Beijing, February 12 (Youth.cn) - On February 10, 2025, in Bijie City, Guizhou Province, members of the Gaoliu Village Cliffside Canals Maintenance Team are traversing the perilous cliffside canals.  

Surrounded by high mountains and deep valleys, Shengji Town has long faced severe water shortages for daily and agricultural use due to its unique geographic and climatic conditions. Starting in the 1950s, local villagers armed with steel chisels and hammers have carved 10 cliffside canals totaling over 130 kilometers into sheer rock faces over 100 meters high. Today, these canals remain vital for the community's water supply.  

In 2024, leveraging national debt-funded water conservancy projects, Qixingguan District launched the Songguan Irrigation District Project. With over 27 million yuan in local fiscal investment, the initiative reinforced 29 branch canals in the Shengji Town, addressing risks and improving connectivity. To ensure the canals functionality, villagers in the Gaoliu Village voluntarily formed a maintenance team, conducting patrols at least twice a month. During the Spring Festival, patrols increased to four times per month.  

The canals snake along cliffs, channeling clear water through rugged mountains. "Protecting the canals is an endless relay race." said a team member. Photo/CFP