Lingqu Canal

The Lingqu Canal, built in 214 BCE in China, is an ancient waterway designed to connect two major rivers—the Li and the Qian. Its purpose was to improve transportation and support military and agricultural needs by creating a shortcut that bypassed difficult mountain routes. The canal features innovative engineering, including a precise water gradient and diversion structures, allowing boats to navigate smoothly. Recognized as one of the earliest large-scale canal projects, the Lingqu Canal played a crucial role in facilitating trade, cultural exchange, and regional development in southern China. It remains a remarkable example of ancient Chinese engineering ingenuity.