The Karez System is an ancient irrigation system, referred to as one of the 'Three Great Ancient Project of China' along with The Great Wall and Grand Canal. The history of the Karez can be traced back some 2,000 years, even today, there are still thousands of Karez running under Xinjiang, though most of them are under the Turpan.
Last Update : 4/1/2008 8:33:57 PM
Turpan is an area where annual rainfall is low, and surface water evaporates quickly. To survive in this harsh environment, ancient people used a system consists of underground canals accessed by wells, over-ground canals and small reservoirs to irrigate the Turpan desert. They channeled the melting snow from Tian Shan Mountain into the Karez, thus many oases appeared in the desert, including the famous Grape Valley. Thanks to the ingenuity of these ancient people, Turpan became the birthplace of grapes, hami melons, cotton, and many other fruits and vegetables.
Last Update : 4/1/2008 8:33:39 PM 
