Xiangbiling Longquanqu Ancient Water Project in Qiubei County, Wenshan
Chinese Name: 丘北县象鼻岭龙泉渠桥背水古水利工程
English Name: Xiangbiling Longquanqu Ancient Water Project in Qiubei County, Wenshan
Overview
The Xiangbiling Water Project is one of the largest ancient water conservancy projects still existing in Yunnan. It is located in Alubai Village, Yishao Township, Qiubei County, Wenshan. The project was initially constructed during the Qing Dynasty, specifically in the Qianlong period (1736-1796), and features a combination of tunnels, stone bridges, and aqueducts.
Structure and Features
- Aqueduct: The aqueduct spans a total length of 310 meters and is constructed from stone. It includes a three-arch stone bridge that crosses the river, with each arch measuring 4.5 meters in span and standing 13.5 meters above the river surface. This ancient water project integrates both water diversion and transportation functions.
- Location: Situated south of Alubai Village, Qiubei County, the project crosses the Qingshui River.
- Construction Details:
- Bridge Type: The project features a bridge consisting of three semi-circular stone arches, constructed from blue stone.
- Dimensions: The entire bridge is 340 meters long, 13.5 meters high, with a width of 2.1 meters. The arch height is 10.8 meters, the clear span of each arch is 5.6 meters, and the thickness of the arch is 1.7 meters.
- Additional Features: The bridge has 1-meter high solid parapets on either side for water diversion. The waterway width is 1.5 meters, and the flow rate is 0.75 cubic centimeters per second.
- Materials Used: Approximately 22,000 cubic meters of stone were used in the construction.
Xiangbiling Longquanqu Ancient Water Project in Qiubei County, Yunnan Province, is a significant historical water conservancy system. This project, which dates back several centuries, continues to play a crucial role in drought resistance, agricultural production, irrigation, tourism, and the study of hydraulic engineering.
Bridge Backflow Water
In his article “On Ancient Chinese Bridges,” the renowned bridge expert Mao Yisheng stated: “The role of a bridge is to cross rivers and valleys to connect roads.” The phenomenon of water flowing over a bridge, known as “bridge backflow water,” represents an extension of the bridge’s function and demonstrates human ingenuity. Among ancient bridges featuring this “backflow water” function in Yunnan, the Longquanqu Bridge in northwest Qiubei County is the most famous.
Project Details
- Structure: The Longquanqu Bridge backflow water project includes a 310-meter-long, 2-meter-wide, and 0.7-meter-high stone aqueduct, with part of it running over a 13.5-meter-long, three-arch stone bridge, creating the distinctive “bridge backflow water” effect.
- Historical Development: Originally, 120 households from villages such as Xincheng, Jiucheng, Shanbei, and Matoushan funded and constructed a stone dam 1 meter high and over 100 meters long. This dam intercepted waters from the Daqinglong, Xiaobailong, and Duyanjiong pools, creating east and west ditches for irrigation. In 1776, local households set up wooden sluices to channel surplus water into the Beimen River for further irrigation. When the wooden sluices deteriorated, villagers raised over 3,000 taels of silver to build more than 300 meters of stone aqueduct. This project, completed in 1794, has served the community for over 200 years.
Location and Scenic Value
- Proximity: The Longquanqu Bridge backflow water project is situated 2 kilometers from Qiubei County and 3 kilometers from the Puzhehei scenic area, a National AAAA-level tourist attraction. It serves as a crucial link between the scenic area and the county and is one of Puzhehei’s significant ancient relics.
- Scenery: Adjacent to the Longquanqu Bridge is the picturesque Xiangbiling area, spanning the beautiful Qingshui River. The bridge’s elegant stone construction is described as a “dragon,” and the area features scenic attractions such as the Longtan pool, known for its water jetting like a column.
Historical Construction
- Timeline: The project began in the 50th year of the Qianlong reign (1785) and was completed in the 59th year (1794). The construction included both the bridge and the canal, with the Xiangbiling Tunnel, a 180-meter-long, 2.53-meter-wide, and 2-meter-high stone canal, being a key component. The project extended water from the Longquan Dam 24 kilometers east, irrigating over 120,000 acres.
Significance
- Engineering and Historical Value: The Longquanqu Bridge backflow water project is a masterpiece of ancient water conservancy in Qiubei and is the largest ancient water conservancy project in Yunnan. It represents advanced hydraulic engineering of its time, with a rational layout, grand scale, and harmonious integration with the natural environment. The project has been preserved and protected over centuries, including repairs by the Yunnan Provincial Government in the 20th century.
- Cultural Impact: The project has long been a local attraction and is featured prominently in the Puzhehei scenic area. The bridge and its backflow water system have inspired scholars and poets throughout history, reflecting the foresight and ingenuity of its builders. It remains a significant cultural and historical landmark, showcasing ancient hydraulic technology while contributing to the local community’s prosperity.
