Maintainers of canals on the precipitous cliffs in SW China's Guizhou

BIJIE, April 28 (Xinhua) -- On the precipitous cliffs, there are several canals that provide water for nearby farmlands in Shengji Township. One of the daily work for canals' maintenance team members is to clear withered branches and fallen rocks out of the canals.

In Shengji Township, it is a typical karst landform. Rainwater swiftly permeates the hills and grounds after falling from the sky, little of which can be left for local people's livelihood.

From the 1950s to the 1970s, with support of water conservancy departments, local villagers tirelessly carved out ten canals spanning over 130 kilometers amid the rugged mountains and constructed eight reservoirs.

With the completion of these canals and reservoirs, previously barren lands were transformed into fertile ones wherever the water flowed.

Today, these canals remain vital for agricultural irrigation, with their maintenance carried out by successors inspired by the spirit of the original builders.