Four Chinese irrigation projects granted world heritage status

The Weirs of Baishaxi Stream Project in East China's Zhejiang province comprises 36 weirs, 21 of which are still providing water for irrigation. The weir complex covers 45 km of the Baishaxi Stream and has a total water-level drop of 168 meters.

The Sangyuanwei Polder Embankment System is situated in southern China's Guangdong province, with construction starting in the 10th Century. The embankment extends for 64.8 km and the system provides irrigation, drainage canals and water pathways.

Besides the four Chinese projects, 10 irrigation projects from five countries, including India, Iran, Japan, the Republic of Korea and South Africa, were also honored this year.