Lingqu Canal (Xing'an) - Image 1
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Lingqu Canal

3.6
·5 reviews·Guilin, China

A 2,000-year-old marvel of ancient Chinese water conservancy, connecting major rivers and vital for irrigation and transport.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring and Autumn

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdMedium
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Lingqu Canal (Xing'an) - Image 1

Lingqu Canal

Best Time

Spring and Autumn

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 2,000-year-old marvel of ancient Chinese water conservancy, connecting major rivers and vital for irrigation and transport. Instagram+1

3.6
(5 reviews)

"One of the famous masterpieces of ancient water conservancy projects, full of wisdom. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the canal and surrounding areas. :athletic_shoe:

🗣️ Hire a Local Guide

Guides offer detailed insights into the canal's history and engineering. :man_teacher:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Ancient Canal Itself

The Ancient Canal Itself

Lingqu Canal

Witness a 2,000-year-old marvel of ancient Chinese water conservancy, still functional today.

Instagram+1
Stone Carvings and Steles

Stone Carvings and Steles

Lingqu Canal Park

Explore numerous stone carvings and steles left by past generations, offering glimpses into history.

Reddit
Lingqu Ancient Town

Lingqu Ancient Town

Adjacent to the canal

Experience the charm of an ancient town that benefits from the canal's complementary design for water supply and flood prevention.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Ancient Engineering Marvel

Discover the Lingqu Canal, an ancient Chinese water conservancy project over 2,000 years old. It's a testament to ingenious engineering, connecting major water systems and playing a vital role in irrigation and flood control. Instagram+1

Strategic Historical Significance

Often called the 'Great Wall of the South,' the Lingqu Canal was crucial for transporting materials and personnel during the Qin Dynasty. Its historical importance rivals that of the Great Wall. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring and Autumn
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Medium
When
Early Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Because her story deserves a backdrop like no other. #chinatravel #luxuryhotel #guilin #dreamhotel
@lshotel2025
146.6K likes • 1.2M views

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the canal and surrounding areas. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🗣️ Hire a Local Guide

Guides offer detailed insights into the canal's history and engineering. Reddit :man_teacher:

Some trips take you to place.others take you to yourself.#chinatravel #luxuryhotel #guilin #dreamhotel
@lshotel2025
137.4K likes • 1.3M views
中国地理知识大考察:灵渠的凿通,连接了哪两大水系?🌏🌊 China Geography Quiz: The Lingqu Canal connected which two major water systems? 🌏🌊 #汉语桥 #ChineseBridge #hanyuqiao #汉语桥2023 #ChineseBridge2023 #chineseculture #chinesestudy #中文 #mandarin
chinesebridge2002
81 likes • 3.6K views

📸 Capture the Scenery

The karst mountains and the canal offer stunning photo opportunities. TikTok :camerawithflash:

💧 Appreciate the Water Systems

Understand its role in connecting major water systems and its ancient irrigation functions. Instagram+1

The Ancient Lingqu Canal in Guangxi: Still Serving After Two Millennia #Guangxi #WorldHeritage #VisitGuangxiYear2025
splendors_of_guangxi
5 likes • 293 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the canal and surrounding areas. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🗣️ Hire a Local Guide

Guides offer detailed insights into the canal's history and engineering. Reddit :man_teacher:

📸 Capture the Scenery

The karst mountains and the canal offer stunning photo opportunities. TikTok :camerawithflash:

💧 Appreciate the Water Systems

Understand its role in connecting major water systems and its ancient irrigation functions. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

3.6
(5 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently marveled by the Lingqu Canal, praising its status as a five-star historical site and a masterpiece of ancient water conservancy. Its enduring functionality and the wisdom of its ancient creators are frequently highlighted, making it a unique and irreplaceable historical construction. Reddit

"Very scenic country site to visit. I was marveled at the cannel which was constructed thousand years ago and still around."

Kai Eng Lee

"Located in Xing'an County, Guangxi Province, it is about a ten-minute drive from the Le Mandi Park. It is very convenient. It is one of the famous masterpieces of ancient water conservancy projects. It is full of the considerations and wisdom of the ancestors' water conservancy projects. It is one of the famous strategic constructions of Qin Shihuang during the Qin Dynasty. There is a saying that the Great Wall in the north is the Lingqu Canal in the south. So it is rated five stars. It is one of the oldest artificial canals in the world. It is responsible for the transportation of materials and personnel. Even if today's water conservancy construction can be seen everywhere, its approach can be seen as a reference. For example, the Yangtze River Dam is an example. This kind of historical construction is unique. It's replaceable and durable, and the current ones are still in circulation. The park also features numerous stone carvings and steles left by previous generations. Every turn in the garden path is breathtaking, and the guides are attentive and detailed. The park also provides public space for the residents of Xing'an County. The scenic area connects to the Lingqu Ancient Town. The canal's complementary design provides water to the townspeople while preventing overflows during floods. (The upper and lower left channels connect the canals, which would otherwise affect residents' lives.) This place is well worth a visit."

Felix Tseng

"It is one of the three major water conservancy projects in ancient China, along with Dujiangyan and Zhengguo Canal."

weiping sun

What People Like

Ancient engineering marvel
Historical significance
Scenic country site

What People Dislike

Limited modern amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Lingqu Canal is located in Xing'an County, about a ten-minute drive from Le Mandi Park. You can take a bus or taxi from Guilin to Xing'an County. High-speed trains also pass through Guilin, offering scenic views of the region. TikTokReddit

Yes, it's considered very convenient to visit, especially from nearby attractions like Le Mandi Park. Reddit

Many visitors use high-speed trains for inter-city travel, offering beautiful views. For local exploration, taxis and buses are common. TikTok

Yes, public buses are available from Guilin to Xing'an County, making it an accessible destination. Reddit

Driving is an option, and it's a short drive from Le Mandi Park in Xing'an County. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While specific hours can vary, it's generally advisable to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the site and its surroundings. Reddit

Information on ticket prices is not readily available in the provided sources, but it's generally considered a worthwhile visit. Reddit

Advance booking is typically not required for this historical site, but checking local tourism websites closer to your visit is recommended. Reddit

Yes, local guides are available and highly recommended to understand the canal's rich history and engineering. Reddit

The Lingqu Canal is recognized for its historical significance and ancient engineering, with mentions of its World Heritage status. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can see the ancient canal itself, numerous stone carvings and steles, and the adjacent Lingqu Ancient Town. The surrounding natural scenery is also a highlight. TikTokReddit

It's one of the oldest artificial canals in the world, a masterpiece of ancient water conservancy, and was crucial for transportation and military logistics during the Qin Dynasty. InstagramReddit

Yes, walking along the canal and exploring the park area is a primary way to experience the site. Reddit

These artifacts are remnants from previous generations, offering historical context and artistic value to the site. Reddit

Absolutely! The combination of ancient structures, water, and surrounding landscapes makes it a very scenic spot for photographers. TikTok+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Lingqu Ancient Town adjacent to the canal likely offers local dining options. Reddit

Expect traditional Chinese cuisine, with local specialties from the Guangxi region. TikTok

While not explicitly mentioned, it's common for tourist sites in China to have some food vendors. Reddit

Yes, the town's connection to the canal suggests it would be a good place to experience local flavors. Reddit

Guangxi cuisine often features rice noodles, fresh vegetables, and various meats, with influences from surrounding provinces. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Anywhere along the canal itself, the ancient bridges, the stone carvings, and the views of the Lingqu Ancient Town offer great photographic opportunities. TikTok+1

Early mornings or late afternoons can provide softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing the photographic experience. TikTok

Drone regulations can be strict in China; it's best to check local rules before flying. TikTok

A versatile lens for landscapes and details, along with a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions, would be beneficial. TikTok

Yes, these historical markers are part of the attraction and are encouraged to be photographed. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Lingqu Canal offers an engaging educational experience for families. Children can learn about ancient engineering and history in a tangible way. The park-like setting and the adjacent Lingqu Ancient Town provide opportunities for exploration and discovery. Reddit Consider hiring a local guide to make the historical aspects more accessible and interesting for younger visitors. Reddit Pack snacks and water, as amenities might be limited within the historical site itself. TikTok

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, the Lingqu Canal is a must-visit. Its status as one of the oldest artificial canals in the world and its role in Qin Dynasty expansion make it a site of immense historical importance. InstagramReddit Take time to examine the numerous stone carvings and steles, which offer direct historical accounts and artistic expressions from different eras. Reddit Understanding its connection to major water systems and its strategic military use will deepen your appreciation for this ancient marvel. Instagram+1

📸 Photographers

The Lingqu Canal presents a picturesque blend of ancient architecture, flowing water, and natural landscapes, making it a photographer's delight. TikTok Capture the intricate details of the stone carvings, the serene flow of the canal, and the charming scenes of Lingqu Ancient Town. InstagramReddit Early morning or late afternoon light will offer the best conditions for capturing the beauty of the site. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Engineering Genius of Lingqu Canal

The Lingqu Canal is a remarkable feat of ancient Chinese engineering, constructed over 2,000 years ago during the Qin Dynasty. It masterfully connects the Xiang River system (leading to the Yangtze River) with the Li River system (leading to the Pearl River), creating a vital waterway for transportation and trade across southern China. Instagram+1 Its ingenious design allowed for navigation between these two major river basins, a significant achievement for its time. The canal's construction involved complex earthworks and water management techniques that are still studied today. Reddit

Beyond its transportation role, the Lingqu Canal has been instrumental in regional water management. It plays a crucial part in farmland irrigation, ensuring agricultural productivity in the surrounding areas. Furthermore, it serves as a vital component for flood drainage and control, protecting local communities from the impacts of heavy rainfall. Instagram+1 The canal's enduring functionality for over two millennia is a testament to the foresight and skill of its ancient builders, earning it the moniker 'the Great Wall of the South.' Reddit

Historical and Cultural Significance

The Lingqu Canal is not just an engineering marvel; it's a symbol of China's rich history and strategic planning. Its construction was a key initiative by Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of China, aimed at consolidating his empire and facilitating military movements into the southern territories. Reddit The canal's strategic importance for transporting materials and personnel cannot be overstated, making it a critical piece of infrastructure for imperial expansion and control. Reddit

The site is adorned with numerous stone carvings and steles left by scholars, officials, and travelers throughout history. These artifacts provide invaluable insights into the canal's past, the people who used it, and the cultural exchanges that took place along its banks. Reddit Visiting the Lingqu Canal offers a tangible connection to China's ancient past, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of history and appreciate the enduring legacy of its ancient civilization. Instagram+1

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