Hongqi Canal Scenic Area

　　The "Artificial Heavenly River—Hongqi Canal" is an unprecedented masterpiece of humanity's endeavor to "transform and harness nature." It embodies the sweat and ingenuity of the people of Linzhou in New China, standing not only as a tremendous material asset but also as a significant spiritual legacy. The outstanding traditional virtues and moving spirit demonstrated by the people of Linzhou during this project—"self-reliance, hard work, unity, and selfless dedication"—have received high praise and commendation from national leaders and widespread admiration across the world. In the 1970s, then-Premier Zhou Enlai proudly told international friends, "New China has two great miracles: one is the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, and the other is the Hongqi Canal in Lin County (now Linzhou)." When the current President of China inspected Hongqi Canal on June 1, 1996, he personally inscribed the words: "Carry forward the Hongqi Canal spirit of self-reliance and hard work." The Secretary of the Henan Provincial Party Committee referred to the Hongqi Canal spirit as the "Soul of China" and the "Soul of the Nation." In 1996, Hongqi Canal was designated as one of the country’s hundred patriotic education bases.

　　Lin County was once a poverty-stricken mountainous area with thin soil, thick rocks, and an extreme shortage of water. "Water was as precious as oil, crops failed nine years out of ten, landlords oppressed with rent and debt, and the poor worried day and night"—this was the harsh reality 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." With the determination to "rearrange the landscape of Lin County," starting from 1957, they successively built water conservancy projects such as the Hero Canal, Qi River Canal, Nangu Cave Reservoir, and Gongshang Reservoir. However, due to limited water sources, large-scale irrigation issues remained unresolved.

　　"Diverting Zhang River water to Lin County" had been a long-cherished wish of the people of Lin County. After consultations and approval between Henan and Shanxi provinces, and authorization by the Ministry of Water Resources and Electric Power entrusted by the National Planning Commission, with the support of leaders at various levels in the province and region, cadres and masses from Pingshun County in Shanxi Province, and 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, milestones were achieved: the main canal became operational on April 5, 1965; the three trunk canals were completed simultaneously in April 1966; and by July 1969, the entire system of trunk, branch, and lateral canals was finished. Thus, an irrigation system centered around Hongqi Canal was essentially formed, providing effective irrigation to 540,000 mu of farmland.

　　Hongqi Canal draws its water from the Zhuozhang River. Its headworks are located beneath Houbi Cliff in Shicheng Town, Pingshun County, Shanxi Province. The main canal stretches 70.6 kilometers, with a bottom width of 8 meters, a wall height of 4.3 meters, a gradient of 1/8000, and a designed maximum flow rate of 23 cubic meters per second. The entire canal was carved into the rugged ridges of the Taihang Mountains, making the engineering feat incredibly perilous.

　　The main canal branches into three trunk canals at the water diversion hub. The first trunk canal heads southwest, passing through Yaocheng Town and Chengjiao Township before joining the Hero Canal in Hejian Town, spanning 39.7 kilometers with a bottom width of 6.5 meters, a wall height of 3.5 meters, a gradient of 1/5000, a maximum flow rate of 14 cubic meters per second, and irrigating 352,000 mu. The second trunk canal runs southeast through Yaocheng Town and Heshun Town to Madian Village in Hengshui Town, covering 47.6 kilometers with a bottom width of 3.5 meters, a wall height of 2.5 meters, a gradient of 1/2000, a maximum flow rate of 7.7 cubic meters per second, and irrigating 116,000 mu. The third trunk canal extends eastward to Dongluzhai Village in Donggang Township, stretching 10.9 kilometers with a bottom width of 2.5 meters, a wall height of 2.2 meters, a gradient of 1/3000, a maximum flow rate of 3.3 cubic meters per second, and irrigating 46,000 mu.

　　The Hongqi Canal irrigation system includes 10 trunk and sub-trunk canals totaling 304.1 kilometers, 51 branch canals spanning 524.1 kilometers, 290 lateral canals totaling 697.3 kilometers, and 4,281 farm canals covering 2,488 kilometers. Along the canals, there are 48 small-to-medium-sized reservoirs, 346 ponds, with a total useful storage capacity of 23.81 million cubic meters, and 12,408 various structures. Among these are 211 tunnels totaling 53.7 kilometers, 151 aqueducts spanning 12.5 kilometers, as well as hydroelectric and pumping stations. The project mobilized 56.11 million workdays, moved 22.25 million cubic meters of earth and stone, and cost a total investment of 125.04 million yuan, including 46.25 million yuan (37%) from the state and 78.78 million yuan (63%) from 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, approximately 20 kilometers from downtown. Blessed with a prime location and convenient transportation, it features stunning and rugged natural scenery, along with unique and magnificent cultural landscapes, making it an ideal destination for tourism. Established in 1990, the scenic area spans 5 square kilometers with a total investment exceeding 5 million yuan. It ingeniously integrates the majestic and precipitous key Hongqi Canal projects, which wind along the cliffs of the Taihang Mountains, with the "majestic, perilous, unique, and beautiful" natural landscape and historic sites of Linlu Mountain. The result is a harmonious blend that showcases genuine local charm and a profound sense of grandeur.

　　In 1990, it was approved as a provincial-level scenic area by the Henan Provincial People’s Government, and efforts are underway to elevate it to national status. The scenic area consists of three zones: the "Fenshui Garden," the "Youth Cave," and the "Luositan." Each zone has distinct features, diverse atmospheres, interrelated content, and complements one another seamlessly.

　　The Fenshui Garden Scenic Area is a garden-style site and the location where the Hongqi Canal’s main canal splits into three trunk canals. Located 18 kilometers from downtown, it lies in the recessed waist area between the Datuo Ridge and Ma’er Ridge, branches of the northern Linlu Mountain. Originally called "Fentou Ridge," it was later renamed "Fenshui Ridge." The area features well-arranged attractions, strict planning, clusters of cypress trees, and rushing canal waters. Truly, "the landscape is exquisite," offering visitors a "refreshing and uplifting experience."

　　The Youth Cave Scenic Area is a 30-kilometer drive uphill from the Fenshui Garden. Here, the high mountains and treacherous roads allow you to fully appreciate the endless poetry of the "Artificial Heavenly River," as the Hongqi Canal hangs dramatically on the steep cliffs of the majestic Taihang Mountains. The highlight, the "Youth Cave," is carved into a sheer cliff, piercing through the heart of the mountain and presenting a magnificent scene that captures the "majestic, perilous, unique, and beautiful" essence of the Taihang range. From this vantage point, the breathtaking views stretch as far as the eye can see, leaving visitors in awe and admiration.

　　The Luositan Scenic Area is located about 1 kilometer west of the Youth Cave, also known as the "Tianshao Break." "Luositan" (Silk Thread Pool) gets its name from its depth being equivalent to the length of a silk thread from a silkworm. Additionally, since the Zhuozhang River features "Nine Gorges and Eighteen Breaks," this location represents a major break with a steep drop, featuring a suspension bridge over the canyon connecting Henan and Hebei provinces—thus the name "Tianshao Break." Here, you can explore the Zhang River’s famous "Little Three Gorges," take a boat ride to enjoy the mountain-water scenery, visit the mysterious "Tortoise Cave" associated with the legend of a divine turtle saving the people, and admire ancient sites like the towering "Iron Chain Bridge."

　　Address: S228, Linzhou City, Anyang, Henan

　　Type: Water Conservancy Project

　　Rating: AAAAA

　　Recommended Visit Duration: 0.5–1 day

　　Phone: 0372-6811466; 0372-6040080

　　Opening Hours:

　　8:00–18:00