The comprehensive renovation project (phase II) in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, marked a historic milestone recently as the railway station section of the ancient moat was officially refilled with water. With the 859-meter culvert now restored, the entire 14.6-kilometer moat system — first dug in the late Tang Dynasty (618–907) — has been fully reconnected. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The comprehensive renovation project (phase II) in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, marked a historic milestone recently as the railway station section of the ancient moat was officially refilled with water.
With the 859-meter culvert now restored, the entire 14.6-kilometer moat system — first dug in the late Tang Dynasty (618–907) — has been fully reconnected.
This revitalized segment flows between two nationally protected cultural heritage sites: the Xi'an City Wall and the Daming Palace. Prior to the renovation, the culvert was severely silted, with sediment averaging 1.2 meters in depth and reaching over 1.5 meters at its deepest points. Each rainy season, the channel would overflow with a mix of river water, storm runoff, and sewage.
The comprehensive renovation project (phase II) in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, marked a historic milestone recently as the railway station section of the ancient moat was officially refilled with water. With the 859-meter culvert now restored, the entire 14.6-kilometer moat system — first dug in the late Tang Dynasty (618–907) — has been fully reconnected. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
"The water level could rise to the height of an adult and even submerge underground parking lots," said Wang Jie, project manager from Sino-hydro Corporation Engineering Bureau 15 Co.
The restoration faced enormous challenges due to complex underground structures and a lack of detailed pipeline records. "We didn't know the exact location and depth," Wang explained. "We could only use machinery to dig 30 to 40 centimeters, and then excavate the rest manually. At one point, we discovered high-voltage cables less than 20 centimeters away, which posed serious risks."
According to Zhang Meng, project manager from Xi'an Water Investment, construction was carried out in phased, small-scale enclosures, much like assembling a jigsaw puzzle, to reduce disruption to city traffic and residents.
To maintain water quality, the team implemented a small-scale water circulation system, applied multiple technical solutions to address culvert leakage, carried out harmless silt treatment, and introduced pollutant-filtering aquatic plants. Historical features like stone railings and stools were preserved, while modern amenities, including underground public restrooms, mother-and-baby rooms, and all-gender facilities were added.
The comprehensive renovation project (phase II) in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, marked a historic milestone recently as the railway station section of the ancient moat was officially refilled with water. With the 859-meter culvert now restored, the entire 14.6-kilometer moat system — first dug in the late Tang Dynasty (618–907) — has been fully reconnected. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Liu Xueru contributed to this story.
