Lingqu Canal - one of the world’s oldest irrigation systems
Last Update: 2nd October 2020
Originally built in 214 BC, Lingqu Canal was declared the World Irrigation Project Heritage Site in 2018. It is composed of the North and the South Canals. Located in Xing’an County, it runs from east to west, connecting Haiyang River with Darong River, the source of the Li River. For thousands of years, it has worked well in the local irrigation.
Lingqu Canal Fast Facts
- Chinese Name: Lingqu (灵渠)
- Length: 36.4 x kilometers
- Things to do there: Photography, Architecture, History and Culture
- Who visits: Photographers, Architects, History and Culture Lovers
- Time required: 2 – 3 x hours
Interested in visiting Lingqu Canal on a Tour?
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including Lingqu Canal, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.
What to expect at Lingqu Canal
The South Canal is 33.15 kilometers long while the North one is just 3.25 kilometers long. The south one is the highlight of Lingqu Canal. Along the canal stand the newly-built classical and pseudo-classic buildings with the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912) style.
Doumen (steep gate) plays an important role in storing water. It works like a navigation lock. For now, there are 34 Doumen along the canal. Hua Mouth functions in dividing water. It is 90 meters long. The project of Lingqu Canal reflects the wisdom of the Chinese people in ancient times, especially in the Qin Dynasty (221 – 207 BC). A great many of strategic supplies were transported to Xing’an through the canal. It sped up the unity of China at that time.
Sixian Temple is situated at the northern bank of the South Canal. It is a courtyard structure. The statues of the main officials in the ancient time who made great contributions to the project are worshiped there. It is surprising that there is a stele in the middle of one old tree but the tree is still alive and grows.
There are also several old bridge spanning over the canal. You can just walk along the canal. If interested, you can also take a boat cruise on the canal to experience the impressive views there.
Best time to visit Lingqu Canal
The best time to visit Lingqu Canal is in the morning.
The best months to visit are from April to October.
How to get to Lingqu Canal
There is no direct bus from Guilin to Lingqu Canal. But you could take a direct bus or a train from Guilin to Xing’an. Then, rent a vehicle to Lingqu Canal. Or take Bus 17 to the Stop of Yinxing Square (银杏广场) and walk to the canal. Alternatively, you could rent a vehicle to the canal directly from Guilin.
Additional Lingqu Canal Travel Advice
- Opening hours: 07:30 – 19:00 (May – October); 08:00 – 18:00 (November – April)
- As at 2nd October 2020, the entrance ticket for Ancient Lingqu Visit is 45 CNY per person; children between 1.2m tall (1.2m tall included) and 1.4m tall (1.4m tall not included) are charged 23 CNY per person; the elder between 60 years old (60 years old included) and 70 years old (70 years old not included) are charged 23 CNY per person; children under 1.2m tall (1.2m tall not included) and the elder above 70 years old (70 years old included) are free of charge.
- As at 2nd October 2020, the entrance ticket for Ancient Lingqu Visit and the boat cruise is 125 CNY per person; children between 1.2m tall (1.2m tall included) and 1.4m tall (1.4m tall not included) are charged 65 CNY per person; children under 1.2m tall (1.2m tall not included) are free of charge.
- For the latest pricing information, please contact us via email (info@wendyweitours.com)
- The route of Ancient Lingqu Visit is the interpretation room – Meiling Bridge – Sixian Temple – Zhuangyuan Bridge – Nandou Pavilion – Big and Small Scale – Hua Mouth – Nandou Pavilion – Square of Qin Culture.
- The length of the boat cruise is 2 kilometers. The route is Que Bridge – Feilai Stone – Sluicing Scale – Taozhu Bridge – Lijia Bridge – Water Street
Interested in visiting Lingqu Canal on a Tour?
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including Lingqu Canal, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.