What did Lingqu Canal look like?

Approximately 36 km in total length. Core engineering works include the Huazui (Plowshare diversion tip), the Large and Small Tianping (overflow weirs), and the South and North Canals.

How did Lingqu Canal work?

Huazui splits incoming Xiang River flow 3:7 → Tianping overflow weirs impound water and raise the water level → excess water automatically overflows back to the Xiang's old channel → the South Canal traverses the watershed divide stepwise via doumen (lock gates) → enters the Li River.

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灵渠

Lingqu Canal

A trans-watershed canal connecting the Xiang River (Yangtze system) with the Li River (Pearl River system). The Huazui diversion tip and Tianping overflow weirs balance water-level differences, achieving north-south waterway connectivity.

灵渠

Scientific Principle

Watershed-canal engineering: using impounding weirs to raise water level + lock gates to overcome elevation differences stepwise. Hydrological balance: overflow weirs maintain constant water level.