“Reminiscence of Qiantang River Tidal Bore: A Spectacle of Nature and Courage”

I often recall the scene of watching the tidal bore at Qiantang River, where crowds of people eagerly craned their necks towards the river. When the tide surged in, it seemed as if the entire sea had emptied out, and the roar of the tide resembled the simultaneous beating of ten thousand drums, overwhelming in its intensity. Performers skilled in riding the tide stood on the billowing waves, holding red flags that remained miraculously dry. Even after waking from these dreams, the experience still leaves my heart pounding.

Qiantang River, known today as Hai River in Haining, Zhejiang, was a renowned location for viewing tidal bores during the Northern Song Dynasty, particularly on the 18th day of the eighth lunar month. This day was celebrated as the “Birthday of the Tidal God,” marked with elaborate ceremonies. Officials and civilians alike flooded the streets, with a colorful spectacle of carriages and flags, creating a vibrant scene. Hundreds of brave men, their bodies tattooed and their hair flowing, brandished red flags as they plunged into the river, confronting the advancing tide head-on. As the tide approached, a white line appeared in the distance, gradually advancing with a thunderous roar that echoed through the mountains and valleys. The water and sky merged into one vast expanse, resembling a boundless sea.

Locals referred to Qiantang River as “the sea,” and its embankments as “sea dikes,” underscoring the river’s immense size and power. The poet Pan Lang, once banished for his audacious behavior, wandered to Hangzhou, where he made a living as a medicine seller. His profound impressions of the tidal surge left such an indelible mark that he often dreamed vividly of the spectacle thereafter. His poetic composition “Jiu Quan Zi” captures these memories with poetic flair, describing the grandeur of the tidal spectacle in meticulous detail.

The first part of the poem vividly portrays the scene of watching the tide, emphasizing the bustling excitement of the people of Hangzhou eagerly awaiting the river’s surge. The exaggeration of “the sea seemed to have emptied out, and the roar of the tide resembled the simultaneous beating of ten thousand drums” creates a vivid and dramatic image. Such vivid descriptions stir the imagination, even for those who have never witnessed the tide themselves.

The latter part of the poem shifts to the daring feats of those who rode the tide, illustrating their fearless bravery and their skilled navigation of the waves. These lines use vivid and dynamic descriptions to bring to life the courage and determination of these individuals. The poem concludes by reflecting on how these memories continue to haunt the poet, even after waking, conveying the awe-inspiring and heart-pounding nature of the tidal phenomenon.

In conclusion, “Jiu Quan Zi” by Pan Lang is a masterpiece that vividly portrays the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Qiantang River tidal bore. Through its vibrant descriptions and poetic imagery, the poem captures the grandeur of nature and the indomitable spirit of those who dared to challenge the mighty tide. It serves as a testament to the enduring fascination and admiration for the power and beauty of the natural world.