Anfeng Pond (Quebei Ancient Reservoir)
安丰塘
An ancient embankment-and-reservoir irrigation project built under Sun Shuao, chief minister of the State of Chu in the Spring and Autumn period; a World Irrigation Heritage Site with a ring embankment ideal for cycling past farmland.
Anfeng Pond, known in antiquity as Shaobei, lies in Anfeng Town about 30 km south of Shou County. Tradition holds that it was built under Sun Shuao, chief minister of the State of Chu during the Spring and Autumn period. It is one of China's earliest large embankment-and-reservoir irrigation projects. It has irrigated the surrounding farmland for over two thousand years, was listed as a World Irrigation Heritage Site in 2015, and is a national key cultural relic protection unit. The pond surface is broad, and the ring embankment is about 25 km long; the north embankment has a Sun Gong Shrine, stone inscriptions and the remains of an ancient water gate. It is ideal for driving or cycling around the pond, and in spring the fields beyond the embankment are covered with rapeseed flowers. Admission is free, but there are few places to eat nearby, so plan a half-day round trip from Shou County's old town.
Opening hours
Open all day (Sun Gong Ci hours per on-site notices)