Wǔhé

Wǔhé belongs to the Huai river lowlands, where several waterways connect agricultural districts across a landscape vulnerable to flood and changing channels. Farming uses fertile ground, while fishing and river transport provide other resources. Boats and roads link villages with market and administrative centers. The timing and control of water are essential to local prosperity, making drainage, embankments, and cooperation important parts of everyday political and economic life.

Wǔhé county was established in 1271 under the Southern Song, taking its name from the meeting of five rivers, including the Huai. Its administrative affiliations changed under successive dynasties: in the Ming it came under Fengyang prefecture, and in 1724 it was placed under Si prefecture. River channels also changed over time; local accounts describe recurring floods where the waterways met.