Xìng'ān

Xing'an occupies the corridor between the Xiang and Li river systems. Here the Ling Canal, dug under the Qin, joined waterways leading to the Yangtze and the Pearl River. Its channels carried soldiers, grain and other traffic across the mountainous divide between Hunan and Guangxi. The canal required repeated care. In 1371 the Ming repaired its thirty-six water-control gates and faced them with stone. Another undertaking in 1396 dredged the channel, raised embankments and removed rocks that obstructed boats, restoring a route for the transport of grain. Repairs followed in later reigns, including a major restoration in 1602.