Chu Culture in Hanjiang River and Hanjiang River Basin

The Chu people took Danyang, the upper reaches of the Hanshui River, as a starting point, seized power and dominated during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, and expanded their territory, successively unifying more than 50 small countries. At its peak, the territory reached the Yellow River in the north, the seashore in the east, Yunnan in the west and Hunan in the south. It has not only contributed to the unification of the Chinese nation, but also established its cultural and historical position, which is unmatched by many regional cultures in the Central Plains at the same time and unique and unparalleled in the world.

Jiangling area in the lower reaches of the Han River is the capital of Chu kings in the 20th generation. Chu Jinan, the old city, was the largest metropolis in the south at that time, known as the "South Wall", the city of thousands of feet and the city of thousands of households. Chu took a million people here and rode thousands of chariots and horses, with a population of five million. One city accounts for 1/6 of the total population of Eastern Zhou countries. There are 145 palaces and more than 2,800 ancient tombs around the city.

At that time, the Hanjiang river basin and its surrounding areas had the most advanced mining and smelting technology. The site of Tonglushan ancient copper mine in Daye, Hubei Province shows the amazing achievements of Chu people in mining and smelting technology. Casting processes such as "lost wax method" still have application value in high-tech fields. During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, Chu people first mastered the technology of smelting iron and used iron tools. So far, the first furnace of pig iron exercise in the world can be tested by the Chu people. At that time, the most gold and silver coins unearthed from the Chu people, that is, Cheng, first introduced gold into the circulation field and implemented the functions of money. Well-preserved patterns such as embroidery, brocade, silk, yarn, silk and brocade unearthed in Chu state have diverse shapes, novel colors, many varieties and lacquerware, and the exquisite craftsmanship surpasses that of other countries.

The development of agriculture and handicraft industry promoted the development of commodity economy in Chu State, resulting in commodity trading places called "cities". During the Spring and Autumn Period, the State of Chu had an official position in charge of the market, which was called the "city order". At that time, three commercial and economic centers-Sun Yicheng, Yancheng and Ying Ji-were located in the Hanjiang River Basin and spread all over the country.

Chu people also have a unique spiritual culture. Chu Ci literature is the highest crystallization and the most authentic product of Chu culture, and it is the first-class creation of China's first-class culture. Qu Yuan, a great patriotic poet, created a colorful literary world composed of myths and legends, witchcraft etiquette and primitive songs and dances in his works, which also occupies a place in the history of world literature.

Chu's astronomical calendar is also very complete, which recorded all the names of 28 stars in China at the earliest.

Chu is a country of music, dance and painting. The court music Chun Xue was first circulated among the people, and most famous violinists and musicians, such as Bazin, Boya, Zhong Ziqi and Zhong Yi, were all in Chu. In the art of painting, two silk paintings unearthed from Chu Tomb are rare paintings. Lacquer painting "Autumn Tour", the ranking of 26 characters in the group painting is very vivid from clothing, manners and modality, which is a rare color painting in the past.

The philosophy of Chu people is dominated by Taoism. Zuxiong, the ancestor of Chu people, was the pioneer of Chu philosophy and wrote Zuzi. Later, the formation of Taoist school was marked by the appearance of Laozi and his works.

In a word, the ancient culture of China is the confluence of the Central Plains culture created with Xia nationality as the core and the Han River and Yangtze River basin culture created with Chu nationality as the core. The romantic exotic color of Chu culture and the simple and rational light of Central Plains culture blend into brilliant Chinese culture.

The Jingchu culture in the Hanjiang River and the Yangtze River valley has greatly enriched the treasure house of Chinese culture, played an inestimable role in the process of creating and developing a unified Chinese culture, and contributed to the progress of mankind.

Overlooking the Han River

-Wang Wei

Three branches in the south reach Chu territory, and nine branches flow to Jingmen.

The river crosses heaven and earth, where the colors of the mountains are yes and no.

Human habitation seems to float on the ripples in the distant sky.

These beautiful days in Xiangyang have fascinated my old mountain! .

Duhanjiang River

-Song Wenzhi

Far from home, I am eager for news, one winter after another, one spring after another.

The closer I get to my hometown, the more timid I am, afraid to inquire about people from home.