Aiyi River (Diannong River) in Yinchuan

Aiyi River (艾依河), now officially known as Diannong River (典农河), is a tributary of the Yellow River (黄河) in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (宁夏回族自治区). Flowing from Yongning County (永宁县) in the south to Shizuishan City (石嘴山市) in the north, the river covers a total length of 180.5 kilometers, passing through several cities and counties, including Yinchuan (银川), Shizuishan, and surrounding regions.

Overview of the Main River

The Diannong River begins in Xingqiao Flood Detention Area (新桥滞洪区) in Yongning County and flows northward through Shizuishan and Yinchuan, eventually joining the Yellow River at Shizuizi Park (石嘴子公园) in the Huinong District (惠农区). The river serves multiple functions, including drainage, flood control, and urban landscape enhancement, benefiting both agricultural and ecological development.

• River Length: 180.5 km
• Source: Qingtongxia (青铜峡)
• Function: Drainage, flood control, urban aesthetics, and ecological development.

The river connects several lakes and wetlands along its path, including Qizi Lian Lake (七子连湖), Yuehai (阅海), and Sha Lake (沙湖), covering nearly 70,000 acres of water area. It is also an essential part of Ningxia’s water-saving society initiative.

Official Name Change

In September 2018, the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Water Resources Department (宁夏回族自治区水利厅) formally applied to rename the river from Aiyi River (艾依河) to Diannong River (典农河), following the Ningxia Regional Place Name Regulation (宁夏回族自治区地名条例). This change was approved after field studies and expert consultations.

• Old Name: Aiyi River (艾依河)
• New Name: Diannong River (典农河)
• Approval Date: September 11, 2018.

Etymology of "Diannong"

The name "Diannong" is derived from the ancient Diannong City (典农城), which was established during the Western Han Dynasty (西汉) in 112 BCE. The city is located in what is now Yinchuan (银川). The name reflects the agricultural development of the Ningxia Plain and highlights the region’s long history of farming and multicultural heritage, particularly its immigrant culture and northern farming traditions.

• Founded: 112 BCE during the Western Han Dynasty (西汉元鼎五年).
• Location: Yinchuan (银川), Ningxia (宁夏).

River and Water Management

The Diannong River serves as an essential waterway connecting various reservoirs and wetlands. The river helps manage flooding and provides a critical source of water for the region. Its construction began in 2003, and it was fully completed in 2008. The river also incorporates six flood detention reservoirs and two flood detention zones, ensuring proper water flow and protection from flooding.

The Diannong River is part of the Yellow River Flood Control (黄河防洪) project, and its annual water exchange volume reaches up to 58 million cubic meters.

Ecological and Environmental Improvements

In 2025, the Diannong River was included in the Ministry of Water Resources' Happy Rivers and Lakes Construction Project (水利部幸福河湖建设项目), which focuses on water system connectivity and ecological restoration. The project will be completed by 2026, further enhancing the river's role in sustainable water management.

Additionally, the Yinchuan government has initiated measures to monitor and improve water quality. In 2020, the water quality at the Yellow River confluence stabilized at Grade III, and in 2023, a water ecology restoration project was launched, restoring 24.73 kilometers of the river's course and improving its wetland ecosystem.

Water Conservancy Scenic Area in Yinchuan

The Aiyi River Water Conservancy Scenic Area (银川市艾依河水利风景区) located in the Xingqing District (兴庆区) of Yinchuan was officially recognized as one of the Sixth Batch of National Water Conservancy Scenic Areas (第六批国家水利风景区) in 2006. The area covers 52,500 acres and includes a 32-kilometer stretch that connects several lakes and wetlands, contributing to both water management and tourism.

Scenic Features

• Area: 52,500 acres
• Lake System: Includes multiple lakes such as Sha Lake (沙湖), Hua Yan Lake (华雁湖), and Xi Lake (西湖).
• Primary Purpose: Flood control, underground water level regulation, and water quality improvement.

The scenic area has become an important recreational spot for local residents and visitors. The artificial waterways connecting the lakes create a "green ribbon" across the Yinchuan Plain (银川平原), earning it the nickname "Yinchuan's Green Floating Ribbon."

Development and Urban Integration

The scenic area was established in 2003 and completed its main construction by 2007. It is a key part of Yinchuan’s urban landscape, with parks, greenery, and walking paths alongside the river, making it a popular destination for relaxation and outdoor activities. The development includes 16 bridges across the river, which were named through a public process.

• Establishment: 2003, completed by 2007.
• Public Amenities: Green spaces, walking paths, and bridges connecting the lake systems.

The Diannong River (典农河) plays a vital role in both the ecological and urban development of Yinchuan (银川), contributing to flood control, agricultural irrigation, and recreational opportunities. The ongoing efforts to enhance its water quality and connectivity will ensure that the river remains a valuable resource for both locals and visitors in the years to come.

With its rich historical significance, eco-friendly development, and integration into Yinchuan’s urban landscape, the Diannong River is not just a waterway but a cultural and environmental asset for the region.