FOUR Chinese sites have been added to the World Heritage Irrigation Structures (WHIS) list, according to the Ministry of Water Resources.

The newly inscribed locations are the Chishan Lake Irrigation System, the Yuanyang Hani Terraces, the Jianjiangyan Irrigation System, and the Mentougou Ancient Canals of the Yongding River. Their inclusion was approved during the 76th International Executive Council Meeting of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

With these additions, the number of Chinese entries on the WHIS register rises to 42. The WHIS initiative, established by the ICID in 2014, seeks to identify, protect and promote irrigation and water management works that carry significant historical, technical and social value. By documenting such sites, the program highlights traditional engineering, long-standing agricultural practices and community stewardship of water across different regions.

The ministry said the new inscriptions recognize the cultural and scientific importance of these four systems and underscore China’s long tradition of adapting landscapes for sustainable food production and flood control. The designation is expected to enhance conservation efforts, encourage knowledge sharing, and raise public awareness of the sites’ heritage significance.

Beyond formal recognition, listing on the WHIS register can support technical exchange, attract research interest and provide a platform for local and international cooperation on preserving historic water infrastructures. The ministry will continue to nominate noteworthy irrigation structures.(SD News)