Recently, the announcement of the 2024 (11th batch) World Irrigation Heritage Sites has generated excitement, particularly with four successful nominations from China: the Karez wells in Turpan, Xinjiang; the terraced stone dam system in Huizhou and Wuyuan, Anhui (a joint application); the Fengyan terraced fields in Hanyin, Shaanxi; and the Jufeng Weir in Xiushan, Chongqing. With these additions, China’s total of World Irrigation Heritage Sites now stands at 38.

Irrigation has played a crucial role in the development of agricultural civilization, and as one of the world’s oldest agricultural nations, China has long relied on its irrigation infrastructure. This reliance is largely shaped by the country’s unique monsoon climate and diverse topography, leading many agricultural regions to depend on sophisticated irrigation systems due to the uneven distribution of water resources. From the enchanting water towns of southern China to the arid expanses of the Gobi Desert, and from the hilly southwest to the Qinba Mountain region, a variety of irrigation methods has developed, offering valuable lessons for modern water conservation efforts.

Each newly inscribed heritage site showcases distinct regional attributes and embodies the philosophy of harmony between humans and nature. In Turpan, Xinjiang, the Karez system, which spans over 3,200 kilometers, channels rainwater and snowmelt into the oasis through a series of underground and surface channels, often likened to “underground rivers.” In Anhui’s Huizhou and Jiangxi’s Wuyuan, ancient stone dams harmoniously blend with the local landscape and water flows, demonstrating advanced techniques for water storage and diversion. The Fengyan terraced fields in Hanyin are a testament to a comprehensive irrigation system that includes fields, channels, ponds, and streams, stretching vertically over 1,000 meters. Meanwhile, the Jufeng Weir in Xiushan exemplifies a “three-dimensional” irrigation model, where waterways intersect with rivers and roads deep within the mountains.

Historically, humanity has constructed dams, dug channels, and cultivated the land, and these ancient irrigation sites serve as a testament to our engineering achievements while preserving a rich cultural heritage. This includes ancient bridges, villages, inscriptions, historical texts, and folk traditions. For example, an inscription detailing the annual maintenance of the Wuyuan stone dam highlights a long-standing water management system. In a similar vein, the Fengyan terraced fields are surrounded by relics from the Ming and Qing dynasties, demonstrating the continuous evolution of irrigation methods and agricultural practices. These projects embody the wisdom of previous generations and reflect the progress of history, standing as enduring markers of cultural heritage. The value of these World Irrigation Heritage Sites lies not only in fostering cultural confidence but also in fostering appreciation between different civilizations.

China boasts the richest and most diverse collection of irrigation heritage sites in the world. So, how can we ensure their protection? The first step involves enhancing the survey and registration processes, refining identification standards, and documenting these invaluable resources to uncover their “sleeping” histories. Given that these heritage structures have faced erosion over time due to natural elements, ensuring their safety is critical. We must strengthen research and the development of preservation technologies, providing meticulous care through coordinated efforts across relevant departments to create a unified protection strategy.

Achieving UNESCO World Heritage status is just the beginning of a new chapter in protecting and utilizing these sites. One unique aspect of irrigation heritage is that many of these sites remain actively in use. Investigations reveal that over 400 ancient irrigation systems across China continue to provide significant benefits while holding vast historical, technological, cultural, and ecological value. For instance, the Dongfeng Weir and Dujiangyan have been transformed into national water education centers, effectively linking heritage conservation with water education. The stunning seasonal landscapes of the Fengyan terraced fields are used to promote agritourism, revitalizing these ancient irrigation areas. By developing a range of functionalities such as educational and ecological tourism, we can breathe new life into the sustainable protection of these irrigation infrastructures.

World Irrigation Heritage Sites embody “living history,” serving as a museum of agricultural and water culture. These remarkable projects not only highlight the ingenuity of water management tailored to regional conditions but also reflect the industrious spirit of the Chinese people, marked by hard work, courage, and unity. By balancing development and protection, we can preserve the invaluable legacies of our ancestors, ensuring they continue to nourish and inspire future generations.