Get ready to flip the map and zoom in on some of the world's oldest watering wonders! At the 76th International Executive Council Meeting of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), four remarkable sites in the Chinese mainland have been officially inscribed on the World Heritage Irrigation Structures (WHIS) list. 🌍💧
Here’s the lineup of these irrigation icons:
- Chishan Lake Irrigation System: A living example of smart water management that's been keeping rice paddies lush.
- Yuanyang Hani Terraces: Carved into the mountains for over a thousand years, these steps glow with golden rice fields at sunrise. 🌅
- Jianjiangyan Irrigation System: An ancient hydraulic marvel that still channels water to farms just like it did centuries ago.
- Mentougou Ancient Canals of Yongding River: A network of canals tracing the history of sustainable water use around Beijing’s outskirts. 🌿
With these additions, the Chinese mainland now boasts 42 WHIS sites — a true testament to its rich irrigation heritage. From cliffside terraces to intricate canal systems, these structures show how human ingenuity can work in harmony with nature. 🌱
Whether you're a culture geek, a history buff, or just love epic landscapes, these sites are bucket-list gold. Plan a bird's-eye drone shot, grab your travel journal, and get inspired by the stories behind the stones and streams. 🚁📸
From ancient know-how to modern admiration, these irrigation legends remind us that great ideas can stand the test of time — and water! 💦✨
Reference(s):
China adds 4 sites to World Heritage Irrigation Structures List
cgtn.com
