Mulberry Dike-fish ponds in
Xiaolei Ma
Sangyuanwei, China.
2025
The Pearl River Delta (PRD) region represents a remarkable testament to the dynamic interplay of geological and hydrological forces, having gradually evolved from an ancient shallow bay. The Sangyuanwei area, in particular, is situated at a crucial geographical nexus within this complex deltaic system. It lies precisely at the confluence where powerful riverine deposition meets and interacts with the dynamic influences of the sea. This continuous and intricate interplay of fluvial and marine processes has resulted in a unique and exceptionally fertile landscape. This distinctive environment, marked by its rich, mixed soil foundation, has historically provided an ideal basis for intensive agricultural development, supporting a thriving agricultural economy for centuries.
The landscape is primarily shaped by the interplay of fluvial alluvial plains and marine-alluvial plains, formed by continuous sediment deposition. These specific natural conditions—including ample water availability, a flat elevation prone to inundation, and the unique geomorphology—collectively present a complex and fundamental challenge: how to effectively adapt to and sustainably develop this unique and historically significant land.
The excavation of fish ponds and the construction of dikes form a clever cycle in the Pearl River Delta’s pond-dike agricultural ecosystem. Nutrient-rich soil dug from the ponds is ingeniously used to build surrounding dikes that rise above the water.
Circular Stories
Sangyuanwei is not only one of the most representative hydraulic engineering and ecological agricultural areas in the Pearl River Delta, but also a “water infrastructure system” deeply embedded in local society, culture, and daily life. Here, water is not only essential for survival—it also shapes settlement patterns, everyday lifestyles, belief systems, and festival customs, forming the spiritual core of Lingnan water-town culture.
The settlement patterns of Sangyuanwei depend on its water networks and dikes. Villages align with rivers and highlands to avoid floods. Dense waterways and dike-pond systems support irrigation, daily life, and transportation. Water routes connect villages and towns, fostering trade, cultural exchange, and community gatherings.
On the dikes, farmers grew a wide variety of crops, including mulberries, bananas, sugarcane, vegetables, and medicinal herbs. This plant diversity not only enhanced biodiversity but also created microhabitats for insects, birds, and beneficial microorganisms. The diverse vegetation on the dikes functioned as ecological buffers, filtering pollutants and stabilizing the soil, thus maintaining water quality in the adjacent ponds. Furthermore, the organic waste from the crops and dike vegetation was often recycled as feed or fertilizer in the system, forming a closed-loop ecological cycle.
