Lingqu Canal
灵渠
An ancient canal dug in the Qin dynasty to link the Xiang and Li rivers, known as a “pearl of ancient world hydraulic engineering.”
Lingqu Canal lies in Xing’an County, about 60 km from downtown Guilin. Built in 214 BCE under Emperor Qin Shi Huang to conquer the Lingnan region, it stretches about 37 km. It uses the Huazui diversion point and the Big and Small Tianping weirs to divert water, and lock gates regulate water levels for boats. It links the Yangtze and Pearl river systems and was listed as a World Irrigation Heritage Site in 2018. Inside the scenic area you can see the Huazui, the Tianping weirs, the Qin embankment, the lock gates, and ancient trees, and a water-street old town runs alongside the canal. Admission is around several dozen yuan (confirm on site). A visit takes about 2 hours. You can take a high-speed train to Xing’an North Station and then a taxi, or drive for about 1 hour, and combine it with Mao’er Mountain.
Opening hours
About 08:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Merryland Resort, Guilin
- Haiyang Ginkgo Villages
- Mao'er Mountain
- Yao Mountain
- Jiangtouzhou Ancient Village
- Tombs of the Jingjiang Princes
- Yushan Park, Guilin
- Daxu Ancient Town