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 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]