Jumen Sluice

Jumen Sluice

Jumen Sluice is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Jumen Sluice is located on the right bank of the Yongding River, 3.5 kilometers north of Beicai Village, Yihezhuang Township, in the northeastern part of Zhuozhou City, Hebei Province.

This sluice was first constructed in the 40th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1701). Originally a grass sluice, its function was to divert water from the Mangniu River into the Yongding River to use clear water to wash away silt. Later, due to sediment buildup on the riverbed, which rose higher than that of the Mangniu River, the original sluice lost its function. Then, in the 3rd year of the Qianlong reign (1738), a stone flood-reducing dam was relocated and rebuilt at its current location, but retained the old name. The Yongding River is known for its fierce currents and high sediment load; as silt built up, the riverbed rose, and with the dam located downstream, periodic maintenance became essential—typically minor repairs every few years. Major renovations were carried out in the 38th year of the Qianlong reign (1773), the 4th year of the Daoguang reign (1824), and the 11th year of the Tongzhi reign (1872). It was not until the 1st year of the Xuantong reign (1909) that the Jumen Sluice was rebuilt, replacing the grass sluice with a stone dam 170 years after the original had been discarded, and this version has been preserved to this day.

The Jumen Sluice consists of fifteen bays and stretches 100.6 meters from north to south. In 1937, the southernmost two bays were modified into iron gates for agricultural irrigation, while the rest were decommissioned. On the southern dam platform of the sluice, there are several stelae: one inscribed with a poem by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, one commemorating the dredging of the Jumen Sluice by Qianlong, one bearing the Daoguang Emperor's imperial edict, one documenting the Tongzhi-era reconstruction of the Jumen Sluice’s flood-reducing stone dam, and one marking the Xuantong-era rebuilding of the Jumen Sluice.

In ancient times, this sluice played an indispensable role in protecting the lives and property of the people living along both banks of the Yongding River and stands as a testament to the ingenuity of ancient hydraulic engineering. Though no longer in use, its remnants remain. The grandeur of its structure and the excellence of its construction reflect its significant scientific and historical value.

In 2006, Jumen Sluice, as an ancient architectural structure from the Qing Dynasty, was approved by the State Council for inclusion in the sixth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Hebei Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units