Abstract:
The Kunming Pond, which was dug by Emperor of Wu in the Han Dynasty, brought about profound effects on the physical environment, especially the hydrographic environment, around the town of Chang'an. First of all, with an area of more than three hundred qing, the Kunming Pond as an artificial lake improved the ecological surroundings of the lake itself and areas around it. Next, To guarantee a secure water supply for the pond, the upper reaches, including the Jue River and the Hao River, were reconstructed artificially in large scale, making them change the course westwards into the Feng River, shaping the Jiao, a new river, which bettered the hydrographic environment in southern Chang'an. Finally, three ditches were dug in the lower reaches of the pond to supply water for palaces and gardens inside and outside Chang'an by way of the Xue River.
