In ancient China, the function of the weir was mainly utilitarian – irrigating farmland, preventing flooding and ensuring food production – but in recent years, aesthetics have come more into the picture and some really beautiful eco-friendly weirs are now decorating the countryside.

According to statistics, Lishui city in East China's Zhejiang province has more than 11,115 provincial, municipal and county-level rivers and more than 10,000 weirs of various sizes.

The graceful Lianhua Weir [Photo/lsnews.com.cn]

Patricularly graceful is the Lianhua Weir – or Lotus Weir – which is located in Gangkou village in Liandu district. It is 121.5 meters wide and integrates functions such as flood controls, household water consumption, and tourism. Resembling a lotus flower in full bloom, each 'petal' of the weir uses different specifications of granite energy-consuming flood control stone ridges, enabling the water to flow gracefully from top to bottom.

Another picturesque sight is the Duqiao Weir. [Photo/lsnews.com.cn]

Elsewhere, the Duqiao Weir connects the new town and old town of Jinyun county, with a total width of 112 meters. The five main plunge platforms form five wavy auspicious clouds. Even in dry periods, the weir can store water and create beautiful effects. With about 12,000 individual lights set up in the downstream section of the weir, tourists can enjoy beautiful scenery during the day and experience a glorious illuminated show after dusk.

Sanjiangkou Weir [Photo/lsnews.com.cn]

The memorable Sanjiangkou Weir sits at the confluence of Longquan creek, Jin creek and Yanzhang creek. With a total width of 150 meters, it is shaped like a ribbon. Its two platforms are fashioned like a Longquan celadon vase – a version of the famous ceramics.

Yangxin Weir is festooned with stone steps. [Photo/lsnews.com.cn]

The arresting Yangxin Weir, which is located in Yangxin village in Qingyuan county, is 83.81 meters wide. The top of the weir is festooned with stone steps and the downstream section is so designed that there are three layers of terraced water. With the water bubbling between the rocks, the fish swimming in the stream and visitors crossing the structure, the entire weir is full of vitality.