Right line
The names of many places in Yangzhou, a timeless ancient city in Jiangsu province, include the character "马" (horse). Among them, the Royal Wharf stands out.
The Royal Wharf in Yangzhou. [Photo/WeChat account: yzs_lyj]
In 1753, the 18th year under the reign of Emperor Qianlong of Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Yangzhou salt merchants constructed the wharf by Slender West Lake so that the emperor could enjoy the scenic beauty by boat.
While carving a stele for the wharf, they worried that the radical "石" (stone) in the character "码" (wharf) might seem like a real stone that could trip the emperor's horse, undermining the dignity and grandeur of the royal family.
So, they decided to keep only the "马" (horse) part of the character, since the characters "码" and "马" share the same pinyin.
Sightseeing boats dock at the Royal Wharf. [Photo/WeChat account: yzs_lyj]
Now, after over two centuries, the Royal Wharf remains sturdy. It now serves as the starting point of a water tour route retracing Qianlong's footsteps. Setting sail from here, one can discover scenic historical sites along the riverbanks.
For instance, Tianning Temple, one of the city's earliest Buddhist temples, served as a temporary residence during Qianlong's southern inspection tour to Yangzhou.
There is also the Memorial Hall of Shi Kefa, which was built in 1768 to commemorate Shi Kefa, a respected general. Qianlong granted him a posthumous name, honoring his uprightness and fearlessness as he defended Yangzhou against the Manchu army.
Golden leaves blanket the Memorial Hall of Shi Kefa's courtyard. [Photo/WeChat account: yzs_lyj]
