11. Across the Nine Provinces — Yu the Great’s Grand Discovery and Civil Rebuilding

After the main water-control project was completed, the raging floods were finally tamed and guided into the vast ocean. But Yu’s work was far from over. The land, reshaped by the floodwaters, needed order and rebuilding. Yu now embarked on an even greater mission — a systematic survey, planning, and division of the Nine Provinces. This was not just a geographic expedition, but also a complete assessment of resources, products, and the lives of the people. It was, in truth, the rebuilding of civilization. Thanks to Sima Qian’s Records of the Grand Historian, we can follow Yu’s footsteps and witness the grand landscape of ancient China.

Setting the Standard: The Early Tribute System

Before beginning his journey, Yu set some key principles. He understood that each region was different — some had fertile land, others poor soil; some were rich in resources, others had little. So, the taxes and tributes to the central court should not be the same. He divided farmland into nine grades according to soil quality and set nine levels of tribute depending on wealth and transport conditions. The idea was fairness: good land contributed more, poor land less — not one single standard for all. This was the earliest concept of a fair tax system.

First Stop: Jizhou — Securing the Heartland

Yu began in Jizhou (roughly modern Shanxi, Hebei, and northern Henan), the political center of the realm. Here, stability was crucial. He first dealt with the dangerous section of the Yellow River at Hukou, then managed water around Liang Mountain and Mount Qi. The Taiyuan region was restored, and works extended south of Mount Taiyue. The Qinhuai region was drained, benefiting far-off rivers like the Heng and the Wei. The great marsh of Daluze was turned into farmland. Yu also noted the northeastern Bird Tribe, who brought tribute of valuable furs. They traveled south along the coast, turned west at Mount Jieshi, and then sailed into the Yellow River to reach the central plains. Jizhou’s success laid a firm foundation for the kingdom.

Second Stop: Yanzhou — Rising from the Ruins

Yanzhou (modern northwestern Shandong and southeastern Hebei), between the Yellow River and the Ji River, was badly hit by floods. Yu cleared nine blocked branches of the Yellow River, channeling them into Lake Leixia. Other rivers also flowed into it, restoring order. People could return from highlands to fertile plains, growing mulberry trees and raising silkworms again. Its black soil was rich, but because it suffered most from floods, Yu placed its farmland in the sixth grade, with the lowest tribute level. He noted it would take thirteen years for recovery. Yanzhou’s tribute was lacquer, silk, and fine brocades, shipped via the Ji and Luo Rivers into the Yellow River.

Third Stop: Qingzhou — The Coastal Salt and Mulberry Land

Qingzhou (modern eastern Shandong), reaching east to the sea and west to Mount Tai, was lively and prosperous. Yu settled the Yi tribes, then dredged the Wei and Zi Rivers. Its soil was fertile white loam, and along the coast were wide salt fields. Land was rated third grade, tribute fourth. Qingzhou produced salt, fine linen, seafood, whetstones for jade polishing, as well as silk, hemp, lead, pine, and rare stones from Mount Tai. The Laiyi tribes also sent livestock. Tribute was carried via the Wen and Ji Rivers into the Yellow River.

Fourth Stop: Xuzhou — Land of Colorful Tributes

Xuzhou (modern southern Shandong, northern Jiangsu, and northeastern Anhui) stretched from the sea to the Huai River. Yu managed the Huai and Yi Rivers, drained great lakes, and restored farmland. Its red clay soil was fertile, ranked second grade, tribute fifth. Xuzhou’s tributes were remarkable: sacred five-colored earth, feathers of colorful pheasants, the best wood for making zithers, stones for chimes, pearls, shells, and fish. They also sent fine fabrics in vivid colors. Goods were shipped via the Huai and Si Rivers to the Ji River, then into the Yellow River.

Fifth Stop: Yangzhou — The Fertile Southeast

Yangzhou (covering modern Jiangsu, southern Anhui, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Fujian, etc.) was a watery, fertile “land of fish and rice.” The great Pengli Lake (ancestor of Poyang Lake) gathered many rivers. The Yangtze flowed steadily into the sea, and the Taihu region was stabilized. With lush bamboo, grass, and forests, the soil was sticky clay, farmland ninth grade, but tribute levels higher due to abundance. Tributes included gold, silver, copper, jade, ivory, rhinoceros hides, bird feathers, cloth from coastal tribes, fine textiles, and fruits like oranges and pomelos. Tribute routes followed the Yangtze to the sea, then northward.

Sixth Stop: Jingzhou — The Mighty Land of the Yangtze and Han

Jingzhou (modern Hubei and Hunan) was where the Yangtze and Han Rivers joined. Yu drained lakes and rivers, including Yunmeng Marsh. The land was clay, farmland eighth grade, but tribute third grade due to wealth. Tributes included ivory, hides, copper, precious woods, grindstones, cinnabar, fine bamboo and hardwoods for arrows, ritual grasses, silk, and giant turtles from the Nine Rivers. Tribute followed the Yangtze and Han, then overland to the Luo River and into the Yellow River.

Seventh Stop: Yuzhou — The Fertile Center of the World

Yuzhou (modern Henan), “the center of the world,” was rich and fertile. Yu cleared the Yi, Luo, Chan, and Jian Rivers into the Yellow River and created lakes to store excess water. Its soil was soft and fertile, farmland fourth grade, tribute second. Tributes were lacquer, silk, fine cloth, cotton, and stones for polishing. Tribute route: directly via the Luo River into the Yellow River.

Eighth Stop: Liangzhou — Treasures of the Southwest Mountains

Liangzhou (southern Shaanxi, Sichuan, Chongqing) was mountainous and difficult. Yu managed rivers, mountains, and roads, also calming local tribes. Its dark soil was farmland seventh grade, tribute eighth. Tributes were iron, silver, steel, stones for tools and chimes, plus animal furs and coarse cloth. Tribute was sent via rivers and land routes, eventually reaching the Yellow River.

Ninth Stop: Yongzhou — The Fertile Western Frontier

Yongzhou (central and northern Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia) formed the kingdom’s western edge. Rivers like the Jing and Wei flowed steadily. Yu organized fertile lands from Mount Jing to Mount Qin and even settled rebellious tribes. Its yellow soil was the best — farmland first grade, tribute sixth. Tributes were fine jade and woolen goods from western tribes. Tribute route: boats along the Yellow River from Jishi Mountain to Longmen.

Naming the Mountains and Rivers

After completing the tour, Yu systematically named mountains and rivers, creating a clear geographic framework for the realm. He traced the great mountain ranges and the nine main rivers, fixing their courses.

Legacy

With this, “the Nine Provinces were united, and the four corners of the land were settled.” Roads crossed mountains, rivers had channels, marshes were drained, and the land was unified. Thanks to Yu’s footsteps, China gained not only flood control, but also a blueprint for civilization — clear geography, organized administration, and stable economy. He would soon return to the political center, to discuss with Emperor Shun how to govern this newly ordered world.