Ling Canal
Overview
Located in Xing'an County 70km from Guilin, the Ling Canal was built from 219 to 214 B.C, it's considered one of China's three engineering marvels beside the Great Wall and the Dujiangyan irrigation system in Sichuan. The canal can be seen in the market town of Xing'an.
Know more
The Ling Canal was built in the 214 BC of Qin Dynasty. It consists of a plough share, a water diversion dam, a south canal and a north canal, a spillway as well as boatlocks, the canal was scientifically designed and constructed. The plough shares just out into the Xiang River and divides the water into 30 and 70 percent. Passing through the north canal, the major part of the water joins again the Xiang River, while the rest flows into the south canal (namely the Ling Canal) and then empties itself in Li River. The Ling Canal connected the two water systems of Yangtze River and the Pear River, thus playing a great historical role in the unification of China and the consolidation of the southern frontier areas.
The canal was once an important means of transports serving the region before railways and roads were constructed. This canal still serves a purposes by irrigating about 2700 hectare of agricultural land.
This canal connects the Xiang River of Hunan Province with the Gui River of Guangxi. The first flows northward toward the Yangtze River and the latter southward toward the China Sea .
It is possible to sail from Guangzhou by traveling up the Xi and Gui Rivers to this canal and passing through it, proceed down the Xiang River to the Yangtze, hence to the Grand Canal and even as far as Peiping without getting off the boat.
In bygone days before railroads and motor highways, this elaborate canal was of great assistance to China 's transport and unity. Construction was started two centuries before Christ and was a the farsighted project of the great Emperor Chin Shi Huang Ti, who built China 's Great Wall.
Must see
Longsheng Ailing Hot Spring reputed to be "a heaven of peace and happiness" and "paradise on earth", is the centerpiece of the national park. Welling out from rock cracks halfway up the mountain, the hot spring water is colorless, tasteless...more
Located north of Guilin, Jiangtou Ancient Village is the largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in Guangxi province. History proved that the Jiangtouers were the descendants of Zhoudunyi-an outstanding literati and philosopher in Song dynasty...more
The Mausoleum is where eleven princes of the Jingjiang family during Ming dynasty were buried. The site covers an area over 100 square km with more than 300 tombs scattering. In front of each tomb stands Huabiao(ornamental column erected in front of palace, tombs), official stone statues, various animals (tiger, lion, unicorn)...more
Ziyuan is a beautiful county in Guilin. I heard of its beauty many years ago and was inspired to visit by a yearning to see its enchanting scenery. So, I got on the bus and began my journey in Ziyuan, After a 2 hour trip from Guilin, I reached the small county that I had long anticipated seeing...more
