Ruins of the Liangwu Weir

Ruins of the Liangwu Weir

The ruins of the Liangwu Weir are a cultural tourism attraction.

Inside Changjing Experimental Primary School, a clear stream quietly flows through the campus, and on the stream stands a dam named the "Liangwu Weir."

According to the *Jingli Annals*, the areas on both sides of the Xijing River in the southeast of Changjing Township suffered from harsh conditions that drew the attention of the imperial court. Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty dispatched Crown Prince Zhaoming, who was studying in Gushan, Jiangyin, to personally inspect Dongshun (the ancient name of Changjing Town) in the field. The crown prince went to the farmlands and worked with local peasants to study methods of combating drought and diverting water. Under his direction, the farmers built weirs in segments according to the varying elevations of the Xijing River, creating layered reservoirs. A total of 18 dams were constructed along the long stretch of the Xijing River. To finish the project before the farming season, the farmers worked day and night, transporting soil and compacting the dams. One summer, heavy rains caused an upstream dike to collapse, creating a significant breach. In a moment of desperation, a farmer drove his water buffalo toward the breach to block it. That dam was later named "Ox-Waist Dam" and is located at the western end of Renmin Road in today’s Changjing Town.

The Liangwu Weir is situated at the highest point of the Xijing River. According to the *Jingli Annals*, “this weir runs east-west,” is 16 meters long and 6 meters high, blocking the waters of the Xijing River. The upstream area gathers water from four sources at Longji Zui, while the downstream flows into Fenghuang Bang and Dongqing River. The water level drop across the weir is 4 meters. To the east of the weir lies Xiachuan Fang, which is gourd-shaped, with bluestone slabs at the bottom of the pool. The *Jiangyin County Annals* from the Ming Jiajing period state: “The Liangwu Weir is in Qili Village, built during the reign of Emperor Wu of Liang. It is over a zhang in length and width, and locals dare not disturb it with shovels or hoes.” In the 1970s, when local farmers dredged the river for silt, bluestone slabs were often unearthed. During droughts, remnants of the stone foundation of the Liangwu Weir could still be seen.

The completion of the Liangwu Weir hydraulic project greatly improved irrigation in the Dongshun area. In times of abundant rainfall, the 18 dams in the Xijing River area formed a series of small reservoirs. In dry years, farmers used waterwheels to lift water from downstream to higher upstream dams to increase storage capacity. Since then, the area bid farewell to drought, and crops yielded bountiful harvests year after year. With the success of the weir, the region prospered and gained prominence. Nearby, Chen Family Garden was built, along with halls, terraces, and pavilions, extending the village over several miles.

As a hydraulic hub project of ancient times, the ruins of the Liangwu Weir are currently the only remaining one in the Wuxi area. Protecting, developing, and utilizing historical and cultural resources is the duty of present generations. In October 1985, the Jiangyin County People's Government listed the Liangwu Weir ruins as a cultural relics protection site. In August 1986, the Changjing Township People's Government and the Changnan Village Committee jointly erected a stone monument inscribed with “Liangwu Weir Ruins.” In October 2003, Changjing Central Primary School (Experimental Primary School) built a new stele corridor for the “Liangwu Weir Ruins,” explaining its overview and the historical significance it embodies. In 2007, the Changjing Town People's Government built a bridge near the ruins at Longji Zui, naming it the “Liangwu Bridge.”

Compared to countless grand hydraulic projects of ancient and modern times, the Liangwu Weir may seem insignificant, but the spirit of benefiting the people remains consistent throughout. The history and culture of Changjing, the wisdom and diligence of its ancestors, will inspire future generations to strive, explore, and press onward with courage.

Changjing Town: Formerly known as Dongshun City, Changjing is an ancient town in the south of the Yangtze River with a long history, rich cultural heritage, and profound cultural roots. It is one of the birthplaces of Wu culture. Research shows it has a history of over 7,000 years, a civilization history of more than 5,000 years, and written records spanning 2,500 years. The town covers an area of 54 square kilometers, has a registered population of 56,000, and administers 12 administrative villages and one community residents' committee.

Changjing Town is under the jurisdiction of Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province, located at the geometric center of the Suzhou-Wuxi-Changzhou economic zone in the Yangtze River Delta. It borders the Yangtze River to the north and Taihu Lake to the south, enjoying a highly advantageous geographical position. The area experiences distinct seasons... More details about Changjing Town++

Changjing Town is under the jurisdiction of Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province, located at the geometric center of the Suzhou-Wuxi-Changzhou economic zone in the Yangtze River Delta. It borders the Yangtze River to the north and Lake Taihu to the south, enjoying an exceptionally advantageous geographical position. The town experiences distinct seasons, … Changjing Town detailed information++