The Myth of Youquan County: When a City Became a Lake
The legend of Youquan County, recorded in texts like the Shenyi Zhuan (Tales of the Divine and Strange) and later cited in Li Daoyuan’s Commentary on the Water Classic, tells a haunting tale from the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE). According to the story, a chilling children’s rhyme circulated in the county: “When blood appears on the city gates, the land will sink into a lake.”
An old woman, taking the prophecy seriously, inspected the gates daily. The guards, annoyed by her vigilance, mockingly smeared dog’s blood on the gates. Upon seeing this, the woman fled in terror. Soon after, a catastrophic flood engulfed the county. As waters rose, the county magistrate and his clerk reportedly transformed into fish—a surreal twist blending disaster with metamorphosis.
This legend reflects a broader tradition in Chinese folklore where natural disasters are foretold through omens. Similar narratives appear in other cultures, such as the biblical story of Noah’s Ark or the Greek myth of Deucalion’s flood, illustrating humanity’s attempt to rationalize catastrophic events through divine or supernatural intervention.
The Historical Context of Youquan County
Youquan County, located in present-day Jiaxing, Zhejiang, was renamed several times throughout history—first as Hexing County, then Jiaxing. The region’s frequent flooding may have inspired this legend. Archaeological evidence suggests that ancient Chinese settlements along the Yangtze Delta were prone to inundations, making flood myths a recurring theme in local lore.
The inclusion of bureaucratic figures—the magistrate (ling) and the clerk (zhubu)—mirrors the rigid administrative structure of the Qin Dynasty, where officials governed with strict legalist principles. Their transformation into fish could symbolize the helplessness of human authority against nature’s wrath.
The Phoenix Tail Zither: A Tale of Salvaged Beauty
Another captivating story from this tradition involves the famed Han Dynasty scholar Cai Yong (133–192 CE). While in exile, he heard the resonant crackling of burning tong wood in a villager’s fire. Recognizing its potential as superior lute material, he salvaged the wood and crafted the “Jiao Wei Qin” (Phoenix Tail Zither), renowned for its exquisite sound.
This narrative highlights the Chinese philosophical appreciation for hidden beauty and the concept of wabi-sabi—finding value in imperfection. The zither, named after its fire-scorched edge, became one of China’s “Four Great Zithers,” embodying the idea that brilliance often emerges from adversity.
Cultural Impact: Omens, Art, and Human Hubris
These stories reveal much about ancient Chinese thought:
1. Divination and Prophecy – The Youquan legend underscores a belief in predestined calamities, where ignoring warnings (even in jest) leads to ruin.
2. Metamorphosis as Metaphor – The transformation of humans into fish parallels Daoist themes of fluid identity and the cyclical nature of life.
3. Artistry from Adversity – Cai Yong’s zither symbolizes Confucian ideals of scholarly refinement and the Daoist principle of harmony between man and nature.
Legacy and Modern Parallels
The Youquan myth finds echoes in contemporary disaster narratives, such as the 2011 Tōhoku tsunami, where entire towns vanished underwater. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Tail Zither’s legacy endures in Chinese music, representing cultural preservation against time’s erosive forces.
These tales, blending history with myth, remind us that human experiences—fear of disaster, the pursuit of beauty—transcend time. They challenge us to heed warnings, respect nature, and recognize hidden potential, lessons as relevant today as in ancient China.
Conclusion: The Power of Storytelling in History
From sunken cities to salvaged instruments, these narratives are more than folklore—they are windows into the anxieties, values, and creativity of the past. By examining them, we uncover the timeless interplay between humanity and the forces that shape our world.