Anfeng Tang, Ancient reservoir in Shou County, China.
Anfeng Tang is an ancient reservoir system in Anhui Province that was designed to collect and distribute water for irrigation across farmland. The dam structure and associated canal network remain visible and form a functioning infrastructure that visitors can walk through and explore.
The system was built during the Spring and Autumn Period, when Chancellor Sunshu Ao of the Chu State directed the dam construction between 598 and 591 BCE. This early engineering achievement marked a milestone in ancient Chinese water management projects.
The site reflects ancient Chinese approaches to controlling water for farming that remain visible in how the region manages its landscape today. Walking through the area, you notice how these methods shaped the relationship between people and the land for generations.
The location is best explored when water levels are visible and pathways around the structure are dry, typically during cooler months. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the terrain is uneven and stretches lack shade.
The original dam structure achieved remarkable proportions for its era and set standards for other water management projects in the region. This early engineering accomplishment reveals how advanced Chinese techniques were even in ancient times.
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