Ershui Babao Canal Scenic Corridor | Changhua Attraction

The Babao Canal was built in the 58th year of the Kangxi reign (1719) under the direction of water-works pioneer Shi Shiban. It irrigated farmland across eight bao (administrative districts) of the Changhua Plain and is one of the most important hydraulic engineering works of the Qing dynasty in Taiwan. The scenic corridor along the canal features a walking path, interpretive facilities, and historic marker boards that present the hydraulic ingenuity of this century-old waterway in full. Every November, the Running Water Festival (Paoshui Jie) lets the public wade through the canal and relive the traditional ceremony of opening the waterway.

What to see at the Ershui Babao Canal Scenic Corridor

The Babao Canal intake is located on the bank of the Zhuoshui River in Ershui Township. From here the canal draws water from the Zhuoshui River and distributes it through a Qing-era network of man-made channels to the broad farmlands of the Changhua Plain. Qing-dynasty hydraulic heritage remains are preserved beside the main intake, and a wooden boardwalk extends along the canal bank. Interpretive panels clearly explain the history and hydraulic engineering of the Babao Canal — this is an essential site for understanding the story of Qing-dynasty agricultural development in Taiwan.

The "Running Water Festival" (Paoshui Jie), held in the 10th lunar month (around November in the solar calendar), is the most representative cultural festival in Ershui Township. Participants in traditional dress wade through the canal waterway, re-enacting the historical scene of early settlers opening the canal and drawing water. Bamboo groves and farmland alternate along the corridor, creating a quiet landscape that is also well suited to cycling.

How to make the most of your visit

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Running Water Festival wading (November)Held along the Babao Canal in the 10th lunar month each year. Members of the public can register to participate in the wading ceremony. The exact date varies each year; check announcements from Ershui Township Office in advance.

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Cycling along the canalThe scenic corridor is flat throughout and well suited to cycling. Farmland and bamboo groves alternate along the route, which covers about 3 to 5 kilometers in total — choose any section based on your stamina.

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Learning from the interpretive panelsMultiple illustrated interpretive panels along the corridor give a thorough introduction to the planning, design, and Qing-dynasty hydraulic engineering techniques of the Babao Canal. Suitable for family history education.

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Farmland landscape photographyThe surrounding area along the corridor is traditional rice paddy land. Spring transplanting and autumn harvesting seasons offer vivid scenery that can be included in the same frame as the canal.

Practical information

Getting there & timing

From Ershui Train Station, it is about a 15–20 minute walk to the Babao Canal intake. Bicycles can also be rented from the station.
The scenic corridor is open year-round with no fixed closing time. The Running Water Festival is held in the 10th lunar month each year; check the Ershui Township Office's official announcements for the exact date.

Nearby connections

Ershui Township is served by the Jiji Branch Line. Trains can extend the trip to Jiji and Shuili in Nantou County, making it easy to plan a full day along the Jiji Line.
The Ershui Pink Shower Tree Trail is nearby. The trees bloom from March to April, making it possible to combine both attractions into a spring visit.

Source: Changhua County Government Culture Bureau, Ershui Township Office Running Water Festival event materials. Photos to be replaced with Dio's own shots.

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