Xiangyang Canal

Xiangyang Canal

Xiangyang Canal is a cultural heritage site protected at the provincial level in Jiangsu Province.

Xiangyang Canal is located by the Weishan Lake in Liutan Town. Construction of the canal began in 1970, and eventually, the first and second main canals, stretching 123 li in total length, were completed. The entire project included five medium-sized pumping stations, five large aqueducts, 369 bridges, culverts, and sluice gates, five tunnels, and 25 kilometers of high-voltage power lines. The Xiangyang Canal water conservancy project was completed in 1976.

The main structures of Xiangyang Canal are its five “large aqueducts.” These aqueducts are built with block stone and feature a main arch structure composed of a series of small, connected arches. Each aqueduct stands independently, with the main arches rising gracefully above the ground. The arched spans are supported by solid piers, and the gaps between the arches and piers are filled with red bricks, forming the solid body of the aqueduct and providing strong support for the structure, allowing the smooth flow of water through the channels.

The overall layout of the Xiangyang Canal project is as follows: the first main canal runs between Wangma Village and Dafeng Village, extending to the south of Gaohuangmiao Village. Its western end starts at Guangshan Mountain (formerly known as Dusong Mountain, named for the single solitary pine tree that once stood there), and its eastern end reaches Xiaoyao Mountain. The first main canal is also called the “Qunying Aqueduct” and is a classic example of European-style “water conveyance bridge” architecture. The second main canal is located southwest of Xinjia Village, starting northwest of Songdianzhuang and extending to the east of Wuzhuquan Village. In terms of architectural aesthetics, the first main canal appears robust and solid, while the second main canal is more delicate, refined, and graceful in form.

The water conveyance tunnel known as “Hongqi Tunnel” is an underground channel that is 1.8 kilometers long, 1.83 meters high, and 2.5 meters wide. The tunnel entrance is situated between Jibao Village and Sanzhangmao Village, not far from the west side of the Jinpu Railway.

As an outstanding example of “plain terraced river network water conservancy projects,” Xiangyang Canal holds significant historical, scientific, and architectural value. Beyond its heritage importance, it also carries special educational significance, showcasing the bold spirit of transforming nature during that era. It is a product of the “Learn from Dazhai in Agriculture” movement, a testament to the “fighting against heaven and earth” mentality, and a rare large-scale relic from the later years of the People’s Commune period. Of course, it also once irrigated thousands of acres of fertile farmland, effectively addressing local water supply issues. Today, although its functional use has ceased, Xiangyang Canal continues to embody the great spirit of its time, the awe-inspiring nature of its architecture, and the timelessness of its culture, serving as a witness to its era.

On December 19, 2011, the People's Government of Jiangsu Province designated it as part of the seventh batch of provincial-level cultural heritage protection units.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Units in Jiangsu Province