Babao Weir

　　The term "weir" (圳) refers to what was historically called a "weir" or "yàn" in the Fujian and Guangdong provinces of China — a structure that diverts river water into canals. Later, as large numbers of people from Fujian and Guangdong migrated to Taiwan, they brought this term with them. Located in Changhua County, Taiwan, Babao Weir was first built in 1709 and completed in 1719, making it one of the oldest irrigation systems in Taiwan. It was originally funded and constructed by Shi Shibang, hence its original name "Shi's Weir" (施厝圳). It is also known as "Zhuoshui Weir" or "Babao Weir" because it draws water from the Zhuoshui River to irrigate the farmlands of eight "bao" (a bao is equivalent to a township, comprising many villages).

　　In the early stages of digging Babao Weir, efforts to divert water into the canal repeatedly failed. Legend has it that an elderly man later visited Shi Shibang, provided him with a design for the irrigation system, and Shi, following the man’s method, succeeded in reopening the canal. After the project was completed, the old man refused any reward and would not reveal his name, only identifying himself as “Mr. Lin.” Out of gratitude, later generations built the Lin’s Shrine at the head of the Ershui Weir in his honor.

　　Today, under the joint development efforts of Han Chinese and local ethnic communities, the irrigated area of Babao Weir has continued to expand and remains in use. It has been ranked as the fourth-largest irrigation zone on the island. Additionally, a nearby Babao Weir Park has been established, attracting many visitors each year.

　　Babao Ditch Must-visit reason: One of Taiwan’s oldest irrigation systems