Is China building an artificial river? All the details about the colossal $62 billion Chinese project

China is developing an artificial river in a $62 billion project, one of the largest engineering projects in the world, to solve water supply and irrigation problems.

O China South-North Water Transfer Project, the world's largest water diversion initiative, is transforming the water distribution landscape. With around 2700 km, the work was designed to address the serious water shortage in the northern regions of country.

As the work progresses over the years, it has impacted the lives of millions of Chinese people.

O China South-North Water Transfer Project It is not exactly an “artificial river,” but rather a vast network of canals, tunnels, and reservoirs that was designed to transfer water from wetter regions in the south to drier areas in northern China.

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A monumental undertaking

Conceived in the 1950s and initiated in the 2000s, the project involves three main routes: the canals eastern, central e western.

China, work, river — **China South-North Water Transfer Project**

Each route was designed to redirect water from the water-rich south to the water-poor north.

The eastern and central routes are already operational, while construction of additional infrastructure is underway to increase the project’s capacity.

The project is monumental in scale, encompassing thousands of kilometers of canals, tunnels and pumping stations.

Engineering challenges are many, including navigating varied terrain, addressing ecological concerns, and managing the displacement of local communities.

China's record water transfers

According to Chinese government, which updated the information a few days ago, the South-North Water Transfer Project transferred more than 76,5 billion cubic meters of water to the northern provinces.

This volume directly benefited more than 185 million people, ensuring the water supply for urban homes, industrial sectors and agricultural activities.

In 2023, the eastern and central routes diverted 8,54 billion cubic meters, exceeding its annual targets. This achievement highlights the project’s operational efficiency and its ability to meet growing demand.

Beijing, one of the main beneficiaries, received more than 10 billion cubic meters of water since the central route became operational.

Of these, almost 7 billion cubic meters were intended for domestic consumption, meeting the needs of more than 16 million residents.

Infrastructure improvements

To ensure the long-term success of the initiative, new infrastructure projects are being developed by the Chinese government.

In early 2024, construction began on a complementary project to channel water from the Three Gorges Reservoir to the Hanjiang River, a tributary of the Yangtze River.

This ambitious undertaking is expected to increase the capacity of the central route, which is crucial to meeting the water needs of northern China.

The new canal will allow for more efficient water transfers, especially during periods of low rainfall.

This is a critical development as northern China faces frequent droughts that strain local water resources.

Balancing development and environment

One of the most important challenges of the project is to balance economic development with environmental preservation.

Water diversion has implications for ecosystems in both donor and recipient regions.

To address this, Chinese authorities have implemented strict water quality monitoring systems and environmental protection measures.

Over the years, water quality along the eastern and central routes has consistently met national standards, demonstrating the project’s robust management practices.

Furthermore, efforts are underway to rehabilitate ecosystems affected by construction, ensuring the preservation of local biodiversity.

O South-North Water Transfer Project has far-reaching implications for China's economy. By ensuring a reliable water supply to the north, the project supports industrial and agricultural productivity in provinces that contribute significantly to the country's GDP.

Communities that previously faced chronic water shortages now have access to a stable supply, improving living standards and public health.

Additionally, the project has created thousands of jobs, from construction to maintenance, providing a boost to local economies.

Shahe Aqueduct of the central route of the South-to-North China Water Diversion Project in central China's Henan Province. (Xinhua/Feng Dapeng)

Ongoing challenges

The western route, still in the planning stages, faces significant engineering and environmental obstacles.

This route aims to divert water from the upper reaches of the Yangtze River to the Yellow River basin, a task complicated by the rugged terrain of the Tibetan Plateau.

Furthermore, the total cost of the project—estimated at more than US $ 62 billion—represents financial challenges for the world’s second richest country.

Ensuring accessibility for end users while covering operational and maintenance costs requires careful financial planning.

Another point of concern is the long-term sustainability of water sources in the south.

As climate change affects rainfall patterns, maintaining a stable supply to both donor and recipient regions will be crucial.

The future of China

The South-North Water Transfer Project is still far from complete, but progress is enormous.

With billions of cubic meters of water already transferred, the initiative is transforming the lives of millions and tackling one of China's most pressing challenges: water scarcity.

Future developments, including the completion of the western route and the new Three Gorges Reservoir channel, will further increase the project's capacity.

These efforts, combined with continued investments in technology and sustainability, ensure that the project remains a centerpiece of China’s development strategy.

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Is China building an artificial river? All the details about China's colossal $62 billion project