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Explore the historic Zhengguo Canal, which played a key role in ancient water management. Visitors can take boat rides along the canal, walk along its banks, and visit nearby parks or ancient bridges.
The Zhengguo Canal, a monumental project built by the ancient working people and one of the earliest large-scale water conservancy projects constructed in Guanzhong, lies on the north bank of the Jing River, 25 kilometers northwest of present-day Jingyang County, Shaanxi Province. It diverts the Jing River from the west to the Luo River from the east, stretching over 300 li (irrigating a reported 40,000 hectares).
The Zhengguo Canal was dug by the Qin State in the late Warring States Period. Construction began in 246 BC (the first year of the reign of Emperor Zheng of Qin) under the supervision of Han hydraulic engineer Zheng Guo, and was completed about ten years later.
On November 8, 2016, good news came from the Second World Irrigation Forum and the 67th International Executive Council held in Chiang Mai, Thailand: Zhengguo Canal was successfully listed as a world heritage site, becoming the first world irrigation engineering heritage site in Shaanxi Province.
The Zhengguo Canal was a massive irrigation project. In 246 BC, shortly after King Zheng of Qin ascended the throne, King Huanhui of Han, hoping to deplete Qin's manpower and resources on water conservancy projects and prevent it from launching an eastern expedition, sent hydraulic engineer Zheng Guo to Qin to "exhaust" the state. Zheng Guo designed an irrigation project to divert the Jing River to Luoyang. During construction, the King of Han's scheme was exposed, and Qin sought to kill Zheng Guo. Zheng Guo retorted, "The King of Han originally sent me as a spy, but the completion of the canal will only extend Han's life by a few years, while it will be a lasting achievement for Qin" (Han Shu, Gou Xu Zhi). King Zheng of Qin, convinced by Zheng Guo's advice, allowed him to continue overseeing the project. It took about ten years to complete. Because Zheng Guo designed and oversaw the project, it became known as the Zhengguo Canal.
Boasting a temperate continental monsoon climate, Zhengguo Canal is a comprehensive tourist attraction integrating history, culture, sightseeing, and leisure vacations. Its core themes are ancient water conservancy, Qin Dynasty culture, and the Jing River. Guided by the rich history of the Zhengguo Canal, anchored by the towering Zhongshan Mountain, and connected by the vast Jing River, the scenic area is suitable for travel in all seasons.
Jinghe Grand Canyon, Black Gorge, Longpan Plank Road, Longxian Waterfall, Five-Colored Beach, Longnu Peak, and Floating Cloud Terrace;
It is recommended to play for 3-4 hours
Peak season: 100 yuan/person
60 yuan/person in off-season
8:30-18:00
The Zhengguo Canal was originally constructed over 2,000 years ago during the Qin Dynasty. It is an ancient irrigation canal that is considered one of the most significant waterworks projects in China, showcasing advanced hydraulic engineering for its time.
The Zhengguo Canal is located in Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, near the city of Xi'an. It is accessible by taxi or bus from the center of Xi'an. The nearest public transportation options include the Xianyang Bus Terminal, and from there, taxis are a convenient option to reach the canal.
The canal area is generally open to the public throughout the day, with the best time to visit being during the spring or autumn months when the weather is mild. It’s ideal to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy peaceful views.
The entrance fee is typically around ¥30-¥50, depending on the area you wish to visit along the canal. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through travel platforms.
While it’s not necessary to book tickets in advance for general visits, it’s recommended to book ahead during peak tourist seasons or for special events.
A visit to the canal can take about 2 to 3 hours, including a boat ride and leisurely walks along the canal’s historic sites.
The most notable sites are the ancient bridges, the water diversion system, and the scenic areas along the canal banks. The surrounding parks also offer beautiful views of the canal.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some English-speaking guides may be available for foreign tourists. Audio guides may also be provided, though these are typically in Chinese.
The best photography spots are near the ancient bridges and the tranquil sections of the canal where you can capture the picturesque water scenes, particularly at sunrise or sunset.
Start your visit at the main entrance, walk along the canal to explore the ancient bridges, and then take a boat ride to fully appreciate the canal's historic water management system. Finish your visit at the nearby park for a relaxing view.
Night visits are possible, though the area is quieter in the evening. There are no light shows or special tours, but the canal’s serenity at night offers a peaceful atmosphere.
The canal can get crowded during weekends and public holidays, especially in the summer. The least crowded times are early mornings during weekdays, particularly outside peak tourist seasons.
There are rest areas and toilets available along the canal. Snacks and drinks are sold in nearby kiosks, and there are small shops selling local products.
Yes, the canal area is generally accessible for elderly and disabled visitors. There are paved pathways and seating areas for resting. However, some boat rides may have limited accessibility for those with mobility issues.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are more commonly used in the area. Credit cards are typically not accepted.
There are a few small cafes and local restaurants near the canal that offer traditional Shaanxi dishes, such as noodles and dumplings. For a broader selection, travel to Xianyang or Xi'an where more dining options are available.
Yes, local vegetarian and vegan dishes are available at some restaurants. Halal food can also be found in the nearby city of Xianyang, known for its Muslim population.
There are several budget hotels and guesthouses near the canal. For more luxury accommodations, visitors can stay in Xi'an or Xianyang, which offer a wider variety of options.
Nearby attractions include the Qianling Mausoleum, the ancient city of Xianyang, and the famous Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, all of which can be visited on a day trip from the canal area.
Yes, there are souvenir shops selling local handicrafts, such as pottery, traditional calligraphy, and paper fans. Many of these items reflect the region's rich history and cultural heritage.
From the canal, you can take a taxi or bus to the nearby Xi'an Railway Station for further travel. For those continuing to Xi'an, the high-speed train or bus is the best option to explore more of the city.
