Hongqi Canal–Taihang Grand Canyon Scenic Area

Hongqi Canal–Taihang Grand Canyon Scenic Area

The Hongqi Canal–Taihang Grand Canyon Scenic Area is a national scenic spot, a National AAAAA-level tourist attraction, a national water conservancy scenic area, and a patriotic education base.

The "Artificial Heavenly River—Hongqi Canal" is an unprecedented masterpiece of humanity's "transformation and utilization of nature." It is the crystallization of the diligence and wisdom of the people of Linzhou in the new China, representing not only immense material wealth but also significant spiritual wealth. In this project, the people of Linzhou demonstrated the fine traditional virtues and moving spirit of "self-reliance, hard work, unity, and selfless dedication." These qualities were fully affirmed and praised by the Party and state leaders, and have been widely acclaimed and celebrated by people around the world. In the 1970s, Premier Zhou Enlai proudly told international friends, "New China has two great wonders: one is the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, and the other is the Hongqi Canal in Lin County (now known as Linzhou)." In June 1996, the current President of China visited Hongqi Canal on June 1 and personally inscribed: "Carry forward the spirit of Hongqi Canal: self-reliance and hard work." The Secretary of the Henan Provincial Party Committee referred to the spirit of Hongqi Canal as the "Soul of China" and the "Soul of the Nation." In 1996, Hongqi Canal was designated as one of the one hundred national patriotic education bases.

Lin County was a poor mountainous region with thin soil, thick rocks, and an extreme shortage of water. "Water is as precious as oil, crops fail nine years out of ten, landlords demand rent and debts, and the poor worry day and night"—this was the true portrayal of old Lin County.

After the founding of New China, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the people of the county carried forward the spirit of "self-reliance and hard struggle," determined to "rearrange the landscape of Lin County." Starting in 1957, they successively built the Hero Canal, Qi River Canal, Nangu Dong Reservoir, Gongshang Reservoir, and other water conservancy projects. However, due to limited water sources, large-scale irrigation issues remained unresolved.

"Diverting Zhang River water to Lin County" had been a long-held wish of the people of Lin County. After consultations and approval between Henan and Shanxi provinces, and with authorization from the State Planning Commission through the Ministry of Water Resources and Electric Power, supported by provincial, regional leaders, cadres, and masses of Pingshun County in Shanxi Province, as well as assistance from water conservancy departments and engineering technicians, the county party committee and county government organized tens of thousands of workers. Construction began in February 1960, and after ten years of hard work, the main canal was completed and operational on April 5, 1965. By April 1966, three trunk canals were simultaneously finished. By July 1969, the construction of branch, sub-branch, and lateral canals was completed. Thus, the irrigation system centered around the Hongqi Canal was essentially formed, with an effective irrigated area reaching 540,000 mu.

The Hongqi Canal draws water from the Zhuozhang River. The canal head is located at the base of Houbi Cliff in Shicheng Town, Pingshun County, Shanxi Province. The total length of the main canal is 70.6 kilometers, with a bottom width of 8 meters, a wall height of 4.3 meters, a longitudinal slope of 1/8000, and a designed maximum flow rate of 23 cubic meters per second. The entire canal is carved into the rugged ridges of the Taihang Mountains, making the project extremely challenging.

The main canal is divided into three trunk canals at the watershed. The first trunk canal extends southwest, passing through Yaocheng Town and Chengjiao Township to Hejian Town, where it meets the Hero Canal. It is 39.7 kilometers long, with a bottom width of 6.5 meters, a wall height of 3.5 meters, a slope of 1/5000, a designed maximum flow rate of 14 cubic meters per second, and an irrigated area of 352,000 mu. The second trunk canal heads southeast, passing through Yaocheng Town and Heshun Town to Madian Village in Hengshui Town, spanning 47.6 kilometers. It has a bottom width of 3.5 meters, a wall height of 2.5 meters, a slope of 1/2000, a designed maximum flow rate of 7.7 cubic meters per second, and an irrigated area of 116,000 mu. The third trunk canal extends eastward to Dongluzhai Village in Donggang Township, covering 10.9 kilometers. It has a bottom width of 2.5 meters, a wall height of 2.2 meters, a slope of 1/3000, a designed maximum flow rate of 3.3 cubic meters per second, and an irrigated area of 46,000 mu.

The Hongqi Canal irrigation system includes 10 trunk and branch canals, totaling 304.1 kilometers; 51 branch canals, totaling 524.1 kilometers; 290 lateral canals, totaling 697.3 kilometers; 4,281 farm canals, totaling 2,488 kilometers; 48 small-scale reservoirs (Types I and II), 346 ponds and weirs, with a total useful storage capacity of 23.81 million cubic meters; and 12,408 various structures, including 211 tunnels totaling 53.7 kilometers, 151 aqueducts totaling 12.5 kilometers, as well as hydroelectric and pumping stations. The Hongqi Canal project involved a total of 56.11 million labor-days, with 22.25 million cubic meters of earthwork and masonry completed. The total investment was 125.04 million yuan, of which 46.25 million yuan (37%) came from the state, and 78.78 million yuan (63%) from local communes and brigades.

The Hongqi Canal Scenic Area is located in the northern part of Linzhou City, at the junction of Henan, Shanxi, and Hebei provinces, 20 kilometers from the city center. With its superior geographical location, convenient transportation, stunning and rugged natural scenery, and unique and grand cultural landscapes, it is an ideal destination for tourism. Established in 1990, the scenic area covers a total of 5 square kilometers, with a total investment exceeding 5 million yuan. It ingeniously integrates the majestic and perilous key projects of the Hongqi Canal, which winds along the cliffs of the Taihang Mountains, with the naturally beautiful and uniquely magnificent landscapes and historical sites of the "majestic, perilous, strange, and elegant" Linlu Mountain. The result is a harmonious blend that embodies a genuine rural charm and a grand, awe-inspiring atmosphere.

In 1990, it was approved by the People's Government of Henan Province as a provincial scenic area and is striving to become a national scenic area. The scenic area consists of three zones: the Watershed Garden, Youth Cave, and Luositan. Each zone has its own characteristics, varying styles, interconnected meanings, and complements the whole.

The Watershed Garden is a garden-style scenic area and the location where the Hongqi Canal’s main canal divides into three trunk canals. Located 18 kilometers from the city center, it lies in the recessed area between the Datuo Ridge and Ma’er Ridge, branches extending eastward from the northern part of Linlu Mountain. Originally called "Fentou Ridge," it was later renamed "Watershed Ridge." The attractions here are orderly arranged, meticulously planned, surrounded by lush cypresses, and home to the rushing canal waters. It can truly be described as "beautiful scenery" that leaves one "refreshed and delighted."

The Youth Cave Scenic Area is a 30-kilometer drive uphill from the Watershed Garden. Here, the mountains are high and the roads treacherous. The Hongqi Canal hangs off the towering and perilous cliffs of the Taihang Mountains, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the endless poetry of the "Artificial Heavenly River." The main attraction, Youth Cave, is carved into the cliff face, burrowing through the mountains and presenting a grand and majestic scene. It encapsulates the "majestic, perilous, strange, and elegant" beauty of the Taihang Mountains, offering breathtaking views that inspire awe and admiration.

The Luositan Scenic Area is located about 1 kilometer west of Youth Cave, also known as "Tianqiao Duan" ("Sky Bridge Break"). Luositan derives its name from the depth of the pool, which is said to be the length of a silk thread produced by a silkworm. Additionally, as the Zhuozhang River features "nine gorges and eighteen breaks," this site is a major break with a steep drop, featuring a suspension bridge connecting Henan and Hebei provinces, hence the name "Tianqiao Duan." The area offers the Zhang River attraction known as the "Little Three Gorges," where visitors can boat and enjoy the scenic waters. There is also the mysterious "Tortoise Cave," home to the beautiful legend of the divine turtle saving the people, as well as the ancient hanging "Iron Chain Bridge."

Address: S228, Linzhou City, Anyang City

Type: Water Conservancy Project

Rating: AAAAA

Recommended Visit Duration: 0.5–1 day

Phone: 0372-6811466; 0372-6040080

Opening Hours:

8:00-18:00

Transportation:

Within the city, take Tourist Bus Line 1 to Taihang Grand Canyon – Hongqi Canal Visitor Center (1 yuan fare). Transfer at the visitor center to the memorial hall, then to Youth Cave, and back to the visitor center, with a total fare of 20 yuan.

Ticket Price:

100 yuan

Further Reading:

· 31st Batch of National AAAAA-Level Tourist Attractions (October 2016)

· Sixth Batch of Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level