The flood control heritage of the Yongding River in the late Qing Dynasty surrounding the Marco Polo Bridge section, 1890–1899

Abstract

AbstractThis research comprehensively examined multiple sources of historical records and the built heritages of flood control construction along the Yongding River surrounding the Marco Polo Bridge section from 1890 to 1899, including stone levees, brick levees, cement dams, distributary channels, steel bridges, and temples dedicated to flood control. We mapped all these construction heritage features by time and geographical location according to historical documents to reveal the cause and intention behind each site. The following new insights were gained. First, the human–river relationship transitioned from utilization to resistance throughout the history of the Yongding River. Second, the philosophy of flood control represented a balance between symptom suppression and condition treatment at the peak of water management in imperial China. Third, the cultural and religious attitudes of humans in regard to flood control gradually shifted from a belief in the supernatural to faith in the ability of humans. Finally, modern technology, materials, and technicians were gradually imported, and water construction was implemented during the late Qing Dynasty, indicating modernization of the human–river relationship.