Shuhe River: Mother river of Shandong's county

The Shuhe River – its source nestling in the southern foothills of Yishan Mountain – gracefully winds its way through the picturesque, idyllic landscape of East China's Shandong and Jiangsu provinces.

Among the various regions it traverses, Shandong's Linshu county stands out as the sole city named in honor of its close proximity to the Shuhe River.

Over countless centuries, the ceaseless flow of the Shuhe River has played a pivotal role in shaping the rich history and culture of Linshu.

Generations of Linshu folks have lived out their lives on its banks, underscoring the vital importance of the Shuhe River to the local community.

Within the boundaries of Linshu, the Shuhe River extends a length of 94.18 kilometers, revealing a landscape characterized by three distinct sections – the upper, middle and lower reaches.

A bird's-eye view of the Shuhe River. [Photo by Li Liuyang for chinadaily.com.cn]

The upper reaches boast millions of ancient chestnut trees planted during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. These mature trees yield chestnuts prized for their glossy appearance, purple-red hue and delightful sweetness, making them an ever-popular tasty treat.

The middle reaches feature impressive water engineering achievements like the Shuhe River-to-East Water Diversion project, which earns the region the moniker of "the Dujiangyan irrigation project in southern Shandong".

Meanwhile, the lower reaches, known as the Shuhe River ancient path, derive their name from the creation of a new waterway through the eastward diversion of the Shuhe River.

Horses graze on the lush grass by the riverbank. [Photo by Wang Fang for chinadaily.com.cn]

The Shuhe River basin, characterized by a warm temperate semi-humid continental climate and special sandy soil, has fostered the cultivation of willows, giving rise to the traditional Chinese craft – willow weaving.

This craft has been practiced by Linshu locals for centuries, evolving into a significant local industry.

Currently, willow products crafted there find their way to markets in more than 100 countries and regions, proudly establishing themselves as one of Linshu's most noteworthy cultural calling cards. (Edited by Zhou Yunlai)