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| In earlier times the Da-an branch of the Liugongjun irrigation canal wound its way through the university grounds. But with the city’s accelerated pace of urbanization and the expansion of the campus, the waterway has since been paved over or covered, with only parts of it visible today under the arched bridge on Zhoushan Rd. as well as next to the Hydrotech Research Institute. Work began in 2001 on the restoration of the Da-an branch of the canal. The pool itself, designed and engineered in accordance with ecological guidelines, comprises the first phase of the project, which became a habitat for wildlife upon its completion. If you look closely, you may be able to spot a few species of water fowl, such as the moorhen, savanna nightjar, and kingfishers, as well as tortoises. Sometimes migrating birds briefly making a stop here can also be seen, if you are lucky. The area around the pool has become one of the best birdwatching spots on campus. For more information, sign up for an eco-themed guided tour offered by the Visitor Center. |
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