Ancient irrigation system in Fujian added to World Heritage Irrigation Structures list

(ECNS) -- The Longjin ancient irrigation system in Changtai District of Zhangzhou, in southeastern China's Fujian province, has been added to the 2026 World Heritage Irrigation Structures list, becoming the first site in southern Fujian to receive the designation.

The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage announced the list's 13th batch at its 77th International Executive Council meeting in Marseille, France, on Wednesday.

Photo shows the Longjin ancient irrigation systemis in Changtai District of Zhangzhou, in southeastern China's Fujian province. (Photo courtesy of the Changtai District Media Center)

Located along both banks of the Longjin River, the irrigation system centers on two ancient hydraulic structures, which date to the Jiading era (1208-1224) of the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279), more than 800 years ago.

Covering nearly 4,448 acres, the ancient system continues to provide irrigation, drainage and flood control. It is a typical low-dam diversion irrigation project on China's southeastern coast and one of the oldest and best-preserved such systems in Fujian.

(By Gong Weiwei)