Lingqu Canal
A 2,000-year-old marvel of ancient Chinese water conservancy, connecting major rivers and vital for irrigation and transport.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Lingqu Canal
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 2,000-year-old marvel of ancient Chinese water conservancy, connecting major rivers and vital for irrigation and transport.
"One of the famous masterpieces of ancient water conservancy projects, full of wisdom.
"🚶♀️ 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ancient Canal Itself
Lingqu Canal
Witness a 2,000-year-old marvel of ancient Chinese water conservancy, still functional today.
Stone Carvings and Steles
Lingqu Canal Park
Explore numerous stone carvings and steles left by past generations, offering glimpses into history.
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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ancient Engineering Marvel
Strategic Historical Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ 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:📸 Capture the Scenery
The karst mountains and the canal offer stunning photo opportunities.
:camerawithflash:💧 Appreciate the Water Systems
Understand its role in connecting major water systems and its ancient irrigation functions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ 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:📸 Capture the Scenery
The karst mountains and the canal offer stunning photo opportunities.
:camerawithflash:💧 Appreciate the Water Systems
Understand its role in connecting major water systems and its ancient irrigation functions.
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, it's considered very convenient to visit, especially from nearby attractions like Le Mandi Park.
Many visitors use high-speed trains for inter-city travel, offering beautiful views. For local exploration, taxis and buses are common.
Yes, public buses are available from Guilin to Xing'an County, making it an accessible destination.
Driving is an option, and it's a short drive from Le Mandi Park in Xing'an County.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific hours can vary, it's generally advisable to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the site and its surroundings.
Information on ticket prices is not readily available in the provided sources, but it's generally considered a worthwhile visit.
Advance booking is typically not required for this historical site, but checking local tourism websites closer to your visit is recommended.
Yes, local guides are available and highly recommended to understand the canal's rich history and engineering.
The Lingqu Canal is recognized for its historical significance and ancient engineering, with mentions of its World Heritage status.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
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.
Yes, walking along the canal and exploring the park area is a primary way to experience the site.
These artifacts are remnants from previous generations, offering historical context and artistic value to the site.
Absolutely! The combination of ancient structures, water, and surrounding landscapes makes it a very scenic spot for photographers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Lingqu Ancient Town adjacent to the canal likely offers local dining options.
Expect traditional Chinese cuisine, with local specialties from the Guangxi region.
While not explicitly mentioned, it's common for tourist sites in China to have some food vendors.
Yes, the town's connection to the canal suggests it would be a good place to experience local flavors.
Guangxi cuisine often features rice noodles, fresh vegetables, and various meats, with influences from surrounding provinces.
📸 📸 Photography
Anywhere along the canal itself, the ancient bridges, the stone carvings, and the views of the Lingqu Ancient Town offer great photographic opportunities.
Early mornings or late afternoons can provide softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing the photographic experience.
Drone regulations can be strict in China; it's best to check local rules before flying.
A versatile lens for landscapes and details, along with a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions, would be beneficial.
Yes, these historical markers are part of the attraction and are encouraged to be photographed.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Genius of Lingqu Canal
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. 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.'
Historical and Cultural Significance
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. 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.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit