Karez Irrigation System

Karez Irrigation System

The Karez underground irrigation channel in Turpan is one of China's three greatest feats of ancient engineering, along with the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. Construction began on this ancient irrigation system during the Han Dynasty and as the Silk Road developed, methods of construction found their way to Central Asia and Persia.

This irrigation system uses gravity and the slope of the land to direct water flow into underground channels, thereby lessening the effects of evaporation under direct sunlight. The system comprises wells, underground drain channels (some up to 8km long), and collection wells (where the water reaches a certain level and runs into above ground irrigation channels). In the entire system, there are over one thousand wells and the total length of the channels reaches 3,000km. The most astonishing fact is that this feat of engineering was all completed by hand using simple tools.

As an ancient irrigation system, the Karez Irigation Systemhas ever played a very important role in the daily life and in the production of the people in Turfan area. Though there is highly advanced electromechanical irrigation system, the function and position of the Karez Irigation Systemcan not be superseded completely. On May 25, 1993, the 3rd Session of the 4th Standing Committee of Turfan Municipal People's Congress proved Provisions on the Administration of Turfan Karez Irigation System. It can be seen that its authenticity and integrity can be well preserved in the future.