Abstract:

The Yongji Canal was an important artificial river in northern China in the Sui and Tang Dynasties and exerted profound influences on the shipping traffic in ancient China. However, the route of the canal in the head area has been unclear. Based on fieldworks in combination with systematic analysis of historical documents and archaeological evidence, we explored its route and change in the head area when the Yongji Canal was initially built. The results are as follows: (1) When the canal was first built, its flow passed through the northeast of Wuzhi County, then flowed from the Yellow River to the Qin River and toward the west, separated from the Qin River to Baimagou River and turned north, bended to the east at Nanshijian Village, then went through Beihuo Village, Jimeng Village, Mafanqiao Village, Houdong Village, Xunfeng Village, and Zhifang Village, flew into the Wuzepo near Beiqiao Village, then through the Guanggou flew into Qingshui at Hehe Town, finally connected with Baigou in the southeast; (2) This section of the canal was in use only for about 10 years due to its long detour westward, then it was abandoned in the early Tang Dynasty and the starting point of the canal was changed to Qimen; (3) During the Tang and Song Dynasties, in order to avoid the impact of the Yellow River on canal transport, the government adjusted water transport by building granary and encouraged the joint transport on water and land to ensure the smooth operation of canal transport.

Key words: Yongji Canal, canal head area, reconstruction of flow route, Sui and Tang Dynasties, Wuzhi area