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The mighty rivers carry the memories of the earth and reflect our reverence for nature and our responsibility to the times. The eco-friendly song "Asking the River," with lyrics by poet Da Gu and music by Zheng Zhengzheng, has received widespread attention and praise since its powerful and moving performance by Qiu Taowu, principal tenor of the Hunan Provincial Song and Dance Troupe, in July 2025, and its release on Rednet. Now, it resonates once again amidst the green mountains and clear waters with the heartfelt rendition of Yu Liucheng, a winner of the China Golden Bell Award for Music.

Yu Liucheng stated that he was drawn to the song "Asking the River" because he was moved by the lyrics' sense of justice and vivid imagery, and even more so by the true story behind the work—the story of protecting green mountains and clear waters and safeguarding the environment for the people. This resonance stems from his own sincere love for green mountains and clear waters. This work transcends the limitations of a single region, using rivers as a grand image to explore the way humans and nature coexist. A peaceful and prosperous land, with flowing clear waters, is a simple aspiration in the hearts of every Chinese person. This profound theme deeply moved the singer, who incorporated his own thoughts and insights on ecological protection into the secondary creation of the melody, using the power of traditional Chinese vocal music to convey the voice of the times.

"Standing so long on the riverbank, like a statue that refuses to fall." The song begins with the silent gaze of mountains and rivers; sand settles over reflections, the evening wind questions the heavens—a few words sketching the scars nature has suffered. But "Asking the River" never ends in lamentation. From the poignant "carrying sighs to hide in the distance," to the warm gathering of "thousands of hands scooping up last night's moonlight," and finally to the resounding vow of "swearing to restore the rippling blue waves to the world," the entire work completes an emotional sublimation from questioning and reflection to striving. Yu Liucheng's interpretation, with its narrative sense imbued with perseverance, accumulates strength within its profound charm. Like thunder in silence, it's like spring thunder exploding deep in the clouds, conveying a fervent heart for protecting the homeland and a powerful appeal.

Music is also a declaration. "Asking the River" is far more than just a work of art; it is a heartfelt tribute to the Mother River, and a contemporary ode to ecological civilization. The tranquility of rivers concerns all living things and future generations. The song awakens the world, reminding us that every wounded landscape is a warning from nature; it also proclaims our conviction, demonstrating that every promise to "restore the world to its pristine beauty" is a solemn commitment to the future.

The preservation of our land is not the work of one person; the enduring flow of clear water requires the combined efforts of countless hands. May this stirring melody resonate in people's hearts, inspiring greater reverence and compassion for nature. Let us follow the song, confront our wounds, unite our strength, and take action to protect our fertile mountains and clear rivers, leaving behind a vibrant and pristine homeland for posterity. When countless drops of water converge into a mighty torrent, the clear waters will reappear, and our land will surely be safe and sound.