A River of Filial Piety and Love Songs: The Emerald Waters of Tuoniang River

The Legend of Carrying Mother

1.Located in Funing: County, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, the Tuoniang River (Tuoniang Jiang) flows through a lush, subtropical landscape. Its name, which translates to "Carrying Mother River," stems from a touching local legend. It is said that in ancient times, a Zhuang man carried his elderly mother on his back while fleeing from wars or hardships. When they reached this river, the water was turbulent, but moved by his filial piety, the river calm down or revealed stepping stones, allowing him to carry his mother safely across. This story has imbued the river with a spirit of love and devotion that resonates with the local Zhuang people to this day.

An Emerald Gallery in the Mountains

2.The Tuoniang: River is often compared to a "Little Li River" for its stunning karst scenery. The river water is exceptionally clear and emerald green, flowing gently between verdant peaks. The banks are lined with dense groves of green bamboo and ancient banyan trees, creating a serene, painting-like atmosphere. In spring, the fiery red Kapok flowers (Mianhua) bloom along the river, contrasting beautifully with the green water and blue sky. Visitors can take boat rides or bamboo rafts to drift along this "landscape gallery," enjoying the reflection of the mountains in the calm waters and the peaceful rural life of the Zhuang villages scattered along the banks.

The Mystery of the Poyang Song Book

One of the most significant cultural treasures found along the river is in Poyang Village (Poya Cun). Here, scholars discovered the Poyang Song Book (Poya Geshu), a collection of 81 pictographic symbols written on homemade cloth. These symbols represent 81 love songs, recording the romantic journey of a couple from their first meeting to their old age. This discovery has been hailed as a "living fossil" of Zhuang culture, showcasing a unique and ancient way of recording music and emotion. The village itself is a charming destination where visitors can experience authentic Zhuang customs, including the traditional "Long Table Banquet" and polyphonic folk singing.

The Historic Boai Ancient Town

3.At the confluence where the Tuoniang: River meets the Youjiang River lies Boai Ancient Town (Bo'ai Zhen). Historically known as the "First Port of Yunnan," Boai was a vital commercial hub on the boundary between Yunnan and Guangxi. It served as an important station on the Ancient Tea Horse Road and the Southwest Silk Road. Although the construction of hydropower stations has submerged parts of the old town, the remaining historic streets and buildings still tell the stories of its prosperous past as a bustling trade center where merchants from different provinces gathered. The blend of natural beauty, deep-rooted Zhuang culture, and historical significance makes the Tuoniang River a unique destination for those seeking both scenic relaxation and cultural exploration.