An overview of Dujiangyan's ancient irrrigation system on May 21, 2008 in southwest China's quake-stricken Sichuan province. Despite its close proximity to the quake, the irrigation system suffered only minor damage and was not compromised, according to the government. [Agencies]
From the hillside platform, the workings of the ingenious irrigation project that is now a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site are clearly visible.
Built from 256 BC, the system involved diverting the Minjiang River's flow using man-made islands built on bamboo frames that allowed water and fish to flow freely underneath.
Yet despite its close proximity to the quake, the system suffered only minor damage and was not compromised, according to the government.
Hundreds of dams have been built, or are being constructed, across the country, and environmentalists have repeatedly warned of the folly of doing so in quake-prone areas such as Sichuan.
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