A Study Of Ningshao' Seswall In The Southern Hangzhou Bay

Seawall is the Great Wall of the coastal areas in China. Taking the Seawall of Ningshao area in the south bank of Hangzhou Bay in Qing Dynasty, this article investigates the effect of construction of seawall on socioeconomic environment through the observation of the formation of seawall system, raising of funds, reclamation of land, water systems etc.Firstly, the formation of seawall system in Qing Dynasty. Xiaoshao, Baili and Cheking Seawall were built from west to east in the south bank of Hangzhou Bay before Qing Dynasty. Based on the foundation of previous generation, the local residents built and restored many seawalls and formed an integrated Seawall system. There was a lagger in sewalls than before in qing dynasty,but also a great improvement upon the materials and modaels.Secondly, raising of Fund. The fund for constructing seawall is raised mostly by non-governmental forces before Qing Dynasty. In the early Qing Dynasty, especially for powerful empire time for the emperors of Kangxi, Qianlong and Yongzheng, The National Treasury always allocated supplies for larger projects directly. Later on, because of the national weakness, the funds are mainly donated by gentry. The variation of financial resources reflects the changes of state strength and the shift of the strength of social strata.Thirdly, the reclamation of land. With the development of engineering of Seawalls in Ningshao district, large areas of land are reclaimed. With the land brine refined and bedded the drought-resistant and salt tolerance varieties, gradually they became cultivated. Therefore, the exploitation of the land along the beach is the important part for the economic development of this area. Meanwhile, the introduction and cultivation of the crops promote the changes of economic structure and sustainable development of agriculture and artisan production.Fourth, the perfection of Water system. The excavation of rivers network is essential for Land Exploitation. along the beach existing simultaneously with sluice operation for the Seawalls as a system in district Ningshao. These networks play a prominent role in irrigation and drainage and improve the development of agriculture in coastal areas.In the end, the article discusses the traits of social development in this area by introducing the conception of seawall-style hydraulic society .Hydraulic society of Seawall Model is the special social group and social formation formed in the process of seawall construction, the excavation of river network and beach development. This social formation includes quite complex contents--- mutual dependence and antagonism. The construction of the sea bank, the exploit of the beach land, and salt manufacturing have great influence on the local people and their settlements. It causes the constant immigration activities which last for centuries. In a word, the unique mode of production and social characteristics of immigrants and tribes in coastal areas have significant reference for enriching our knowledge of traditional society.