Relics of the Yanggu Section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal

Relics of the Yanggu Section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal

The relics of the Yanggu Section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal are a cultural tourism attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Huitong River section of China’s Grand Canal in Yanggu County is located in the eastern part of the county, flowing from north to south. It starts at the Zhangqiu Jindi Sluice in the south and extends to one kilometer north of the A’cheng Lower Sluice in the north, passing through the urban areas of Zhangqiu and A’cheng, as well as 11 villages, with a total length of 19 kilometers.

To regulate the canal water and facilitate water transport, the Jingmen Upper and Lower Sluices and the A’cheng Upper and Lower Sluices were constructed along the Yanggu section of the canal.

Jingmen Upper Sluice

The Jingmen Upper Sluice is located west of Shangzha Village in Zhangqiu Town, covering an area of 3,200 square meters. It was built in the sixth year of the Dade era (1302) during the reign of Yuan Emperor Chengzong, with construction starting on the 23rd day of the first lunar month and completing on the 29th day of the sixth lunar month. It has a history of 711 years and was renovated in the ninth year of the Yongle era (1411) during the Ming Dynasty. The sluice structure is entirely built with bluestone slabs, connected by dovetail-shaped iron clamps, making it highly resistant to impact and exceptionally sturdy.

The Jingmen Lower Sluice is located west of Xiazha Village in Zhangqiu Town, covering an area of 2,860 square meters. It is located two and a half li south of the northern sluice. "Construction began on the first day of the first lunar month in the third year of the Dade era (1299) during the Yuan Dynasty and was completed on the 25th day of the tenth lunar month, employing 310 laborers. Its length and width are the same as those of the southern sluice." It has a history of 714 years and was also renovated in the ninth year of the Yongle era during the Ming Dynasty.

A’cheng Upper Sluice Wharf

The A’cheng Upper Sluice is located west of A’cheng Village, covering an area of 1,800 square meters. It was built in the second year of the Dade era (1298) during the Yuan Dynasty, with a history of 715 years. The sluice body is entirely constructed from bluestone, with slabs connected by dovetail iron clamps. Its symmetrical shape, rational structure, and exquisite stone-carving craftsmanship are notable.

The A’cheng Lower Sluice is located west of Liulou Village in A’cheng Town, covering an area of 1,800 square meters. It was built in the third year of the Dade era (1299) during the Yuan Dynasty, with a history of 714 years. The sluice body is entirely built from bluestone, featuring a rational structure and exquisite stone-carving workmanship.