SDG6
“Chianan Irrigation Canal Photo Archives” Opens at NCKU, Revisiting Taiwan’s Social Development Through Historical Images
Written by NCKU Museum Image credit to NCKU News Center.
Marking the 96th anniversary of the completion of the Chianan Irrigation System and the 84th anniversary of the passing of engineer Yoichi Hatta, the NCKU Museum of National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), in collaboration with the National Center of Photography and Images, presents the special exhibition “A Decade of Foundation: The Photographic Chianan Irrigation Canal Photo Archives” from May 4 to October 31 at the Livin Campus Bookstore on NCKU’s Shengli Campus.Featuring rare historical photographs and archival materials from the construction period of the Chianan Irrigation System between the 1920s and 1930s, the exhibition guides visitors through the project’s key stages—from planning and construction to operation—and offers a renewed understanding of how this landmark hydraulic engineering project shaped the trajectory of modern Taiwanese society. The opening ceremony was held on June 2 and attended by faculty members, students, and distinguished guests from various sectors.
In her opening remarks, Vice President Yuh-Neu Chen noted that the Chianan Irrigation System, promoted by Yoichi Hatta between the 1920s and 1930, represents not only a remarkable engineering achievement but also a pivotal chapter in the development of agricultural water resources and regional growth in Taiwan. She emphasized that, amid the growing challenges posed by climate change and resource management, integrating water governance with sustainable development has become an increasingly important issue. Through this exhibition, she hopes the public will gain a deeper appreciation not only of the irrigation system’s role as the lifeline of agriculture but also of its value as a cultural asset carrying collective memory and its close connection to environmental sustainability.
Feng Sheng-Hsuan, Convener of the National Center of Photography and Images, remarked that the significance of the Chianan Irrigation System lies not only in its engineering accomplishments but also in its profound influence on Taiwan’s geographical and agricultural landscapes. He stressed that the value of historical preservation is not in keeping archives locked away but in transforming historical records into accessible cultural resources through professional research and interpretation. Looking ahead, he expressed his hope to deepen collaborations with National Cheng Kung University and other research institutions to further promote the application and revitalization of historical and cultural resources.
The completion of the Chianan Irrigation System transformed the Chianan Plain from an area heavily dependent on unpredictable weather and unstable harvests into one of Taiwan’s most productive agricultural regions. Beyond improving irrigation conditions, the project stimulated regional economic growth and social transformation, becoming a cornerstone of Taiwan’s modernization. While revisiting history, the exhibition also addresses contemporary issues concerning water resources.
The exhibition further incorporates research outcomes from the Preservation and Maintenance Project for the Cultural Landscape of Wushantou Reservoir and the Chianan Irrigation System, led by Associate Research Fellow Yu-Hua Tsai of the museum. These research findings enrich the exhibition from the perspectives of cultural heritage conservation and engineering history.
In addition, the exhibition highlights Yoichi Hatta’s professional dedication and deep affection for the land during his years in Taiwan. Combining scientific expertise with careful local observation, he successfully completed this cross-generational engineering undertaking and, in doing so, established a model of cross-cultural collaboration. His legacy extends beyond technical innovation, reflecting a profound commitment to public welfare and long-term development.
“A Decade of Foundation: The Photographic Chianan Irrigation Canal Photo Archives” is more than a historical retrospective—it is a contemporary dialogue about water, the environment, and society. Through the interplay of images and texts, visitors are invited to reconsider how water resources shape daily life, industry, and urban development, while recognizing the importance of water conservation and the preservation of engineering wisdom in an era of global climate change.The exhibition has been open to the public since May 4. Visitors are warmly invited to explore the exhibition, witness the flow of water through historical images, and reflect on future directions through the lens of contemporary challenges.
Exhibition Information｜A Decade of Foundation: The Photographic Chianan Irrigation Canal Photo Archives
Exhibition Period: May 4 – October 31, 2026 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on national holidays)
Venue: Liwen Campus Bookstore (1F, Macronix Building), Sheng-Li Campus, National Cheng Kung University
Provider: NCKU News Center
Date: 2026-06-03
Marking the 96th anniversary of the completion of the Chianan Irrigation System and the 84th anniversary of the passing of engineer Yoichi Hatta, the NCKU Museum of National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), in collaboration with the National Center of Photography and Images, presents the special exhibition “A Decade of Foundation: The Photographic Chianan Irrigation Canal Photo Archives” from May 4 to October 31 at the Livin Campus Bookstore on NCKU’s Shengli Campus.Featuring rare historical photographs and archival materials from the construction period of the Chianan Irrigation System between the 1920s and 1930s, the exhibition guides visitors through the project’s key stages—from planning and construction to operation—and offers a renewed understanding of how this landmark hydraulic engineering project shaped the trajectory of modern Taiwanese society. The opening ceremony was held on June 2 and attended by faculty members, students, and distinguished guests from various sectors.
In her opening remarks, Vice President Yuh-Neu Chen noted that the Chianan Irrigation System, promoted by Yoichi Hatta between the 1920s and 1930, represents not only a remarkable engineering achievement but also a pivotal chapter in the development of agricultural water resources and regional growth in Taiwan. She emphasized that, amid the growing challenges posed by climate change and resource management, integrating water governance with sustainable development has become an increasingly important issue. Through this exhibition, she hopes the public will gain a deeper appreciation not only of the irrigation system’s role as the lifeline of agriculture but also of its value as a cultural asset carrying collective memory and its close connection to environmental sustainability.
Feng Sheng-Hsuan, Convener of the National Center of Photography and Images, remarked that the significance of the Chianan Irrigation System lies not only in its engineering accomplishments but also in its profound influence on Taiwan’s geographical and agricultural landscapes. He stressed that the value of historical preservation is not in keeping archives locked away but in transforming historical records into accessible cultural resources through professional research and interpretation. Looking ahead, he expressed his hope to deepen collaborations with National Cheng Kung University and other research institutions to further promote the application and revitalization of historical and cultural resources.
The completion of the Chianan Irrigation System transformed the Chianan Plain from an area heavily dependent on unpredictable weather and unstable harvests into one of Taiwan’s most productive agricultural regions. Beyond improving irrigation conditions, the project stimulated regional economic growth and social transformation, becoming a cornerstone of Taiwan’s modernization. While revisiting history, the exhibition also addresses contemporary issues concerning water resources.
The exhibition further incorporates research outcomes from the Preservation and Maintenance Project for the Cultural Landscape of Wushantou Reservoir and the Chianan Irrigation System, led by Associate Research Fellow Yu-Hua Tsai of the museum. These research findings enrich the exhibition from the perspectives of cultural heritage conservation and engineering history.
In addition, the exhibition highlights Yoichi Hatta’s professional dedication and deep affection for the land during his years in Taiwan. Combining scientific expertise with careful local observation, he successfully completed this cross-generational engineering undertaking and, in doing so, established a model of cross-cultural collaboration. His legacy extends beyond technical innovation, reflecting a profound commitment to public welfare and long-term development.
“A Decade of Foundation: The Photographic Chianan Irrigation Canal Photo Archives” is more than a historical retrospective—it is a contemporary dialogue about water, the environment, and society. Through the interplay of images and texts, visitors are invited to reconsider how water resources shape daily life, industry, and urban development, while recognizing the importance of water conservation and the preservation of engineering wisdom in an era of global climate change.The exhibition has been open to the public since May 4. Visitors are warmly invited to explore the exhibition, witness the flow of water through historical images, and reflect on future directions through the lens of contemporary challenges.
Exhibition Information｜A Decade of Foundation: The Photographic Chianan Irrigation Canal Photo Archives
Exhibition Period: May 4 – October 31, 2026 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on national holidays)
Venue: Liwen Campus Bookstore (1F, Macronix Building), Sheng-Li Campus, National Cheng Kung University
Provider: NCKU News Center
Date: 2026-06-03
“A Decade of Foundation: The Photographic Chianan Irrigation Canal Photo Archives” Opens at NCKU
Vice President Yuh-Neu Chen noted that, in the face of the growing challenges posed by climate change and resource utilization, integrating water resource management with sustainable development has become a critical issue of our time.
Feng Sheng-Hsuan emphasized that the value of historical preservation does not lie in keeping archives locked away in storage. Rather, through rigorous academic research, historical materials should be transformed into cultural resources that are accessible to and can engage the public.
Faculty members, students, and distinguished guests from various industries attended the exhibition’s opening ceremony.
“A Decade of Waterways: A Photographic Chronicle of the Chianan Canal” is on display at the Liren Campus Bookstore on NCKU’s Victory Campus from May 4 to October 31.
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