The Bu’erhatong River (布尔哈通河), historically known as Xingxian Water (星显水) during the Jin Dynasty and later as Bu’erhatong and Bu’erhatu during the Qing Dynasty, is a significant tributary of the Tumen River. Its name “Bu’erhatong” is derived from the Manchu language, meaning “thicket of willows,” a reference to the abundant willow trees lining its banks.
Located in the southeastern part of Jilin Province within the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, the river originates from the eastern slopes of the Harbalin Mountains in Lianggong Town, Antu County. It flows through various areas, including Antu County, Longjing City, Yanji City, and Tumen City, before joining the Gaya River at Qushuitun in Tumen City.
The Bu’erhatong River basin covers an area of approximately 7,065 square kilometers, with the river itself stretching 172 kilometers in length. Significant tributaries include the Yilan River, Hailan River, Chaoyang River, Changxing River, and Yanjiji River (also known as Yanji River). The river features a relatively steep gradient, which can lead to flash floods and mudslides during heavy rainfall.
Numerous reservoirs have been constructed in the basin for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation, with notable ones including Mingyue Lake (Antu Reservoir), Daxi Reservoir, Erqing Reservoir, Xin Nong Reservoir, Mingxin Reservoir, Yadong Reservoir, Shiguo Reservoir, and Wuda Reservoir. The river’s main and tributary systems are vital for local irrigation projects.
The terrain in the Bu’erhatong River basin is characterized by a higher elevation in the northwest and a lower elevation in the southeast, ranging from 100 to 926 meters above sea level. The stretch from Mingyue Town in Antu County features rolling mountains, steep cliffs, and dense forests. The riverbed is winding and branched, with sand and gravel composing its bottom. In the valley from Mingyue Town to Shimen (Chatiaogou), the landscape opens up to fertile rice fields. Below Laotou Gou Town in Longjing City (formerly Longjing County), the banks transition to hilly terrain with sparse trees, wide and shallow riverbeds, and a meandering main stream. Below Chaoyangchuan Town, the river flows through the Yanji Basin, characterized by extensive rice paddies and significant soil erosion. Below the mouth of the Hailan River, the river valley narrows, developing meandering curves that resemble a lasso shape.
