The Tongjiyan Irrigation and Drainage System in Lishui, Zhejiang province was recognized as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure at the 22nd international irrigation and drainage conference in Gwangju, South Korea, on Sept 16, 2014.

Built in 505, the irrigation and drainage system has a history of more than 1,500 years, and is one of the five ancient water conservancy facilities in China.

Located on Songyin creek, a tributary of the Oujiang River in Liandu district, the Tongjiyan system irrigates more than 30,000 mu (2,000 hectares) of farmlands. The Bihu plain, which relies on it, is an important grain-producing area.

Tongjiyan Irrigation and Drainage System [Photo/official WeChat account of Lishui municipal government]