Wu and Chu Struggle for Supremacy, the Sound of Drums on the Riverbank

Exhibited at the Wuhu Museum, 50 Renhe Rd, Jiujiang District, Wuhu, Anhui. Wuhu is located to the east of Wu, south of Jing and Chu, and is a strategic location on the Yangtze River. It has always been a battleground for military strategists. During the Spring and Autumn Period, the states of Wu and Chu frequently fought for supremacy in the Central Plains. Three famous naval battles took place on the riverbanks within Wuhu, namely the Battle of Jiuji, the Battle of Que'an, and the Battle of Chang'an. The Battle of Chang'an was the earliest recorded naval battle in Chinese history. The Battle of Chang'an took place in 525 BC. King Liao of Wu ordered Prince Guang to attack Chu. The Wu and Chu forces fought at Chang'an, and Chu defeated Wu, capturing King Liao's large ship, the "Yu Huang". In order to recapture the "Yu Huang", Prince Guang sent soldiers to ambush the area around the "Yu Huang". At night, they launched a surprise attack, causing chaos in the Chu army. The Wu army took advantage of the situation and recaptured the "Yu Huang". Prince Guang later became King Helu of Wu after assassinating King Liao of Wu with the help of Wu Zixu and Zhuan Zhu. In 506 BC, King Helu of Wu, with the help of Wu Zixu, Sun Wu, and Bo, defeated the Chu army at Boju, captured Yingdu, and became one of the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn Period. Ticket information: Free Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-17:00, open on public holidays Transportation: Walk 660 meters from Wuhu City Government or take bus No. 4 to get there.