Effective irrigation is vital for agricultural production. For generations, farmers in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region have farmed the oases of the Gobi, using traditional irrigation methods, with the renowned Karez wells being a significant feature of the local irrigation system.

The underground irrigation system of Turpan, characterized by its unique structure, has long been celebrated for its innovative design and exceptional irrigation capabilities. In September 2024, the Karez wells in Turpan were honored as World Heritage Irrigation Structures (WHIS), marking its recognition by the international community as a valuable asset for all humanity. Over the years, Turpan has continuously enhanced the protection and utilization of the Karez system, which has revitalized its legacy.

Repair and preserve the ancient well form

The Karez wells system consists of five core components: closed conduits, vertical wells, open conduits, outlets, and ponds. Its main structure is cleverly concealed beneath the surface, divided into water collection and transportation segments. Xinjiang boasts over 1,600 Karez wells, with an annual runoff of 294 million cubic meters. However, over time, many Karez wells have gradually dried up. Currently, among the 1,108 Karez wells in Turpan, only 190 are operational, while 918 are dry.

Since December 2009, a series of cultural heritage protection projects have been implemented, covering the first to seventh phases of the Karez protection and utilization program, with a total investment of nearly 100 million yuan, reinforcing and repairing 165 Karez wells. The Ayding Lake ecological protection project (Phase II) aims to repair and reinforce 99 Karez wells, with a total investment of 147 million yuan(about 20.04 million U.S. dollars), and by the end of 2023, 31 wells have been completed.

"In 2023, we five workers participated in the dredging work. One operated the tractor, one was on the surface hauling buckets, while three, equipped with mining lamps, descended into the wells to extract sediment. Over the course of 20 days, they removed 4.5 tons of silt," said a dredging worker.

Thanks to conservation and utilization projects, most villages with Karez wells now have established dredging teams. These teams, often led by experienced members, form specialized units responsible for annual inspections and sediment removal. Working in the dimly lit depths of wells, which can range from several dozen to over a hundred meters deep, they bravely face the challenges. They embody the dedication of traditional craftsmen, ensuring these dredging skills are passed down through the generations. Throughout their work, these teams actively document their experiences and integrate new technologies and equipment, significantly improving efficiency.

Osman Nasirdin from Lianmuqin Village in Shanshan County, began his apprenticeship in the village's dredging team at the age of 19. He shared that in the past, inspecting underground channels and dredging required the use of oil lamps for illumination. Now, LED mining lamps are commonly employed. Communication between surface and underground personnel, which was previously achieved by tying different colored fabric strips to a rope, has now transitioned to the use of two-way radios for real-time communication.

Through the implementation of a series of conservation projects, the fundamental structure of the Karez wells in Turpan has been preserved to the greatest extent possible.

Strict water management

The Turpan Basin has limited river systems, prompting residents to excavate Karez wells to access more water resources for agricultural irrigation. Consequently, a significant portion of the irrigation water for Turpan's vineyards is sourced from these Karez wells. To maximize the utility of water from Karez wells, Turpan City has actively promoted water-saving irrigation practices in vineyards. Since 2018, villager Jiao Yibing from Yuwang Village in Shanshan County has implemented drip irrigation technology on his grape farm of about 5.33 hectares.

"The amount of water required for a single flood irrigation is sufficient to support two applications of drip irrigation, and integrated water and fertilizer management allows for more precise and efficient fertilization," Jiao Yibing said. By 2024, the water-saving irrigation project is expected to cover 60 percent of the vineyards of about 1,333 hectares in Dalangkan Township.

Water-saving irrigation technology has gained widespread acceptance among grape growers. Abdullah Abulizi, a grower from the Gaochang District's seed farm, reported a good harvest from his vineyard of about two hectares in 2024. In 2025, he plans to fully adopt micro-sprinkler irrigation technology to reduce water resource waste and enhance water use efficiency.

As a resource-scarce region, Turpan City is committed to strengthening the management of groundwater resources, ensuring their rational development and utilization. By deepening agricultural water conservation and institutionalizing the regulation of groundwater extraction, the city is implementing the strictest water resource management policies.

"We enforce dual control management of groundwater quantity and levels, strictly prohibiting land reclamation, agricultural well drilling, water-saving land expansion, and afforestation on wastelands. These measures will help control total water usage and groundwater extraction, curb the decline of groundwater levels, and gradually achieve a balance between groundwater extraction and replenishment," said Xu Weiwei, director of the Turpan Water Resources Scientific Research Institute.

Comprehensive utilization of ancient wells

On a bustling afternoon during the peak tourist season, at a scenic spot of Karez wells in Turpan, a guide enthusiastically explained the structure of the Karez wells to a captivated group of American tourists. As they traversed the wooden spiral pathway, the group entered the underground channels of the Karez. Walking on the tempered glass walkway, they experienced the clear waters of the Karez flowing beneath their feet. In the exhibition hall, visitors listened attentively to the excavation process while observing a model of the Karez system. At the water outlet, many scooped up the spring water to savor the sweetness sourced from the ancient well.

During the National Day holiday in 2024, this scenic spot of Karez wells experienced a surge in visitors, with daily attendance exceeding 3,000. Even after the holiday concluded, the park's popularity remained high.

"The restaurant has prepared specialty dishes from Xinjiang, and we have seen a steady influx of diners. At our peak, daily revenue reached 13,000 yuan," said Ali Tursun, the restaurant operator at the scenic spot. Hailing from Tagetuowei Village in the nearby Gaochang District, Ali Tursun opened a noodle shop across from the scenic spot’s entrance after witnessing the continuous flow of tourists. Since its opening in 2023, the business has thrived.

In addition, Lianmuqin Village in Shanshan County has developed a hot spring resort utilizing the Karez well system, featuring a uniquely designed Karez swimming pool that attracts visitors from various regions. This initiative has allowed many villagers to benefit from tourism, generating significant income for the village collective.

Furthermore, Turpan City has leveraged the pure, natural water from the Karez wells to produce bottled water, which is now sold in national markets.

(Chinese source: Farmers’ Daily)