Why did the ancient people of Chengdu consider their city a “Land of Abundance”? You might think it’s because of the giant pandas or the spicy Sichuan cuisine, and while those are definitely draws, the real reason lies right here, at the Qiling Reservoir. This reservoir, part of a larger system called the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, is the lifeblood of Chengdu. Built over 2,250 years ago, the Dujiangyan, which includes Qiling Reservoir, was designed to tame the mighty Minjiang River, preventing devastating floods and ensuring a constant supply of water to the fertile Chengdu Plain. This marvel of ancient engineering, completed in 256 BC, transformed Chengdu into one of the most productive agricultural regions in China. Imagine a time before this, when the Minjiang River, swollen with spring meltwater, would rush down from the mountains and wreak havoc on the Chengdu Plain. It was a time of uncertainty, where a good harvest was a matter of luck, not skill. But then came Li Bing, a brilliant Qin Dynasty engineer, who devised an ingenious system of channels, levees, and weirs to manage the river’s flow. The Qiling Reservoir, a key part of this system, would capture excess water during flood season, releasing it slowly throughout the year to irrigate the land. This revolutionary project not only tamed the floods but also created a reliable source of water, allowing farmers to cultivate crops year-round and secure abundant harvests. The Dujiangyan, and with it the Qiling Reservoir, is a testament to human ingenuity and a symbol of Chengdu’s enduring prosperity.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to