Core Insights - The Beijing Mentougou Yongding River Ancient Canal Irrigation Project has been successfully included in the 2025 World Irrigation Heritage List, marking it as the first irrigation system in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region to receive this honor, enhancing Beijing's cultural profile on a global scale [1] Group 1: Historical Significance - The irrigation system consists of five core ancient canals and surrounding water conservancy relics, with a history dating back to 250 AD during the Three Kingdoms period, originally irrigating an area of 66,000 acres [1] - The Fuxiatai Canal, one of the core canals, is noted for its advanced construction techniques, including the use of blasting technology to shorten the project duration [1] Group 2: Agricultural Impact - The Fuxiatai Canal plays a crucial role in local agriculture, enabling the cultivation of high-quality products such as Fuji apples and Jingbai pears, which have contributed to increased farmer incomes [2] - The canal's management includes seasonal practices such as opening sluice gates for irrigation in spring and clearing silt in winter to maintain water flow [2] Group 3: Engineering and Management Innovations - The ancient canals employ unique techniques to manage sediment and water flow, such as "dam-free water diversion" and "silt control," which effectively mitigate flooding and sedimentation issues [2] - The management model of the irrigation system has historical roots, with the establishment of the earliest farmers' water association in Beijing during the Qing Dynasty, aligning with modern water management principles [3] Group 4: Future Development and Collaboration - The Beijing Water Authority plans to leverage the recognition of the ancient canal for enhanced protection and innovative management, integrating smart water management platforms for dynamic monitoring [3] - Future initiatives will focus on combining canal protection with comprehensive governance of the Yongding River and promoting international cooperation to share China's water management stories [3]

Core Viewpoint - The Beijing Mentougou Yongding River Ancient Canal Irrigation Project has been recognized as a World Irrigation Heritage, showcasing ancient water management wisdom and its continued relevance in modern agricultural and ecological practices [1][3][10]. Group 1: Historical Significance - The ancient irrigation system consists of five canals and has historically irrigated up to 66,000 acres, supporting the grain supply and coal transport for Beijing during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties [3][4]. - The canals have been in use for over 900 years, with the earliest, the Gongyigou Canal, dating back to 1099, still irrigating 354 acres today [5][6]. Group 2: Modern Applications - The ancient canals continue to serve vital functions, such as flood control, agricultural irrigation, and ecological conservation, demonstrating their adaptability to contemporary needs [1][4][10]. - The irrigation system has been integrated into local agriculture, with villagers now primarily cultivating high-value crops like Fuji apples, leading to increased economic prosperity [4][10]. Group 3: Innovative Management - The ancient canals utilize traditional methods to manage water levels effectively, including the use of adjustable barriers to control water flow and prevent flooding [7][9]. - The design of the canals incorporates a reverse slope to facilitate sedimentation, reducing maintenance needs and enhancing efficiency [7][8]. Group 4: Future Development - The project aims to explore new opportunities by linking irrigation heritage with cultural tourism, enhancing local resources and promoting ecological sustainability [9][10]. - Future plans include the integration of smart water management systems and the promotion of a cultural heritage corridor that combines water management with cultural narratives [10].

Core Points - The 76th International Executive Council meeting of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage announced the inclusion of four Chinese irrigation projects in the World Irrigation Heritage List for 2025, bringing China's total to 42 [1][2] Group 1: Selected Projects - The Yunnan Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, covering an irrigation area of 56,100 acres, exemplifies the Hani people's adaptation to nature and integrates their culture and irrigation management [1] - The Chishan Lake Irrigation Project in Jiangsu, with a history of over 1,700 years, irrigates 77,000 acres and effectively addresses flooding and drought issues in low-lying areas [1] - The Qianjiang Weir in Sichuan, established during the Western Han Dynasty, represents advanced water resource management and supports irrigation during droughts through over 300 self-flowing springs [1] - The Yongding River Ancient Canal Irrigation Project in Beijing irrigates approximately 2,000 acres of farmland and provides water for around 20,000 acres of orchards and ecological areas [2] Group 2: Heritage List Purpose - The World Irrigation Heritage List, established in 2014, aims to document the development of global irrigation civilization, promote the protection of irrigation heritage, and provide historical insights for sustainable irrigation development [2]

Core Viewpoint - The successful inclusion of Pengzhou Qianjiang Weir in the 2025 World Irrigation Heritage List highlights the importance of ancient irrigation systems in modern agricultural practices and their sustainable management of water resources [2][5]. Summary by Relevant Sections Irrigation Heritage - The number of World Irrigation Heritage sites in Sichuan Province has reached four, with the recent addition of Pengzhou Qianjiang Weir [2]. - The heritage system includes water engineering relics, non-water engineering relics, and intangible cultural heritage, showcasing a living history of water management wisdom [2]. Unique Features of Qianjiang Weir - Qianjiang Weir utilizes the geographical advantage of a northwest high and southeast low terrain, employing a "Pingliang" water distribution technique to create a water network that addresses seasonal water imbalances [3][4]. - The system incorporates both surface water (Qianjiang) and groundwater (Xiaoyuan Spring), with over 300 self-flowing springs constructed to supplement water supply during dry periods, demonstrating advanced ancient water resource management [4]. Contribution to Agriculture - The Qianjiang Weir currently irrigates 162,000 acres of farmland, extending agricultural production to the edges of the Longmen Mountains and Chengdu Plain, supporting the cultivation of rice and other crops [4]. - The four irrigation heritage sites collectively irrigate approximately 12 million acres, equivalent to the area of 40 large irrigation districts, with the Dujiangyan irrigation area alone covering 11.647 million acres, contributing significantly to food production and GDP [6]. Cultural and Economic Integration - The integration of cultural and tourism development around these irrigation heritage sites is being explored, with initiatives to create water culture experiences and leisure agriculture products [7]. - The establishment of the "Large Irrigation District" cultural tourism development alliance in 2020 aims to enhance the visibility and economic value of these heritage sites [7].

Core Insights - The successful inclusion of the Chishan Lake Irrigation Project in the 2025 World Irrigation Heritage List highlights its historical significance and effective management, making it the only water conservancy project from Jiangsu Province to be selected this year [1][2] Group 1: Historical Significance - The Chishan Lake Irrigation Project, with a history of over 1,700 years, is a crucial irrigation and flood control project on the upper reaches of the Qinhuai River, irrigating an area of 77,000 acres [1] - The project exemplifies ancient Chinese wisdom in water management, showcasing a three-dimensional water regulation system developed over centuries [1][2] Group 2: Management Mechanism - The management system of Chishan Lake is notable for its historical "water regulations" and modern governance practices, including the establishment of dedicated "lake managers" for grid-based management [2] - The project has successfully integrated ecological conservation with modern tourism and educational functions, transforming from a traditional irrigation project into a modern green landmark [2] Group 3: Future Development - The emphasis on balancing protection and development aims to promote cultural heritage while fostering economic growth, ensuring the continued relevance of the ancient irrigation project in modern practices [2]

Core Points - The 76th International Executive Council meeting of the International Irrigation Commission announced the inclusion of four Chinese irrigation projects in the World Irrigation Heritage List for 2025, bringing China's total to 42 [1][2] Group 1: Selected Projects - The Yunnan Honghe Hani Terraces, covering an irrigation area of 56,100 acres, exemplifies the Hani people's adaptation to nature and integrates their culture and irrigation management [1] - The Chishan Lake Irrigation Project in Jiangsu, with a history of over 1,700 years, irrigates 77,000 acres and effectively addresses flooding and drought issues in low-lying areas [1] - The Qianjiang Weir in Sichuan, established during the Western Han Dynasty, represents advanced ancient water resource utilization, ensuring irrigation during droughts through over 300 self-flowing weirs [2] - The Yongding River Ancient Canal in Beijing irrigates approximately 2,000 acres of farmland and provides water for around 20,000 acres of orchards and ecological areas [2] Group 2: Purpose of the Heritage List - The World Irrigation Heritage List, established in 2014, aims to trace the development of global irrigation civilization, promote the protection of irrigation heritage, and provide historical insights for sustainable irrigation development [2]

Core Points - The Jiangsu Jurong Chishan Lake Irrigation Project has been officially included in the World Irrigation Heritage List, marking a significant recognition of its historical and engineering value [1][6] - This inclusion fills the gap of World Irrigation Heritage in southern Jiangsu, enhancing Jurong's cultural profile [1][6] Group 1: Project Overview - The Chishan Lake Irrigation Project is located in the southwestern part of Jurong City, Jiangsu Province, and has been operational for over 1,700 years since its establishment in 239 AD [3][5] - It serves multiple functions including irrigation, flood control, and navigation, currently irrigating 77,000 acres of farmland and protecting the flood safety of 738 square kilometers and over 1.7 million people in the downstream Qinhuai River basin [3][5] Group 2: Historical Significance - The project exemplifies ancient wisdom in water management, utilizing the local topography to create a scientific system for water control [3][5] - It features the earliest water observation facility in Jiangsu, established before the Song Dynasty, which set standards for water management and has influenced modern water management practices [5][6] Group 3: Heritage and Cultural Value - The project has a rich heritage system, including 13 existing engineering relics and various intangible cultural heritages related to water management [5][6] - The successful application for World Heritage status involved a comprehensive investigation and planning process, showcasing the project's historical context and technological value [6]

Core Points - The 76th International Executive Council meeting of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where the 2025 World Irrigation Heritage List was officially announced [1] - Four irrigation projects from China were successfully included in the list: the Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces in Yunnan, the Chishan Lake Irrigation Project in Jiangsu, the Qianjiang Weir in Sichuan, and the Yongding River Ancient Canal Irrigation Project in Beijing [1][4] Summary by Category - **Irrigation Projects** - The Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces cover an irrigation area of 56,100 acres and were established during the Tang Dynasty, showcasing a three-dimensional ecological system [4] - The Chishan Lake Irrigation Project, located in Jiangsu, has a history of over 1,700 years and irrigates 77,000 acres, serving as a crucial irrigation and flood control project on the Qinhuai River [4] - The Qianjiang Weir in Sichuan, dating back to the late Western Han Dynasty, currently irrigates 162,000 acres and is a notable example of the Pingliang water distribution system [4] - The Yongding River Ancient Canal Irrigation Project in Beijing consists of five ancient canals and surrounding springs, demonstrating a harmonious relationship between water management and flood prevention [4] - **Heritage Recognition** - The total number of World Irrigation Heritage sites has reached 200 since the establishment of the list in 2014, with China's total now at 42 [7][8]

Group 1 - Beijing Municipal Development and Reform Commission approved the implementation plan for the public space renovation project in the Songzhuang Art Museum-Nanhu area of Tongzhou District [4] - The project aims to enhance the artistic and recreational environment, including the addition of children's play facilities and a lakeside boardwalk [4] Group 2 - The new project aligns with the city's broader urban development strategy, focusing on improving public spaces and promoting cultural activities [4] - This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to revitalize the Tongzhou area, which is designated as a sub-center of Beijing [4]