Influence of Ancient Water System Awareness on Historical Planning: Examining Planning in the Taihu Basin from 1750 to 1900 Through the "Complete Book on Water Conservancy of Wu"

The natural water systems crisscrossing the Taihu Basin had significant implications for local city siting and planning (Zhuang, Ding, and French). Consequently, governmental institutions and scholars documented water systems, continuously attempted to establish more rational strategies and effective facilities to optimal planning for water systems on settlement development (Wang). The “Complete Book on Water Conservancy of Wu,” also known as Wuzhong shuili shu, compiles relevant information on the water management in the Taihu Basin, dating back to before 1636. This compilation includes historical records of water system morphology, disasters, flood control, and dredging efforts, as well as related policies. It can be considered a crucial historical document for comprehending the historical state of water systems and studying the significant role of water systems in the historical urban planning. Based on this understanding, historical planners were able to more effectively balance the relationship between water systems and urban development. This study examines historical texts, employing knowledge from the field of hydrology to interpret characteristics and measures of ancient water systems. By combining these insights with the outcomes of planning activities in subsequent centuries, the findings are used to investigate the influence of planners’ comprehension of water systems on settlement planning spanning 1750 to 1900. This exploration aims to elucidate the significance of water systems for planning and to understand how ancient people addressed issues related to water in settlements development.