In Cao Bang , tourists are not only captivated by the majestic natural scenery and towering mountains, but also by the waterwheels along the winding, emerald-green rivers that stretch across fertile fields. These waterwheels not only preserve the distinctive farming practices of the highland people but also reflect the unique culture of Cao Bang.
Waterwheels are made from bamboo, reeds, and wood, with three main components: the central shaft, the spokes, and the blades. The central shaft is made of solid wood, which is durable and water-resistant. The spokes are made from straight, thin bamboo or rattan stalks, and must be mature bamboo. Depending on the height, water level of the area to be watered, and water source, the size of the waterwheel is determined by the length of the spokes. The bamboo or rattan stalks are tied diagonally from both sides of the shaft, forming a V-shape with the shaft at the center. At the ends of the bamboo stalks, a strong bamboo or forest rope is tied to ensure that the bamboo or rattan does not shift during operation. Next, at the ends of the bamboo stalks, the blades are attached. These blades are made from thinly split mature bamboo or rattan woven into rectangular panels. When water flows over them, the blades create the thrust that rotates the waterwheel.
Finally, the most important aspect of a waterwheel is the placement and arrangement of the water-holding pipes on its body. Each water-holding pipe is usually tied diagonally to each water wheel, and all pipes must be tied at a certain angle to prevent the wheel from malfunctioning when turning. Using waterwheels to bring water from rivers and streams to higher fields overcomes the need for laborious construction of dams and ditches to channel water through the obstacles of mountainous regions.
Not only do they demonstrate the incredible creativity of the local people in conquering nature to serve production and daily life, but the image of waterwheels, like giant wheels slowly turning, has, over time, become a unique cultural feature of the ethnic groups in Cao Bang.
In recent years, thanks to the attention and investment of state programs and projects, more irrigation canals have been built to irrigate the fields. Therefore, few places still maintain the traditional method of drawing water manually using rudimentary waterwheels; however, waterwheels remain useful and valuable because there are still terraced rice fields in high mountains or scattered, remote fields where irrigation canals cannot be built to bring water. Alongside the waterwheels that tirelessly bring water from rivers and streams to irrigate the fields, many waterwheels are preserved as a unique feature in the landscape of the countryside. The image of the waterwheel slowly turning day and night without rest, harmonizing with the beautiful natural scenery, creates a gentle, poetic, and lyrical beauty.
During a tour exploring the lands of Cao Bang, along the green bamboo groves on both sides of the rivers and streams, visitors will witness waterwheels tirelessly bringing water to the fields, creating a poetic and charming beauty of the mountainous region. The slow, steady rotation of the waterwheels creates a pleasant, gurgling sound along the rivers and streams. Among them, Trung Khanh is one of the localities with the most waterwheels. Traveling along the Quay Son River, one can easily spot waterwheels operating day and night. Along with the beautiful and charming natural scenery, the image of these waterwheels contributes to the beauty of this fairytale land.
Because it is a unique cultural feature of the mountainous region of Cao Bang, in recent years the province has built several waterwheel models to serve the needs of tourists for photo opportunities, such as: the waterwheel area in Dam Thuy commune (Trung Khanh district), the Kim Dong historical site in Truong Ha commune (Ha Quang district), and the traditional waterwheel model on Kim Dong pedestrian street (City)...
Minh Duc
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