Essentials of the Military Classics, Volume 12 original: 武經緫要 (Wujing Zongyao). Compiled in 1044 AD, this was the first state-sponsored military encyclopedia in China, covering geography, strategy, and technology.

[General Han Xin] crossed the river and captured Wei Bao original: 魏王豹. A ruler during the Chu-Han Contention (206–202 BC) who was defeated when Han Xin used improvised wooden jars and rafts to cross the Yellow River at an unexpected point.; Deng Xun original: 鄧訓 (37–92 AD). A general of the Eastern Han dynasty famous for his frontier management. used sewn leather to construct rafts to restrain the Hu original: 胡. A historical term for northern or western non-Han peoples; in this context, it refers to the Xiongnu or Qiang tribes.. These are further examples of those who could adapt to circumstances and cross waters successfully. Now, the surviving methods and illustrations are presented hereafter.

○ Whenever an army on the march must cross water phrasing mark, if floating foam phrasing mark arrives from the upper reaches phrasing mark, one must wait until the flow stabilizes phrasing mark. Measure the water; if it is not phrasing mark rising, then cross phrasing mark. This is out of concern phrasing mark that the water might surge while the army is mid-crossing, or that the enemy may have dammed the upper reaches to cut off our army.

○ In distant lands or foreign territories where the water currents have dangerous whirlpools original: 洄洑 (huifu). Turbulent, circling waters that can easily capsize small vessels. or where there are harmful aquatic creatures like crocodiles and gharials original: 蛟鼉 (jiao tuo). "Jiao" are mythical flood dragons or large crocodilians; "tuo" refers specifically to the Chinese alligator. Both were significant hazards for soldiers swimming or using light rafts., the troops phrasing mark must first obtain phrasing mark local guides to inquire about the conditions phrasing mark and prepare precautions in advance phrasing mark.

○ Whenever about to cross phrasing mark, first arrange the troops in formation on all four sides of the bank phrasing mark. Furthermore, order men to climb to high vantage points to look into the distance and wait for phrasing mark scout cavalry phrasing mark to report, guarding against sudden enemy ambushes phrasing mark. Afterward, divide the units and cross in turn phrasing mark.