Lingqu

Welcome to the Lingqu Canal, a site of immense engineering and historical importance located in Xing-an County, near Guilin. As we stand here, we are looking at one of the oldest man-made canals in the world that is still in…

We are now at the most critical point of the Lingqu Canal: the 'Magic Weight' or the spillway system. This area features a unique V-shaped dam known as the 'Big and Small Snouts.' This ingenious structure was designed to split…

From the spillway, the heightened water enters the South Canal, the primary channel that leads toward the Li River. This section of the canal is approximately thirty-six kilometers long and winds through the picturesque landscape…

One of the most significant features you will encounter along the canal is the system of ancient sluice gates, which some historians consider the earliest form of the 'pound lock' in the world. These gates were used to manage the…

The Lingqu Canal is protected by the Qin Dyke, a massive embankment that runs alongside the channel to prevent erosion and manage the surrounding floodplains. This dyke is more than just a wall of dirt; it is a sophisticated…

While the South Canal is the more famous branch, the North Canal plays an equally important role in the Lingqu system. This shorter channel was designed to feed water from the main river back into the upper reaches of the canal…

The Lingqu Canal flows directly through the heart of Xing-an town, creating a unique urban environment where water and architecture are inextricably linked. The town grew as a hub for the canal trade, and its layout is defined by…

As we conclude our journey along the Lingqu Canal, I hope you have gained a deep appreciation for the brilliance and endurance of this ancient masterwork. We have seen the 'Magic Weight' that split the rivers, the world's first…