Turpan Karez Well

Karez Well is a subterranean irrigation system unique to Xinjiang. It is dry and hot in Turpan Basin. Evaporation rate is very high. Local people dig wells and ditches underground to lead river water and underflow in the mountains to their living places. These underground ditches form a water conduction system for irrigation and daily life. There are 1,158 karez wells in Turpan linked up with underground ditches running over about 5,000 kilometers. Some people call this water system "Underground Canal".