Visiting Chibi in October amidst autumn rains, a thin mist drifts across the Yangtze River. Looking north to Wulin, it feels like stepping back 1800 years to an ancient battlefield.
Standing atop Chibi Rock, gazing at the rolling river, I finally understand the meaning of the line, "The great river flows eastward, its waves washing away countless heroes of the past. West of the old fortress, it is said, lies the Chibi of Zhou Yu of the Three Kingdoms."
The stone statue of Zhou Yu stands silently here, the two characters "Chibi" on the cliff weathered by time. A river breeze carries the echoes of war drums and sails from bygone days.
Across the river lies Wulin, the place where Cao Cao's army encamped and retreated after their defeat. Across the river, north and south, lies a fire that shaped the course of history.
Ancient steles, massive rocks, the mighty Yangtze—a visit here is not merely about sightseeing, but about encountering the Three Kingdoms era.