Red Flag Canal, Irrigation canal in Linzhou, China

The Red Flag Canal is an irrigation system in the Taihang Mountains that extends across a considerable distance through numerous tunnel sections. The network distributes water from a natural source to agricultural areas through multiple connected channels.

Construction began in February 1960 and the main canal was completed in 1965, with the whole system finished in July 1969. About 300,000 of Linxian's 500,000 people took part, cutting through 1,250 hills and building 211 tunnels and 151 aqueducts by hand. Chief designer Yang Gui, the county party secretary, was persecuted during the Cultural Revolution.

Locals call the canal their "life canal" and "happiness canal" because it ended centuries of drought and brought drinking water to about 600,000 people. The name comes from the red flags that marked the route during construction. A dark sign with white Chinese characters stands beside the channel.

The area is best explored on foot, as walking paths run along sections of the canal and offer various viewpoints. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since mountain paths are uneven and can be affected by weather conditions.

An Italian film director documented the canal system and surrounding region in a 1972 film during a time of major political change. This filmed record shows how the project became a symbol of local perseverance.