良渚古城外围水利工程遗址, Ancient water engineering site in Hangzhou, China.
The Liangzhu Ancient City Water System consists of eleven dams built across the landscape to manage water in the region. The structures were constructed from stacked earth and materials carefully assembled to withstand water pressure.
The dams were built between 3300 and 2300 BCE and represent one of the earliest known water management systems. This project emerged roughly 1000 years before later flood control efforts documented in the region.
The water system shows how the Liangzhu civilization coordinated large-scale work and planning across the landscape. Visitors can see evidence of a highly organized society that managed complex engineering challenges together.
The dams extend across the terrain at different lengths, so sturdy footwear is important when visiting. Walking through the archaeological sites requires attention and care in uneven areas.
An unusual construction technique was discovered during excavations: ancient builders wrapped grass around mud packages to strengthen the dam structures. This simple but effective method shows the practical knowledge of this early society.
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