Introducing Lingqu Canal, Lingqu Canal Guide, Lingqu Canal Travel Guide
Article from Guilin Municipal Commission of Tourism, edited by Cathy
The Lingqu Canal is one of Guilin’s hidden gems. The Lingqu Canal is a wonderful example of the engineering and architectural skill that existed in Chinese society more that 2000 years ago. The Canal was built in the year 214BC by Qinshihuang, first Emperor of the Qin Dynasty.The canal system connects two rivers, Guilin’s Li River and the Xiang River but as these rivers are tributaries of the Pearl and Yangtze Rivers the connection linked two of the largest river systems in China thereby opening a huge area to allow travel and commerce to flourish. Lingqu Canal was also an important political move as it unified north and south and allowed the Emperor to consolidate his power.
The most unfortunate aspect about the Lingqu Canal is that it is situated about 70km north of Guilin City in an area that does not attract many foreign tourists because of its isolation from other tourist destinations. The other tourist attraction in this area is Merryland Theme Park and Golf Resort but by its nature it attracts a different kind of tourist.
The complexity of the project is more easily understood when we see the difference in water levels between the two rivers which in some planes is around 6 meters. The project required a complex system of locks and dams to allow the two water systems to merge. At one point the two rivers are only separated by about 20 meters. It is fascinating to watch as the rivers flow in different directions.
It is possible to take a boat ride down the south canal to Xing'an Town which is well worth the money. The wooden punt is poled along the canal by two boatmen who are happy to point out the points of interest and answer questions if you have someone along who speaks Chinese. They are happy to stop at the most significant spots on the canal for photos or to allow you to get a better look. The ride finishes in the town. The canal continues through Xing'an. The walk along the waterway is very interesting. It is lined with old traditional style building where the residents go about their daily life. I do believe that it would be very crowded with domestic tourists at holiday time.
Quick Facts on Lingqu Canal
• Name: Lingqu Canal
• Location: 70km North of Guilin City
• Dates: 214 BC
• Best Time to Visit: All Year
• Recommended Time for a Visit: 1 Hour
• Opening Hours: 08:00 - 18:00 (Winter); 07:30 - 19:00 (the rest of the year)
• Admission Fee : CNY 60: Entrance - Interpretation Room - MeiLingqu Bridge - Four Wise Men Shrine - Zhuangyuan Bridge - Nandou Pavilion - Big and Small Balances - Huazui - Nandou Pavilion - Square of Qin Culture;
CNY 90: Entrance - Interpretation Room - MeiLingqu Bridge - Four Wise Men Shrine - Zhuangyuan Bridge - Nandou Pavilion - Big and Small Balances - Huazui - Nandou Pavilion (taking an archaized boat for a journey of about 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) - Bridge of Magpies - Flying Rock - Water Discharging Balance -Taozhu Bridge - Li’s Bridge - Water Street