Han River (Guangdong) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Han River
Looking across the Han River from Chaozhou City.
Other name(s)	Hán Jiāng
Country	China
Province	Guangdong, Fujian, Jiangxi
Cities	Meizhou, Chaozhou, Shantou
Physical characteristics
Main source	Mount Qixingdong (Mei River) Zijin County, Guangdong
River mouth	South China Sea Shantou, Guangdong
Basin features
Tributaries	Left: Wuhua River, Ning River, Shiku River Right: Ting River, Meitan River

The Han River (simplified Chinese: 韩江; traditional Chinese: 韓江; pinyin: Hán Jiāng) is an important waterway in southeast China. It flows mainly through the eastern part of Guangdong province. This river stretches for about 410 kilometers (255 miles).

It is formed when two main rivers, the Mei River and the Ting River, join together. This meeting point is at a place called Sanheba in Dabu County. The Han River then flows south. It eventually empties into the South China Sea near the cities of Chenghai District and Longhu District in Shantou. Many local people, especially the Teochew people, lovingly call it "the Mother River."

Exploring the Han River

Where the Han River Flows

The Han River's journey begins with the joining of its two main branches. These are the Mei River and the Ting River. They meet in a specific spot called Sanheba. From there, the Han River travels south through a flat area known as the Han River Delta.

This delta is a fertile region where the river spreads out. It then reaches the South China Sea. The river's mouth is located near the districts of Chenghai and Longhu, which are part of the city of Shantou.

The Story Behind the Name

The river was not always called the Han River. Long ago, it had a different name: E Xi. This name meant "ferocious river," likely because of its strong currents. Later, the river was renamed to honor a famous person named Han Yu.

Han Yu was a well-known writer, poet, and government official. He lived during the Tang dynasty in China. He was assigned to work in Chaozhou. While there, he helped make the river calmer and safer for people. After he left, the local people renamed the river the Han River. This was to remember his important work and contributions to the Chaoshan region.

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