The Xinghua Duotian Irrigation and Drainage System in Jiangsu Province became one of four historical Chinese irrigation sites newly recognized as World Heritage Irrigation Structures (WHIS) on October 6. 

The agrosystem originated from efforts to prevent flooding and features splendid raised field landscape. As a unique way of water-land utilization, it consists of dikes, channels, sluice gates and other designs. The system is still in use for irrigation and drainage, flood control, and drought relief. It not only increases local grain production and but also creates a pleasant environment to draw tourists. 

The other three domestic sites in China are Tongjiyan Irrigation System in Sichuan Province, Songgu Irrigation Scheme in Zhejiang Province's Songyang County and Chongyi Shangbao Terraces in Jiangxi Province. China now has 30 WHIS projects.  

In addition, there are 15 other sites from Australia, India, Iraq, Japan, South Korea and Sri Lanka added to the WHIS list, which now covers 140 projects in 18 countries. 

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