Xiang River

The Xiang River is a vital waterway in China. It serves as the primary river for the Lake Dongting drainage system. This system is part of the middle Yangtze, which is a massive river network. The Xiang is the largest river located within the Hunan Province. It holds a significant place in the Yangtze River system. Specifically, it is the second-largest tributary by surface runoff. It is also the fifth-largest tributary when measuring by drainage area.

The river follows a general path from the southwest toward the northeast. It flows through the provinces of Guangxi and Hunan. Its many tributaries reach into the provinces of Jiangxi and Guangdong. The river travels from the Lingling District of Yongzhou to Xiangyin County. Eventually, the Xiang empties into the Yangtze River by passing through Lake Dongting. Along its journey, it passes through several major cities. These include Hengyang, Zhuzhou, Xiangtan, and Changsha.

The upper course of the Xiang River is divided into two large branches. These are the West Branch and the East Branch. The West Branch is also known as the Left Branch. It originates in the Haiyang Mountains between Xing'an and Lingchuan counties in Guangxi. For many years, tradition held that this West Branch was the main stream. This section of the river is sometimes called the Xiangshui River. It flows from the headwaters in Guangxi toward Ping Island in Yongzhou.

The East Branch is known as the Xiao River. It rises in the Yegou Mountain of Xiangjiangyuan Township. This area is located in Lanshan County within Hunan Province. While the West Branch was traditionally favored, a 2011 national water census changed this view. The census identified the Xiao River as the true main stem of the upper Xiang. This is because the Xiao River is longer than the West Branch. It also contributes a greater volume of water to the river system. The two branches eventually meet at Ping Island to form the Main Stem.

The scale of the river is quite large. If the Xiao River is considered the main source, the Xiang has a length of 948 kilometers. The drainage basin area for the river is 94,721 square kilometers. The Xiao River itself has its own drainage basin area. The river's path has been connected to other systems for a very long time. In Xing'an County, the ancient Lingqu Canal connects the Xiang to the Li River. People say the Xiang and Li Rivers share the same origin. About 70% of the water in the Lingqu flows into the Xiang, while 30% flows into the Li.

Historically, the river and the Lingqu Canal were very important for travel. The canal, the Xiang River, and the Gui River created a waterway. This path connected the Yangtze River to the Pearl River Delta. This connection helped move goods across different regions. The river has also inspired many people through culture and art. In Chinese folk religion, the river is linked to the Xiang Consorts. These are two goddesses named Ehuang and Nüying. They were the daughters of the legendary ruler Yao.

Many stories and poems focus on the beauty of the Xiang. Legend says the goddesses committed suicide in the river after their husband Shun died. It is said that the spots on Xiang bamboo come from their tears. The poet Qu Yuan wrote ritual songs to honor these women. Many famous writers have mentioned the river in their work. The late Tang Dynasty poet Yu Wuling enjoyed the scenery. Even the novel The Dream of the Red Chamber uses the river's name for a character. In 1919, Mao Zedong used a weekly review in Changsha to spread new ideas.