The
Karez System in the Turpan is an irrigation system of wells connected
by channels with the total length of five thousand kilometers. As one
of the three great ancient projects in China (the other two are the Great
Wall and the Grand Canal), it gains the reputation of "the underground
Great Wall".
Karezes also be found in Iran, the Sahara, etc., but the ones in Turpan
are the most complete. According to records, the history of the karez
in Xinjiang can date back to 103B.C. Currently there are still over 400
systems with the longest is 20 to 30 km while the shortest is only 30
meters. Vertical wells, underground canals, above-ground canals and small
reservoirs combined the Karez systems, and earth was used to cover the
underground canal to resist the heat. On both sides of the surface canals,
trees were planted to prevent evaporation. Melting snow from the Tianshan
Mountain and rainfall flow into the canals and wells, then the working
people use the water to irrigate farmland. The water in the Karez will
not dry up even in a longtime drought.
The Wudaolin karez and the karez in the Wuxing Township are open to visitors.
Sitting in a Karez, enjoy this natural air conditioner while tasting some
grapes. It is really a wonderful thing!
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