Hello, everyone. Today, we are honored to stand here for the "Our River is the Main Heroine"Project. Our topic is "Nanpan River: a legend of Maomaoshi" — a story of a river and amagical stone that have nurtured a city and its culture for thousands of years.

Importance of rivers

Rivers are never just bodies of water. For many communities, a river is a spiritual symbol — it connects the past and the present, carries memories, and binds people together with shared heritage. Today, we'll explore how the Nanpan River, together with Maomaoshi, plays this crucial irreplaceable role.

Qujing City and the Pearl River Linked to Nanpan River

The Nanpan River is closely tied to Qujing, a city in Yunnan Province known as "the first city at the source of the Pearl River". Qujing is a city with a long history and profound cultural heritage, and the Nanpan River is its mother river. In Qujing, the Nanpan River is not just a water source, but a witness to the city's development and a carrier of its culture.

The Legend of Maomaoshi

Every river has a story, and the story of Maomaoshi is one of loyalty and sacrifice. Long ago, a majestic mountain cat spirit guardian protected the land. When a devastating flood threatened the villages, the cat transformed itself into a massive stone to block the raging waters and save the people. The stone, resembling a cat in eternal vigil, became known as 'Maomaoshi'—the Cat Stone.

The Legend Unfolded

This shows the deep bond between nature and people in Qujing. The Maomaoshi stone is not just a rock. It is a symbol of respect, gratitude, and care between humans and nature.

Cultural Symbolism

The legend of Nanpan River and Maomaoshi has become an important part of local cultural heritage. First, it has nurtured Liaohu pottery culture: since the Ming Dynasty, local people have used clay near Maomaoshi to make pottery, which has a history of over 600 years. Besides, the legend is passed down orally among people, and even adapted into songs, becoming a way for locals to express their love for their hometown and the river.

Historical Significance

The Nanpan River has great historical significance: it has nurtured the people and its culture for thousands of years, supported ancient water transportation and trade, and witnessed the migration and settlement of ethnic groups. It reminds people to respect nature and cherish the river that nurtures them, and carries the spirit of kindness and perseverance.

Conclusion

To conclude everything what we have just said, the Nanpan River is not just a river, but a heroine that carries culture, history and people's expectations. The legend of Maomaoshi adds a magical color to it, making it more vivid and touching. Through this presentation, we hope that everyone will be able to understand the beauty of the Nanpan River and its cultural heritage. Let's cherish our rivers, inherit our cultural traditions, and let these beautiful stories and spirits be passed down forever.

Thank you for your attention!