Xing'an Lingqu Canal

The Ling Canal, situated in Xing'an County, 2 hours' drive or train northward from Guilin, one of the oldest canals in the world. Firstly built in 214 BC by first Chinese emperor Qin Shihuang who transported suppliers to his army, this ancient water conservancy project links the Xiang River (which flows into the Yangtze River) and the Li River (which flows into the Pearl River), the two of the major waterways of China.     

The canal is 30 kilometers long and 5 meters wide and of 34 km in total length, flowing through a market town of about 30,000 people. The canal project consists of Huazui(the Mouth of Ploughshare), Big Scale, Small Scale, South Watercourse, North Watercourse, Water draining, Water deposit, Weir Dam, Qin Dam and Bridges.    

There are many scenic sights round the canal such as Meiling Pavilion, Doumen Gate, Flying Rock, the Square of Qin Culture, the Su or Zhuangyuan Bridge (Number One Scholar Bridge).  There is an old saying that "North is Great Wall and South is Lingqu Canal." However, unlike the spectacular and solemn Great Wall, Lingqu Canal is quiet and tranquil. The canal has been placed on the tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.


Travel tips:
Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. (May 1 to Oct. 31);
       8 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Nov. 1 - April 30);
Admission: 40 yuan
How to get there: take bus from Guilin to Xing'an County and then transfer tricycle