The unique beauty of water wheels in the highlands of Nghe An

Water wheels have existed for a long time in Que Phong, Quy Chau, Tuong Duong, Con Cuong... associated with the traditional farming methods of the people in the highlands of Nghe An. In places where rivers and streams have a lower flow than the cultivated fields, instead of blocking the river or building dams, local people make water wheels and use the water's power to irrigate the fields. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

The water wheel is made entirely by hand, using natural materials, and has become a unique feature of the highland people. Depending on the size of the water wheel, the corresponding length and number of spokes are determined. The spokes are connected to the rotating shaft to form a sturdy frame by skillfully punching holes on the shaft body corresponding to the number of spokes so that they fit tightly, then fixed with flexible rattan and forest vines. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

Around the wheel frame are placed fan blades woven from bamboo fences to block water and create force to push the wheel to rotate. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

Mr. Sam Van Thanh in Chau Tien commune, Quy Chau district said: "Every year, at the beginning of the winter-spring crop (around December of the lunar calendar), people repair or rebuild water wheels to prepare for irrigation for the new crop. To complete a water wheel, people have to work continuously for 2 weeks and usually households with fields close together make a water wheel together. Many water wheels are built close together, one after another, forming a cluster." Photo: Dinh Tuyen

Water wheels provide water for irrigating the fields, contributing to a good harvest. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

The joy of a farmer's harvest next to the water wheel. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

In Yen Hoa commune (Tuong Duong), the characteristic feature here is the system of nearly 50 water wheels located along Cha Ha stream. In addition to providing water for irrigation of the fields, the dense system of water wheels here has created a lively and attractive landscape, demonstrating creativity in labor and production with a strong highland identity. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

Next to the water wheels, local people cast their nets to catch fish. The simple image evokes the peaceful life of the highlands. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

Thai ethnic girls playing around the water wheel. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

Water wheels are closely associated with the lives of many generations of people in the highlands, containing the heart and wisdom of the ethnic people. Therefore, preserving the rotations of water wheels is contributing to preserving the cultural identity of the ethnic people in the mountainous areas of Nghe An. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

Clip: Dinh Tuyen

Source: https://baonghean.vn/ve-dep-rieng-co-cua-nhung-con-nuoc-o-vung-cao-nghe-an-post278660.html