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25°35′56″N 110°41′23″E / 25.59889°N 110.68972°E / 25.59889; 110.68972

The Lingqu (traditional Chinese: 靈渠; simplified Chinese: 灵渠; pinyin: Líng Qú) is a canal in Xing'an County, near Guilin, in the northwestern corner of Guangxi, China.

Key Information

It connects the Xiang River (which flows north into the Yangtze) with the Li River (which flows south into the Gui River and Xijiang, the latter is one of the major tributaries of Pearl River), and thus is part of a historical waterway between the Yangtze and the Pearl River Delta. It was the first canal in the world to connect two river valleys and enabled boats to travel 2,000 kilometers (1,200 mi) overland between Northern China and the Pearl River Delta.[1] It is also one of the most well-preserved such projects in the world.[2]

The canal is 36.4 kilometers (22.6 mi) long.[3]

History

[edit]

In 214 BC, Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of the Qin dynasty (221–206 BC), ordered the construction of a canal connecting the Xiang and the Li rivers, in order to attack the Baiyue tribes in the south. The architect who designed the canal was Shi Lu (Chinese: 史祿). It is the oldest contour canal in the world,[1] receiving its water from the Xiang. It was fitted with thirty-seven flash locks by 825 AD. There is a clear description of pound locks in the twelfth century, which were probably installed one or two centuries before.[4] The canal also aided water conservation by diverting up to a third of the flow of the Xiang to the Li.[3]

The canal has been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites tentative list.[3]

See also

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lingqu Canal.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Lingqu

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The Lingqu, also known as the Ling Canal, is an ancient hydraulic engineering marvel located in Xing'an County, Zhuang Autonomous Region, , that connects the in the Yangtze River Basin to the in the Basin, spanning approximately 36.4 kilometers and enabling navigation between northern and southern for over two millennia. Constructed in 214 BCE under the orders of Emperor and supervised by his general Shi Lu, the canal was originally built to transport grain and military supplies during the Qin Dynasty's campaigns to conquer the tribes in the region, marking it as the world's earliest known contour canal designed to cross mountainous terrain without locks in its initial form. Its innovative features, including 36 doumen (steep gates often called the "father of the shiplock"), herringbone-shaped weirs for water diversion, overflow dams, and curved navigation channels, allowed boats to traverse elevation differences while integrating functions for , flood control, and transportation. Recognized as one of ancient 's three greatest water conservancy projects alongside the Irrigation System and the Zhengguo Canal, the Lingqu facilitated , cultural exchanges, and national unification by linking the Central Plains to southern frontiers. The canal's enduring significance is evident in its role in connecting inland routes to the via the estuary, as archaeological finds of Han and artifacts along its banks suggest it supported trade and migration between and . Although navigation ceased with the advent of modern railways in the 20th century, the structure has been renovated and preserved since the founding of the , now irrigating 4,333 hectares of farmland, aiding flood prevention, supplying water, and attracting tourists as a UNESCO Tentative since 2013. In 2018, it was inscribed on the World Irrigation Project Heritage List for its exemplary ancient hydraulic technology. As of 2024, research and demonstration for expansion plans, including connections to the new , are underway, alongside a tourism boom driving local .

Geography and Location

Route and Dimensions

The Lingqu Canal is situated in Xing'an County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, , approximately 60 km north of , at coordinates 25°36′10″N 110°41′10″E. This location places it at the divide between the and basins, traversing hilly terrain in the northern part of the county and passing through towns such as Xing'an, Yan'guan, Rongjiang, and Xiang'li. The canal's route begins with a diversion from the —a major tributary of the —and extends southward to join the , a key waterway in the system, enabling historical navigation between northern and southern without crossing steep elevations. As a pioneering contour canal, the Lingqu follows the natural topography to maintain a near-level path, with its main route spanning the watershed divide over challenging landscape. The system includes a primary diversion channel of approximately 2.4 km from the , enhancing water intake and flow regulation at the northern end. From there, the canal proceeds through a 5 km contour section that crosses the basin divide, before integrating with the southern segments leading to the . This allowed for efficient transport of boats and goods, adapting to the region's undulating hills without extensive sloping. The total length of the measures 36.4 km (22.6 miles), incorporating the main navigation channel and supporting branches such as the Bei Canal (North Canal) and Nan Canal (South Canal). The core navigable portion, suitable for historical traffic, extends about 34 km, including a 27 km canalized stretch of the downstream for improved passage to the Gui River. These branches, including the Bei Canal's 2.4 km extension and the Nan Canal's integration with the , collectively form the system's full extent, with additional minor tributaries like the Beikeng and Nanjiaoqu contributing to local water distribution but not significantly altering the primary route's measurements.

Hydrological Context

The Lingqu Canal serves as a pioneering cross-basin that links the River basin, via the northward-flowing , with the basin, through the southward-flowing Lijiang (Li) River, facilitating the integration of central China's hydrological systems with the southern region. This connection exploits the natural topography at the divide between the two basins, near Xing'an County in , where the canal diverts water across a low in the mountains without relying on mechanical pumps. By channeling flows from the , the system enables water transfer southward, supporting , , and mitigation across diverse drainage patterns. The canal's diversion mechanism draws primarily from the , redirecting up to one-third of its flow—approximately 30 percent—southward into the Lijiang River through a series of weirs and overflow structures that elevate the upstream level. This natural gradient-driven process, with an average slope of less than 1 meter per kilometer over the canal's length, allows for efficient movement while preventing excessive scouring or silting. The itself exhibits significant seasonal variations, with annual runoff averaging around 72.2 billion cubic meters, peaking during the summer rainy season ( maximum flows) and dropping to about one-third of that during dry periods, influencing the canal's operational capacity. These fluctuations are managed through spillways that return excess northward, ensuring balanced distribution. Central to the Lingqu's hydrological ingenuity is its adherence to the contour canal principle, where the waterway follows the natural terrain contours to minimize elevation changes and maintain a relatively level path across the basin divide. This design, spanning a gentle 22-meter drop over the full route, harnesses the subtle gradients for gravity-fed flow, enabling bidirectional navigation and water exchange between the basins without the need for lifts or pumps. The result is a self-regulating system that adapts to hydrological variations, promoting sustainable inter-basin connectivity that has endured for over two millennia.

History

Construction in the Qin Dynasty

The Lingqu Canal was constructed in 214 BC during the reign of Emperor , the first emperor of the unified , as a strategic project to facilitate the empire's southern expansion. The initiative aimed to support military campaigns against the tribes in the region by enabling the efficient transport of troops, supplies, and grain southward, thereby overcoming the natural barriers of the terrain that separated the basin from the system. This canal represented one of the Qin Empire's major engineering endeavors, alongside projects like the Great Wall extensions, to consolidate control over newly conquered territories. Shi Lu served as the chief engineer tasked by Emperor with overseeing the project, drawing on the era's hydraulic expertise to design a that integrated natural topography with human intervention. Under his direction, approximately soldiers were mobilized as laborers, reflecting the Qin regime's practice of using military conscripts for large-scale to accelerate completion within a single year. These workers, primarily from northern regions, were redeployed southward following initial conquests, combining their roles in combat with infrastructural labor to expedite the empire's logistical network. The construction relied on rudimentary yet effective techniques suited to the Qin Dynasty's technological capabilities, including manual excavation to carve out the main channel and earth-moving to shape the canal's path along contours that minimized steep gradients. Initial damming structures, such as weirs and overflow dams, were erected to divert and regulate water flow from the , creating feeder canals that fed into the primary route without relying on later innovations like advanced lock systems. This approach emphasized the strategic use of the local hydrological context, where the canal's route followed the natural divide between river basins to reduce excavation volume while ensuring navigability for supply vessels.

Developments in Subsequent Dynasties

Following the initial construction of the during the , the (206 BCE–220 CE) undertook significant maintenance efforts to ensure its functionality for navigation and military logistics. In the Eastern Han period, general Ma Yuan led repairs around 42 CE, which included dangerous and expanding connections to adjacent waterways like the Nanliu River, enhancing regional transport and economic integration in . These works addressed early issues and widened sections to accommodate larger vessels, supporting campaigns against southern tribes and facilitating grain shipments northward. During the (618–907 CE), the canal underwent further upgrades to manage fluctuating water levels and improve navigability. In 825 CE, engineer Li Bo oversaw renovations that installed 36 flash locks along its length, allowing boats to navigate the 30-meter elevation difference between the Xiang and systems more efficiently. These locks, combined with reinforced weirs, prevented flooding and ensured steady flow for and trade, marking a peak in the canal's during this era. The additions reflected Tang advancements in water control, sustaining the canal's role in connecting the and basins for commerce and administration. The (960–1279 CE) introduced more sophisticated water management with the adoption of pound locks, which revolutionized boat passage over elevation changes. In the Northern Song period, particularly the , 36 such locks were established approximately every kilometer along the , operated by a dedicated maintenance corps called the Dou Jun. This innovation minimized water loss compared to earlier flash locks and supported increased traffic for tribute grain transport and regional trade, underscoring the 's enduring strategic value amid Song economic expansion. The steep sluice gates known as doumen, precursors to modern locks, continued to be used alongside these developments. In the Ming (1368–1644 CE) and Qing (1644–1912 CE) dynasties, maintenance focused on combating through periodic and structural reinforcements, preserving the canal's viability amid growing networks. Ming records document routine clearing of sediment buildup to maintain depth for navigation, while Qing inscriptions at the site detail multiple renovations. These efforts integrated the Lingqu into broader southern routes, linking Guangxi's resources to northern markets and sustaining its multifunctional role until modern transportation diminished its prominence.

Engineering and Design

Canal Structure and Features

The Lingqu Canal's core structure centers on the steering , known as the Huazui or plowshare-shaped , which serves as the primary diversion point at the canal's head on the Haiyang River. This innovative , also referred to as the shifang or crane's neck , directs water flow from the basin into the canal system by elevating and splitting the water level. The , constructed primarily from earth and stone, spans approximately 3 kilometers in length and functions to divide the incoming water while preventing excessive flooding into the downstream . From the Huazui weir, the canal bifurcates into the main Bei (North) Channel and Nan (South) Channel, enabling the connection between the and basins. The Bei Channel, measuring about 3.25 kilometers, primarily facilitates by channeling water back toward the , while the longer Nan Channel, extending roughly 33.15 kilometers, supports primary toward the . Complementing these are branch canals dedicated to and , which expand the system's multifunctional capacity. Spillways and overflow mechanisms, such as side overflow dams and training dikes at the canal head, manage excess water and mitigate risks by allowing controlled discharge. is aided by initial sluices at key diversion points and subsequent lock installations, including the ancient Doumen locks with stone bases and bamboo gates, placed along the 36.4-kilometer route to accommodate vessels during varying water levels. These elements collectively form a contour that minimizes slope through gentle curves, combining excavation with dam-building for efficient water transport and distribution.

Water Management Systems

The water management systems of the Lingqu canal represent early innovations in , designed to regulate flow, manage elevation changes, and ensure across varying terrain. These mechanisms allowed for efficient diversion of water from the while preventing overflow and , supporting both transportation and functions. Central to this was the use of locks and spillways integrated with the canal's steering dam, which directed a portion of the river's flow southward without disrupting the main northward course. A key feature was the system, introduced during the (618–907 CE), which consisted of 36 locks added to facilitate short elevation lifts along the canal's 36.4 km length. These locks operated by closing gates to create temporary ponds that raised water levels, allowing boats to navigate shallow or inclined sections before releasing the water in controlled surges; this method conserved water compared to earlier open-channel designs but required careful timing to avoid . By 825 CE, this system had been refined to handle the canal's contour-following route, enabling vessels to ascend or descend gradients of up to several meters. The evolved into the more advanced pound lock during the (960–1279 CE), an innovation featuring watertight chambers enclosed by double gates that isolated boats for elevation changes of 2–3 meters without significant water loss. This design, first documented around 984 CE in Chinese canal , was applied to the Lingqu to improve efficiency on its hilly path, where boats could be raised or lowered progressively through sequential chambers, minimizing the need for towing or portaging. The pound lock's chamber system marked a pivotal advancement in global navigation technology, allowing safer and more reliable passage for larger cargoes. To maintain balanced flow, the 's steering diverted approximately 30% of the Xiang River's water southward into the basin, with the remaining 70% continuing northward to prevent flooding in downstream areas. Overflow was managed through spillways and side dams at the head, which automatically released excess water during high flows, ensuring the diverted portion remained stable for and . This ratio, achieved via the 's ploughshare-shaped bifurcation, exemplified precise hydrological control in ancient . Siltation control relied on natural management through periodic flushing operations and adjustable structures, which directed high-velocity flows to scour accumulated debris from the canal bed. dikes and overflow weirs facilitated this process by channeling water to erode deposits, maintaining a navigable depth of about 1.5 meters; such adjustments were conducted seasonally to counteract the river's load without requiring extensive . These techniques, integrated with the canal's hydraulic facilities, sustained long-term functionality and prevented blockages over centuries.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Military and Economic Impact

The Lingqu Canal was instrumental in the Qin dynasty's southward expansion, enabling initial campaigns against the peoples in 214 BC by providing a vital waterway for transporting large numbers of troops and essential supplies to support conquests in the region (modern and ). Constructed specifically for military logistics, it connected the in the Yangtze basin to the in the system, overcoming natural barriers and allowing efficient movement of forces. The canal continued to aid later efforts, including the full unification of following the conquest of in 111 BC. In the subsequent , the canal shifted toward economic functions, boosting trade in rice, timber, and other goods between , which contributed significantly to the empire's overall from the onward. As the primary linking to the south during the Western Han period (c. 140–50 BC), it facilitated the exchange of agricultural surpluses from the fertile Lingnan lowlands with northern demands, enhancing imperial revenue and regional prosperity. Over the long term, the canal supported sustained imperial authority in the southern regions, promoting the cultural integration of the peoples through increased connectivity, administrative oversight, and migration and settlement. This integration helped assimilate local populations into society, fostering a more cohesive multinational empire, as evidenced by archaeological finds of shared artifacts along the route. The waterway formed part of an extensive inland network spanning over 2,000 km from northern to the , combining rivers, canals, and roads to underpin both military and commercial activities for centuries.

Recognition and Preservation

The Lingqu Canal has long been recognized as one of the most remarkable engineering achievements of ancient , often hailed in historical records as a pioneering hydraulic project that connected the and basins for the first time. Constructed in 214 B.C. under the , it exemplifies early Chinese ingenuity in water management and navigation, earning acclaim for its innovative design that facilitated and across regions. In modern times, the canal's enduring significance has been affirmed through international accolades. It was inscribed on the World Heritage Tentative List in 2013, acknowledging its outstanding universal value as a testament to ancient hydraulic technology and its role in unifying . Additionally, in 2018, the International Commission on and Drainage (ICID) designated it a World Heritage Irrigation Structure, highlighting its multifunctional contributions to irrigation, transport, and flood control over more than two millennia. As a symbol of Qin Dynasty innovation, the Lingqu Canal embodies the technical prowess and strategic vision that shaped imperial , serving as a of excellence. This heritage is prominently showcased at the Lingqu Canal Museum in Xing'an County, near , which preserves artifacts, documents, and exhibits illustrating the canal's construction and historical impact, fostering public appreciation of its legacy. Traditional preservation efforts have sustained the canal since antiquity, involving coordinated maintenance by local communities and governmental authorities, as evidenced by historical management systems documented in ancient records. From the onward, imperial oversight ensured periodic repairs and expansions, while community practices contributed to its operational continuity, a tradition that continues today under protective such as the 2014 Measures for the Protection of the Lingqu Canal in .

Modern Usage and Conservation

Current Functions

In contemporary times, the Lingqu Canal primarily serves as a vital system in Zhuang Autonomous Region, channeling water from the to nourish over 4,333 hectares of farmland across 186 villages in five townships of Xing'an County. This includes approximately 2,689 hectares of paddy fields dedicated to production and 1,645 hectares of dry farmland supporting various crops, thereby benefiting approximately 59,000 people in local communities economically. Additionally, the canal provides essential to Xing'an County, ensuring domestic and industrial needs are met through its integrated hydraulic infrastructure. The canal facilitates limited navigation, accommodating small boats for scenic cruises that highlight its historical engineering along the waterway. This function has evolved into a key tourism asset, with the Lingqu Canal and surrounding areas attracting over 7.59 million visitors in 2022, generating approximately 7.7 billion yuan in tourism revenue and boosting local economies through cultural and leisure activities. Beyond and , the Lingqu Canal contributes to flood control by regulating water flow in local rivers such as the Xiang and Li, utilizing features like overflow dams and dikes to mitigate seasonal flooding risks. It also integrates environmental functions, supporting ecological balance and maintaining in canal-adjacent wetlands through its role in and habitat preservation.

Restoration Efforts

Following the establishment of the in 1949, the government initiated systematic rehabilitation of the Lingqu Canal, including operations and repairs to weirs and locks to restore its hydraulic functions. These efforts expanded the irrigated area from 567 hectares in 1938 to 4,333 hectares, benefiting approximately 59,000 people, while branch canals were maintained, extended, or newly constructed. Modern pumps were introduced to replace traditional scoop wheels, and the Zhiling Reservoir was built to support . The canal underwent complete renovation during this period, preserving its ancient design while enhancing operational capacity. In the 2000s and , conservation projects were influenced by international recognition, including its inclusion on UNESCO's Tentative List in , leading to stabilizations such as embankment reinforcements and slope treatments to combat . These initiatives addressed flood vulnerabilities, with adaptations like improved dike systems and management structures implemented between 2010 and 2020 to mitigate risks from events. Recent efforts, including ongoing to clear buildup, have further reinforced and connected systems for better flood control and drainage. The canal's designation as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure in 2018 by the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage prompted additional protective measures, such as the 2014 regulations for its safeguarding. Conservation faces significant challenges, including that necessitates regular to maintain and flow. pressures in areas like Xing'an County threaten traditional agricultural landscapes and ecological integrity, prompting the development of targeted regulations. exacerbates these issues by altering water levels and discharge patterns in connected systems like the , increasing flood risks and straining the canal's . Future plans emphasize integrating the Lingqu into broader national networks, with proposals for expansion to accommodate 2,000-tonne vessels and achieve an annual cargo throughput of 80 million tonnes, connecting the and basins at a projected cost of 150 billion RMB. By 2030, enhancements aim to boost eco- through ecological restoration and promotion, positioning the as a key attraction in Guilin's world-class framework while sustaining its roles in and flood control.

References

  1. https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5814/
  2. https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202211/23/WS637d9356a31049175432b6df.html
  3. https://www.chinaeducationaltours.com/guide/guilin-lingqu-canal.htm
  4. https://www.thinkchina.sg/economy/who-will-fund-chinas-ambitious-canal-projects-amid-economic-uncertainty
  5. http://en.people.cn/n3/2024/1120/c90000-20244721.html
  6. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Ling-Canal
  7. https://icid-ciid.org/award/his_details/101
  8. http://www.guilinholiday.com/attraction-v1023-ling-canal
  9. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258520481_River_discharge_land_use_change_and_surface_water_quality_in_the_Xiangjiang_River_China
  10. https://lingqumagiccanal.com/
  11. https://archive.shine.cn/feature/An-ancient-engineering-marvel/shdaily.shtml
  12. https://doi.org/10.1163/15685209-12341507
  13. https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/worlds-of-the-indian-ocean/tang-china-and-the-rise-of-the-silk-roads/92F70DA1CD0ABA6F49BF346E2116FCB4
  14. https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/27a9fbfc-9f1a-4b65-8453-bde88ced9fb9/downloads/1LingquCanalWorldCivilization2024April.pdf
  15. https://www.chinadiscovery.com/guangxi/guilin/lingqu-canal.html
  16. https://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/guangxi/guilin/lingqu-canal.htm
  17. http://guangxi.chinadaily.com.cn/guilin/2025-08/27/c_1119734.htm
  18. https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/pdf/10.1142/9781945552045_0001
  19. https://www.watermuseums.net/network/lingqu-canal-museum/
  20. https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202408/12/WS66ba0c3da3104e74fddb9995_3.html
  21. https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project-documents/53079/53079-001-iee-en.pdf
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