The Yangtze River and the Yellow River are the mother rivers of our Chinese nation. The two major rivers not only rank among the top two in China, but are also the third and fifth largest rivers in the world respectively. Although both mother rivers originate in Qinghai Province, they flow into the East China Sea and the Bohai Sea respectively. For many years, although the reporter has not gone to its source to explore, he very much hopes to explore the spectacular scene of two mother rivers flowing into the sea.

Walking into Wusong Wetland Park (Photo: Feng Ganyong)

In August 2012, the reporter had the honor to visit the estuary of the Yellow River in Kenli, Dongying, Shandong Province during the "Walking into Qilu and Feeling Jiangsu and Zhejiang" cultural gathering activity. Who would have thought that after more than three months, I would have the opportunity to explore the place where the Yangtze River and Huangpu River meet and enter the sea? On December 3, 2012, after some preparations to inquire about relevant information online, the reporter set out from the Yangpu Dianyuan Hotel where he stayed in Shanghai. After more than half an hour's drive, he arrived at the entrance of Wusongpao Taiwan Wetland Forest Park in the east of Baoshan District of Shanghai.

Corner of reed marsh (Photo: Feng Ganyong)

The location of the wetland park is located at Wusongkou in the north of Shanghai. It is the confluence of the Huangpu River and the Yangtze River. It was originally the estuary of the Wusong River, so it is called Wusongkou. Today, Wusong Estuary is the mouth of the Huangpu River. In essence, it is already the "Huangpu Estuary", but the name has not changed.

Wetland Park (Photo: Feng Ganyong)

Before Shanghai opened its port, the Suzhou River was always called the Wusong River. However, after Shanghai opened its port, foreigners discovered that they could travel from this river to Suzhou by boat, so they called it the Suzhou River. However, Chinese official sources have always called this river Wusong River, so the name Wusong River has not changed. However, according to custom, the upper reaches of the Wusong River are called the Wusong River, and when entering the urban area of Shanghai, Shanghainese call it Suzhou River.

Wild plants in the garden (Photo: Feng Ganyong)

One of the most distinctive resources in Wusongpao Taiwan Wetland Forest Park is the riverside wetland at the intersection of the Yangtze River and the Huangpu River. The riverside wetland stretches for two kilometers. This is the best viewing point of the park and is known as the "essence of the park." On the wetland, there are rich and diverse aquatic plants and small animals on the beach, and many migratory birds stay in the past to form vivid and beautiful pictures.

Wusong Pavilion in the Garden (Photo: Feng Ganyong)

After walking into the park, I realized that it was so big. According to the data, the park covers a total area of 53.46 hectares. It backs mountains and faces water. It runs the Yangtze River and Huangpu River in the east, and abuts Fort Mountain in the west. The coastline along the river is 1,974.13 meters long. Its southwest corner is the famous Wusong Pass. During the Qing Dynasty, it was built on this terrain, hence the name Pao Taiwan.

Sightseeing plank road along the river (Photo: Feng Ganyong)

Due to limited time, the reporter rushed directly to the river. Seeing the design of the park along the way really highlights the concept of ecological restoration and cultural reconstruction. It not only effectively protects the original tidal flats and wetlands in the design, but also uses the combination of large and small ecological islands on one side of the coastline along the river to take advantage of the tide. The changes in water level from ebb and flow create many wetland landscapes. Especially in the lush reed flower swamps, the reed flowers sway in the wind and look beautiful. In autumn and winter, many unique seasonal scenery here flashed through reporters 'eyes one by one.

Rocking reed (Photo: Feng Ganyong)

Because the reporter was here for the first time and there were few tourists in the park, although he followed the signs in the park and searched along the sightseeing trails, he still felt like he was turning. After consulting a few sporadic tourists who occasionally met, they finally found the wooden sightseeing plank road built along the river. Walking from north to south along the plank road along the river bank, I saw the wide river rolling and flowing. At closer view, the waves of the river are constantly beating against the pebbles on the shore, raising waves of white waves; in the distance, you can see large cargo ships cruising on the river in a staggered manner.

Jiang Tao pats the shore (Photo: Feng Ganyong)

An old man walking towards him was walking. The reporter pointed to the river and asked: Old sir, is this the estuary of the Yangtze River? The old man introduced it to me very enthusiastically. He pointed to the southeast and said, That's right, you see, what we have in front of us is the Yangtze River, and the command tower in the south is the mouth of the Huangpu River, which is also the place where the Yangtze River and the Huangpu River merge here. After the confluence of the two rivers, they flow into the East China Sea in front of them. Therefore, this is also the best place to watch the intersection of the "two rivers" and flow into the sea. There is an observation platform not far ahead, where the views are best. Today is cloudy. If it is sunny, you will see Chongming Island opposite you and you will see it very clearly.

Two Rivers Confluence Observation Platform (Photo: Feng Ganyong)

The reporter was very grateful to the old man for his warm and detailed answers. After bidding farewell to him, he walked along the winding plank road and walked for a short distance before arriving at the round observation deck. Looking south from here, you can see the Chinese Maritime Command Tower standing at the mouth of the Huangpu River in your mind and at hand. The reporter felt that if he stayed on the tower and observed, he could clearly see the various ships coming and going in and out of the Huangpu River. Standing on the observation deck, you can see the confluence of the Yangtze River and the Huangpu River and rushing into the sea. The rolling river water cannot be seen at a glance.

Signal Lighthouse on the River (Photo: Feng Ganyong)

In addition to passing ships on the river, there are also lighthouses flashing red light. From time to time, the intermittent and melodious sound of a ship's whistle echoed on the river. The bank closer to the observation deck is a yellow wetland scenery overgrown with reeds. Various birds sometimes hover and sometimes soar in the air. It is really a natural beauty. Unfortunately, the weather was cloudy that day, and the river was misty. Otherwise, it would be so beautiful to see this landscape under blue sky and white clouds!

Cargo ship on the river (Photo: Feng Ganyong)

On the way back from the river, I can finally relax and enjoy the scenery in the garden. I saw that the park gave people a refreshing feeling, and there was a desire to go deeper and find out. The woods, grasslands, gardens, clear ponds, fish, frogs, birds, tree-lined paths and sightseeing boulevards are dotted here, all of which present a moving scene of original ecology.

China Maritime Observatory (Photo: Feng Ganyong)

Maybe it's because it's far away from downtown Shanghai? There are few tourists in the park, making it particularly quiet and peaceful. Passing by Jingxin Elegance Garden and Jingzhu Lake, stay here for a while and stay calm. A clear and quiet pond appears in front of you, with clusters of water, grass and reeds, surrounded by vegetation, and wide wooden steps with a slightly simple flavor lead to the pond. The water is still, the grass is still, and the heart is still, which arouses infinite meditation. After the noise, there is silence, the noise goes away, there is clarity, and tranquility shows clarity and determination.

Overlooking the Huangpu River Exit (Photo: Feng Ganyong)

The wetland park also has the "Wanzhu Garden" with the style of Jiangnan water town. This is the south garden of the park. With the theme of "Bamboo Culture", Wanzhu Garden plans to create a beautiful bamboo scenery with "Jiangnan bamboo charm, clear and secluded". The undulating terrain of the bamboo garden, lush green hills and forests, long clear streams, small bridges and flowing water, and green bamboo rosin form a natural scenery full of bamboo fun with "clear and beautiful sunrise and clear moon shining and clear shadows." The main building of the Bamboo Garden is in the style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, which is set off against the small bridges and flowing water, and seems to have the aesthetic feeling of coming to the Jiangnan water town.

Photo taken at the Huangpu River Estuary (Photo: Sun Minghe)

The ancient "Sizhu Town" is next to the "Jingzhu Pond". Visitors here can enjoy bamboo pavilions, admire bamboo decorations, eat bamboo rice, paddle bamboo boats, and buy bamboo utensils. Characteristic buildings such as "Bamboo Shadow Bridge","Mozhu Zhai","Bamboo Rhythm Pavilion", and "Dai Tower" are cleverly placed in the bamboo garden. The perfect combination of streams, bamboo bushes and buildings paints a beautiful picture of the water town.

Ship lighthouse landscape (Photo: Feng Ganyong)

The Wusong Battery Memorial Square in the center of the park named after Taiwan Artillery is even worth a visit. Its great charm lies in the fact that China's century-old war has solidified here. Wusong Cannon Taiwan, originally known as Yangjiazui, was named after the fort built along the river. It is commonly known as the Old Fort and also known as the West Fort. It is a century-old military fortress in China.

Small scenery in the local park (Photo: Feng Ganyong)

The fort was completed in 1660, the 17th year of Shunzhi of the Qing Dynasty, and rebuilt in 1718, the 57th year of Kangxi. In the Opium War of 1842, the "January 28th" Songhu War of 1932, and the "August 13th" Songhu War of 1937, artillery Taiwan became a powerful formation and bloody place for the Chinese military and civilians to fight bloody battles to tenaciously resist the invasion of foreign enemies. Chen Huacheng, the general of the Qing army, and countless heroic soldiers died here; The 19th Route Army, the 9th Group Army, etc. launched a world-shaking tug-of-war and hand-to-hand combat with the Japanese invaders here. This history of the war of resistance between the country and the national heroes deserves to be remembered forever!

Riverside Shoal (Photo: Feng Ganyong)

The Battle of Wusong, which liberated Shanghai in 1949, also started here. After several days and nights of fierce fighting, the heroic People's Liberation Army and the Kuomintang army suppressed the Wusong Fortress, exchanging the blood of more than 2,000 martyrs for greater Shanghai. Peace and prosperity, this history and lesson of national brothers fighting each other, will always be remembered and taken as a warning.

Park Mid-Autumn Festival scenery (Photo: Feng Ganyong)

The commanding heights of the Memorial Square display a Qing Dynasty iron cannon unearthed behind Baoshan Pond. It was forged in 1646 (the third year of Shunzhi of the Qing Dynasty). It is an important cultural relic that witnesses the history of the Wusong Cannon in Taiwan; there are also mobile artillery used to fight against the Japanese army and attack artillery used to liberate Shanghai., all engraved with the heroic historical relics of the descendants of the Yellow Emperor.

Looking at Wusongkou from the sky (Photo: Feng Ganyong)

Wusong Battery Memorial Square has become an educational place to alert the nation, rebuild the people's soul, inspire people's hearts, and arouse patriotic feelings. Unfortunately, due to limited time, reporters were unable to visit many park landscapes, including Battery Square. However, after viewing the mouth of the Yellow River into the sea in one year, the reporter felt that it was enough to fulfill his wish to visit the Yangtze River and Huangpu River rivers into the sea. (Photo and text: Feng Ganyong)