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湘中記

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Text ID
KR2k0177
Date
317–372
Dynasty
晉

Xiāngzhōng jì 湘中記

Records of the Xiang Region by 羅含 (Luó Hán, 292–372 CE) — zhuàn 撰

About the work

A fragmentary geographic record of the Xiāng 湘 River region (modern Hunan), by the Eastern Jin official and literary figure Luó Hán 羅含 (292–372 CE). The KRP text is distinguished from two other Xiāngzhōng jì by its attribution header “《湘中記羅含》” and is to be distinguished from the Xiāngzhōng jì by Yú Zhōngyōng 庾仲雍 (KR2k0178). The text is cited in the Shuǐjīng zhù 水經注, the Chūxué jì 初學記, and Tàipíng yùlǎn 太平御覽.

Abstract

The surviving fragments, gathered from three encyclopedic sources, cover the following topics:

  1. The Xiang River source (Shuǐjīng zhù, Xiāng Water commentary): “Where the Xiāng waters emerge from Yángshuò, cups can float as boats; reaching Dōngtíng, sun and moon seem to rise and set within it.” A famous early evocation of Dongting Lake’s expanse.

  2. Jade Sì Mountain (Shuǐjīng zhù, Xiāng Water commentary): “On the left of Qū Pool is Jade Sì Mountain 玉笥山, where Daoist adepts say this is a blessed place.”

  3. Tributaries of the Xiang (Hòu Hàn shū Jùnguó zhì commentary): Lists fifteen named tributaries of the Xiang River flowing through Línglíng 零陵 commandery (including Yíng, Táo, Yōng, Qí, Yí, Chōng, Zhēng, Biǎo, Lěi, Lù, Lián, Liú, Wéi, Mì, and Zī waters).

  4. Héng Mountain distant view (Chūxué jì, juàn 5): “Héng Mountain 衡山 seen from afar is like massed clouds; along the Xiang for a thousand lǐ, one faces it nine times forward, nine times back.” A celebrated description of the mountain’s changing aspect.

  5. Shun shrines (Chūxué jì, juàn 5): “Both Héng Mountain and Jiǔyí 九疑 have Shun shrines; when the Prefect arrives to take office, he regularly sends the Secretary to perform respectful sacrifices, and at such times the sound of zithers and singing seems to emanate from within.”

  6. Héng Mountain waterfall (Chūxué jì, juàn 5): A hanging spring drips among the cliffs with a crystal sound like zither strings, and cranes circle and dance above.

  7. Stone Swallows (Tàipíng yùlǎn, juàn 49 and 171): In Língyún county and Quánlíng county, stone formations shaped like swallows fly in groups during thunderstorms; local people collect dried ones for medicine.

Luó Hán served as Administrator of Guìyáng 桂陽 and Wùlíng 武陵, giving him direct knowledge of the Hunan geography. His Xiāngzhōng jì is one of the earliest geographic records specific to the Hunan region.

Translations and research

No substantial secondary literature located.

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