The Qianjinbei Irrigation System is located in Fuzhou, Jiangxi Province, on the main stream of the Fuhe River in the Yangtze River Basin. Consisting of two core systems, the Qianjinbei and the Zhongzhouwei, it is a typical representative of large-scale masonry irrigation structures in ancient China, integrating multiple functions including irrigation, river and channel transportation, drainage and flood control. First built in the Tang Dynasty, the Qianjinbei has undergone more than 10 reconstructions and maintenance works, with a history of more than 1,100 years to date. The Zhongzhouwei, completed in the 17th century (Zhongzhou is the main area surrounded by the Fuhe River and its branches, and also the field irrigated by Qianjinbei and Zhongzhouwei), has been preserved for more than 300 years.
Fuzhou is located in the Ganfu Plain; yet the Fuhe River is turbulent, often flooding during the rainy season while suffering from water shortages during droughts. In the Tang Dynasty, a water diversion irrigation project was constructed on the main stream of the Fuhe River and named Huabei. Through successive dynasties, this project was continuously extended, heightened and reinforced, with its name changed several times. For instance, Yan Zhenqing of the Tang Dynasty rebuilt it, calling it Tuchengbei; and Dai Shulun later reconstructed it and renamed it Lengquanbei. In the 8th century, the Fuhe River burst its banks at Yaohu Lake, causing the main flow to bypass Zhongzhou via Gangang and leaving the original river course silted up. In 868 AD, Li Gong from Bohai, the prefectural governor of Fuzhou, dug new canals on the former site of Lengquanbei, dredged field irrigation ditches, and built a weir at the Yaohu Lake breach. He renamed the project Qianjinbei, a name that has been used ever since. Thereafter, the project underwent multiple repairs during the Song and Ming dynasties, with the earthen structure replaced by sturdy stone masonry, largely establishing its current scale and form.
The existing main body of the Qianjinbei is 1.1 kilometers long, 6 to 7 meters high, and 9 to 12 meters wide at the top, serving as a water diversion weir extending obliquely into the riverbed of the Fuhe River. The Qianjinbei employs a “fish mouth” diversion design, earning it the reputation as “Dujiangyan of Fuzhou”. The Qianjinbei divides the river flow in a 7:3 ratio—70% of the water flow goes into the main river course to ensure smooth navigation, while 30% is diverted into the Gangang to irrigate farmland. Its water management principle of “diverting instead of blocking” reflects ancient people’s understanding and respect for the laws of nature.
In ancient times, the main structures of the Qianjinbei, as well as the embankments and canals, were managed by local governments, while branch canals, lakes and reservoirs were maintained by non-governmental organizations. This management model embodies the principles of multi-party coordination, shared responsibilities and shared benefits. Since its establishment in the Tang Dynasty, the Qianjinbei has become the most iconic water project in Fuzhou, with its cultural influence spreading as far as the Lingnan region. The project has been deeply integrated into the local societies of Fuzhou and the Zhongzhouwei area, widely recorded in genealogies and folk culture, forming a unique irrigation culture. Temples were built near the Qianjinbei, where local people worshipped water deities to pray for favorable weather, making water deity worship a cultural bond that facilitated cooperation between officials and the people in maintaining the project.
A new irrigation canal was built locally in early 1950, designed to irrigate approximately 11,333 hectares of farmland. The irrigated area covers the ancient three townships of Linru, Changning, and Changle, which were originally irrigated by the Qianjinbei. This new canal was named Jinlin Canal. Today, the Qianjinbei still stands on the bank of the Fuhe River, ensuring irrigation water diversion for the Zhongzhouwei, while playing an important role in urban flood control, water environment restoration and waterway security. In 2019, the Qianjinbei Irrigation System was successfully inscribed on the World Heritage Irrigation Structures (WHIS) List, earning global recognition for its ancient wisdom and enduring vitality.