Hangzhou has been growing since the Sui Dynasty when it was established as a state. However, the urban area of Hangzhou was originally a shallow bay that transformed into land, making the groundwater too brackish and bitter to drink.
During the reign of Emperor Dezong of Tang, Li Mi, who served as the prefect of Hangzhou, organized laborers to build water gates from Yongjin Gate to Qiantang Gate. They dug trenches and lined them with stone channels, which were then fitted with bamboo pipes (later replaced by clay pipes during the Northern Song Dynasty), to divert water from West Lake to various parts of the city. Six outlets were established, namely Xi Jing, Jin Niu Chi, Fang Jing, Bai Gui Chi, Xiao Fang Jing, and Xiang Guo Jing, collectively known as the Six Wells.
Li Mi’s initiative alleviated the suffering of Hangzhou residents from the brackish drinking water and further promoted the city’s development, benefiting future generations. Today, only Xiang Guo Jing remains, while the rest have been lost. In memory of this, a Li Mi water diversion device and memorial signs for the Six Wells have been set up at the former water intake points, expressing the gratitude of the people of today.
The site is open all day long.
