Explore the ancient Chinese legend of dragons fetching water to make it rain, as witnessed by Xu Dong during his travels in the southern regions. Learn about the fascinating connection between dragons and rainmaking.
In folklore, it is said that dragons can fetch water from rivers to make it rain, which is a somewhat unbelievable claim. During his travels in the southern regions, Xu Dong witnessed a peculiar sight as his boat was anchored along the banks of the Yangtze River. He saw a pale dragon descending from the clouds, using its tail to stir the river’s waters, causing waves to surge as the water flowed up into the sky along the dragon’s body. From a distance, the water shimmered brightly, wider than a twelve-yard bolt of white silk. After some time, the dragon retracted its tail, and the water instantly calmed. Shortly thereafter, a heavy downpour poured down, submerging the ditches and roads.
《龙取水》
俗传龙取江河之水以为雨，此疑似之说耳。徐东痴南游，泊舟江岸，见一苍龙自云中垂下，以尾搅江水，波浪涌起，随龙身而上。遥望水光睒熌，阔于三匹练。移时，龙尾收去，水亦顿息。俄而大雨倾注，渠道皆平。