Chishui赤水

The Red River, site of naval operations during the Battle of Red Cliffs. The river's name became associated with the famous fire attack that decided the battle.

Location
Contents

Chishui (赤水 chì shuǐ), the Red River, was a tributary of the Yangtze River and the site of crucial naval operations during the Battle of Red Cliffs in 208. The river’s name became forever associated with the famous fire attack launched by Huang Gai against Cao Cao’s fleet. The battle decided the tripartite division of China and prevented Cao Cao from conquering the south.

Historical significance

Battle sites and geographical features played crucial roles in Three Kingdoms military campaigns. Mountains provided defensive positions, rivers served as transportation routes and natural barriers, and plains became battlegrounds for decisive engagements. Many of these locations became legendary through the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Modern location

See individual article for precise modern coordinates and archaeological status.

References

  • Chen Shou, Records of the Three Kingdoms (三国志)
  • Luo Guanzhong, Romance of the Three Kingdoms (三国演义)
  • de Crespigny, Rafe. Fire Over Luoyang: A History of the Later Han Dynasty