Lingqu Canal (灵渠), located in Xing’an County near Guilin, China, is a remarkable historical and engineering marvel. Stretching approximately 37.4 kilometers, it was constructed in 214 BC during the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, making it over 2,000 years old. This ancient waterway is celebrated for its historical significance and engineering prowess, ranking alongside other famous projects like the Dujiangyan Irrigation System and the Zhengguo Canal. Lingqu Canal is recognized as one of the best-preserved ancient irrigation works in the world and is among the oldest canals still in existence.
The scenic area of Lingqu Canal features a beautiful waterside street that runs along the southern and northern banks of the canal as it flows through Xing’an County. This waterside street, approximately 980 meters long, is known as “Water Street,” named for its proximity to the canal’s serene waters. The surroundings are picturesque, with crystal-clear water, towering ancient trees, and numerous cultural relics. The charming pavilions, small bridges, and flowing streams along Water Street vividly showcase the rich cultural history that spans a millennium, inviting visitors to experience the vibrant local atmosphere.
Travel Information about Lingqu Canal
Ticket and Opening Hours
Admission Fee: 45 RMB
Opening Hours:
- From May to October: 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
- From November to April: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Getting to the Scenic Area
Location: Shuangling Road, Xing’an County, Guilin City
Transportation: You can take either the 701 or 702 bus from Xing’an North Railway Station to reach Lingqu Canal Park.
Scenic Area Ratings
- Leisure: ★★★★★
- Cultural Experience: ★★★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★
- Romantic Atmosphere: ★★
- Adventure: ★
Highlights of Lingqu Canal
The Core Historical and Cultural Protection Area of Lingqu Canal includes several key components: Huazui, the Large and Small Tianping, the South and North Canals, the Drainage Tianping, and the Duomen. This area is scientifically designed and intricately structured.
Huazui (铧嘴) plays a crucial role in dividing the waters of the Xiang River, with one-third flowing through the South Canal into the source of the Li River, and two-thirds flowing through the North Canal back into the Xiang River. This division is famously referred to as “Xiang and Li Division, Xiang River flowing north, and Li River flowing south,” which significantly contributed to Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s unification efforts.
Duomen (陡门) serves as a navigational facility built within the South and North Canals. Its primary function is to regulate water levels to facilitate navigation, similar to a modern lock system. Experts from the World Dam Commission have praised it as the “Father of All Locks.”
What to do:
- Viewing Pavilion (观景阁): Completed in 1942, the Viewing Pavilion offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. From this vantage point, visitors can take in the beauty of key sites such as the Large and Small Tianping Dams and Huazui, capturing the essence of the Lingqu Canal in one sweeping glance.
- Visiting the Large and Small Tianping Dams (大小天平坝): The Large and Small Tianping Dams, known for their unique “人” shape that crosses the Xiang River, are the essence of the Lingqu Canal’s engineering marvels. Their ingenious design and precise construction make them a contemporary wonder. The dam has withstood thousands of years of natural forces while remaining as sturdy as ever, exemplifying human ingenuity.
- Summit of Huazui (铧嘴): Ascending to Huazui provides an extraordinary perspective where the Xiang and Li rivers converge. Visitors can witness the impressive flow of water, with seven-tenths of the Xiang River flowing north and three-tenths of the Li River flowing south. The scenery here is breathtaking, characterized by picturesque mountains and rivers. During flood events, the crashing waves create a thunderous roar, showcasing the raw power of nature in a truly spectacular manner.
Zhuangyuan Bridge
Zhuangyuan Bridge, also known as Qingyun Bridge, was built during the Qing Dynasty and has a history of over 200 years. The entire bridge railing is made of Han white jade, exuding a classic charm. The railing is intricately carved with eight exquisite designs, including Qilin and Lion, symbolizing a life free from disasters, national stability, and happiness. Other auspicious motifs include the Plum Blossom Deer (representing fortune and longevity), Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate, and Double Phoenix Facing the Sun. The bridge surface features three stone slabs with beautifully carved clouds, signifying that people can rise effortlessly to success.
Legend of Zhuangyuan Bridge
According to legend, in ancient times, there was a scholar who failed to achieve success in three consecutive examinations, leaving him disheartened. To find solace, he decided to travel the world. One day, he visited Lingqu Canal and came across Zhuangyuan Bridge, where he met an elderly man with white hair who enlightened him. The old man said, “Walk upon Qingyun Bridge, tread upon the clouds, and you will rise to greatness and have your wishes fulfilled.”
Taking this advice to heart, the scholar sincerely crossed the bridge and made a heartfelt wish. Remarkably, that very year, he topped the imperial examinations and became the Zhuangyuan (top scholar). When he returned to the bridge to thank his benefactor, he renamed it from Qingyun Bridge to Zhuangyuan Bridge, commemorating his success and the wisdom he received.
Four Virtuous Men Temple
The Four Virtuous Men Temple is dedicated to honoring the contributions of the historical figures who played significant roles in the construction and improvement of the Lingqu Canal. These figures include Lu, the Qin Dynasty Censor; Ma Yuan, the Han Dynasty General; Li Bo, the Tang Dynasty Guangxi Inspector; and Yu Mengwei, the Tang Dynasty Defense Commissioner.
Originally known as Lingji Temple before the Yuan Dynasty, the temple was destroyed by fire during the Qing Dynasty. The current Four Virtuous Men Temple was rebuilt in 1985. Inside the temple, there are statues of the Four Virtuous Men and a remarkable natural phenomenon known as the “Ancient Tree Engulfing the Stele”.
This unique spectacle features an ancient Schima superba tree (commonly known as the Qiong tree) that has been slowly consuming a stele from the twelfth year of the Qianlong era for over 780 years. The tree continues to envelop the stone monument at a rate of one centimeter every three years. It is possible that, in several hundred years, the ancient stele may be completely obscured and no longer visible.
Qin Dike
The Qin Dike is located between the southern canal of the Lingqu Canal and the ancient course of the Xiang River. Constructed during the Qin Dynasty, its purpose is to prevent water from the southern canal from flowing into the ancient course of the Xiang River, thus protecting the canal from flood damage. The dike stretches approximately 3,150 meters from the Divided Water Pond to the steep area at Dawan.
Several “water outlets” have been created beneath the dike, allowing for flood drainage during the rainy season and providing a trickle for irrigation during dry periods. Ancient trees grow along the top of the dike, creating a scenic walkway that spans seven li (about 2.3 kilometers).
Atop the Qin Dike stands a stone structure measuring 4 meters in height, with a circumference of 20 meters, nearly square in shape. The top of the stone is flat and accessible by steps. On the platform, two osmanthus trees emerge from the rock, standing elegantly. The stone, known as Feilai Stone, has a distinct geological composition that differs significantly from the surrounding rocks, rising prominently between the ancient course of the Xiang River and the southern canal, sparking curiosity about its origins.
Double-Sided Screen Wall
The Double-Sided Screen Wall stands 5 meters tall and 6.8 meters wide, making it the largest double-sided ceramic sculpture brick carving wall in China. It was created by one of the three great “ceramic art masters” in the country, Pang Zhonghua.
The entire screen wall is designed based on the historical culture of Xing’an and its famous attractions and legends. It features sculptures of notable sites such as the North Gate of the ancient city, Feilai Stone, Wanli Bridge, and Masi Bridge, along with depictions of the three generals involved in the construction of the Lingqu Canal.
Additionally, the wall incorporates elements from local folklore, including the Goddess Guanyin, the Four Heavenly Kings, the Eight Immortals, Nezha, the Hehe Erxian (the Two Immortals of Harmony), the Wealth God, and the Aoliu (the Giant Fish), symbolizing a wish for the safety, happiness, and prosperity of the people passing by.
Related Knowledge:
Screen walls, or “zhaobi (照壁),” are unique features of traditional Chinese architecture, commonly referred to as barriers located inside the main gate. In ancient times, these walls were known as “xiaoqiang.” It was believed that spirits would frequently visit residences, and since small spirits could only move in straight lines without turning, constructing a wall would block their path.
Another explanation is that screen walls emerged from the influence of feng shui, becoming a distinctive architectural form known as “shadow walls” or “screen walls.” A famous example of a screen wall is the Nine-Dragon Wall in the Forbidden City of Beijing.
Ma Si Bridge
Ma Si Bridge is a unique structure within the scenic area, often compared to the famous twin bridges of Zhouzhuang. It spans across two waterways: the Lingqu Canal flowing from east to west and the Shuangnv Well Stream coming from the south to the north, creating an extraordinary water interchange and the remarkable phenomenon of “three bridges crossing two waters.”
Origin of Ma Si Bridge
The history of Ma Si Bridge is closely linked to General Ma Yuan of the Eastern Han Dynasty. According to legend, General Ma was ordered by the imperial court to quell a rebellion in Lingnan. After setting up camp on the city wall ridge in Xing’an, he rode out to survey the terrain. When he reached the bridge, his horse suddenly halted and refused to cross.
Perplexed, General Ma urged his horse to move forward, but the steed only neighed, refusing to step onto the small stone bridge. Curious, he dismounted and inspected the bridge, discovering that its foundation had collapsed. To fund the construction of a new bridge, the general reluctantly sold his beloved warhorse.
His selfless act of selling his horse to repair the bridge moved the people of Xing’an. Inspired by his dedication, they contributed funds, allowing for the construction of a sturdy bridge. In honor of General Ma Yuan and his intelligent steed, the bridge was named Ma Si Bridge.
Wanli Bridge
Wanli Bridge is the most famous and oldest bridge on the Lingqu Canal, historically known as the “Key Route between Chu and Yue” for its role as a vital passage for travelers between the north and south.
The bridge was initially constructed during the Tang Dynasty, specifically in the first year of the Baoli era (825 AD), by Li Bo, the governor of Guanggui. Originally, it was a single-arch bridge built in a rainbow style, constructed entirely from axe-cut stones. Located five miles to the north of Wanli Bridge was the reception pavilion, known as the “Jieguan Pavilion.”
Legend has it that the distance from Wanli Bridge to the Tang Dynasty capital of Chang’an via water routes was about ten thousand li, which is how the bridge got its name, “Wanli,” meaning “Ten Thousand Li Bridge.”
Qinwen Liushang
Qinwen Liushang refers to the ancient city of Qin. “Shang” is a type of wine cup used in ancient China, while “liushang” denotes a sacrificial ritual practiced by ancient people to seek good fortune and avoid disasters. The phrase “Qinwen Liushang” symbolizes the transmission of Qin and Han culture and the wish for prosperity for the people.
Qinwen Liushang is located at the site of the ancient Beimen (North Gate) of Xing’an, serving as the entrance to the Water Street. It comprises several ancient buildings, including Yipinju, Sanhuai, and Jiujingfang, all of which reflect the simple and grand architectural style characteristic of the Qin and Han dynasties.
Qinhuang Palace
Visitors come to the Lingqu Canal not only for the renowned engineering of the canal and the deep historical significance but also for the allure of the Qinhuang Palace.
Rebuilt in 2005, the Qinhuang Palace has restored its historical appearance. When viewed from the south to the north, the layout resembles the character “寿” (longevity), while from the east, it appears as “喜” (happiness). Tourists must wander through the palace to fully appreciate the shapes of these characters. Today, the Qinhuang Palace is filled with visitors enjoying the stunning scenery, a far cry from the military and merchants that once filled the area.
Historically, the Qinhuang Palace was the only imperial palace ever constructed in Lingnan, and it remains the only royal palace in history that was never inhabited by an emperor. Emperor Qin Shi Huang invested significant resources and labor to build this palace far from the central plains. The reasons behind its construction and the mystery of why it was never occupied invite exploration and discovery.