-day Huaiyang County was the site of Gu Ling during the Qin and Han dynasties. The ancient city measured 1,200 meters in length and 240 meters in width, divided into three fortified sections — southern, central, and northern — each with its own gate. Near Liulin lies Gu Ling Gully. This area is the historic battlefield of the famous “Battle of Gu Ling.”

　　Source: Huaiyang Government Affairs Website