Bapu Weir

Bapu Weir

The term "weir" (圳, zhèn) originally referred to an "irrigation dam" (堰, yàn) in ancient Fujian and Guangdong provinces—structures that divert river water into canals. Later, as large numbers of people from these regions migrated to Taiwan, they brought the term with them. Located in Changhua County, Taiwan, Bapu Weir was first constructed in 1709 and completed in 1719, making it one of the oldest irrigation systems in Taiwan. It was originally funded and built by Shi Shibang and was thus initially named "Shi's Weir." Since it draws water from the Zhuoshui River to irrigate the farmlands of the Eight Bao (a "Bao" was roughly equivalent to a township, comprising many villages), it is also known as the "Zhuoshui Weir" or "Bapu Weir."

During the early stages of excavation, efforts to divert water into the weir repeatedly failed. Legend has it that an elderly man later visited Shi Shibang, providing him with a water conservancy blueprint. Following the diagram, Shi resumed the digging and eventually succeeded. After the completion of the weir, the old man refused any reward and did not reveal his name, only identifying himself as “Mr. Lin.” In gratitude for his contribution, later generations built the Lin’s Shrine at the head of the Ershui Weir to honor his legacy.

Today, thanks to the joint development efforts of Han Chinese and local ethnic communities, the irrigated area of Bapu Weir has continued to expand and remains in active use. It has been ranked as the island’s fourth-largest irrigation zone. Additionally, a nearby Bapu Weir Park has been established, attracting numerous visitors every year.

Babao Ditch

Why go: One of the oldest irrigation systems in Taiwan