Atlas
Lingqu Canal
The Lingqu Canal crosses the Xiang-Li watershed to connect the Yangtze and Pearl River systems as an early cross-basin waterway.
Prefecture: Guilin
Province: GuangxiStone embankments cross clear water, with the current spilling over their edges, while yellow and green trees line the far bank beneath low hills.
Infrastructure2
- Lingqu Huazui Diverter & South Canal Head
Shaped like a plough blade cleaving the Haiyang River, the stone Huazui divider splits water three to seven, linking the Xiang and Li rivers.
- Lingqu Greater & Lesser Tianping Weirs
Paved with herringbone fish-scale stonework, the Greater and Lesser Tianping weirs spill floodwater on their own in high season, a scientific masterpiece of antiquity.
Temple1
- Lingqu Ancient Doumen Locks & Shrine
Hailed as the first lock under heaven, the Doumen gates are among the world's earliest to raise and lower boats in stages along an ancient waterway.
Qin1
- Shi Lu Oversees the Lingqu Canal214 BCE
In 214 BCE, Shi Lu oversaw the completion of Lingqu, linking the Xiang and Li river systems.
Han1
- Ma Yuan Repairs Lingqu41–42 CE
In 41–42 CE, Ma Yuan oversaw work on Lingqu during his southern campaign, improving transport in Lingnan.