Ancient Chinese irrigation projects recognized

Four ancient irrigation sites in China have been inscribed as world Heritage Irrigation Structures, bringing the total number of Heritage Irrigation Structures in China up to 17, reports China Central Television.

The four irrigation projects are the Dujiangyan irrigation system, the Lingqu Canal, the Jiangxiyan irrigation system and the Changqu Canal.

The result was announced on Monday by the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) in Saskatoon, Canada.

　　The Dujiangyan irrigation system [File photo: cctv.com]

The Dujiangyan irrigation system is located in Dujiangyan, Sichuan Province. Built in 256 BCE for irrigation and flood control, it is still in operation today.

　　The Lingqu Canal [File photo: cctv.com]

The Lingqu Canal is in Xing'an County, Guangxi. It connects two major waterways, the Xiang and Li Rivers. Built in 214 BC, it is one of the oldest canals in the world.

　　The Jiangxiyan irrigation system [File photo: cctv.com]

The Jiangxiyan irrigation system in Zhejiang Province was built from 1330 to 1333. The project is still used for irrigation in the area.

　　The Changqu Canal [File photo: cctv.com]

The Changqu Canal in Hubei Province is also known as Bai Qi Canal. It was dug 279 BCE under the order of Bai Qi, a general from the State of Qin, for military purposes. It was converted for irrigation use afterwards.

Irrigation projects from China previously recognized as Heritage Irrigation Structures include Zhengguo Canal in Shaanxi Province and the Yellow River Ancient Canalization Project in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.