How horses shape Yangzhou's place names

Horses played a crucial role in transportation, communication, and military affairs in ancient China. Over time, they have become a symbol of strength and progress.

In Yangzhou, around 300 places are associated with horses. With the Year of the Horse approaching, let's explore the city's equestrian heritage.

Postal horse statues at Mayin Pond. [Photo/WeChat account: gaoyoutoday]

Yucheng Postal Stop, located in Gaoyou, a county-level city of Yangzhou, was a courier station in ancient China where couriers changed horses and rested. 

Mayin Pond (马饮塘), situated to the southeast of the stop, provided water to drink and a place to rest for the postal horses. It was also an important transfer point for the transportation of grain and salt in the Lixiahe area.