The project diverting water from the Chuo'er River to the Xiliao River Basin in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region completed its full-line trial operations on June 30.

It is one of 172 key national water-saving and supply projects approved by the State Council and forms a vital part of China's national water network. It also represents the largest water conservancy investment in Inner Mongolia to date, with a total approved budget of 31.16 billion yuan ($4.34 billion).

The project is comprised of two main components: a water source project and a water transfer system. The water source is the Wendegen Water Conservancy Hub, located 90 kilometers upstream of Yindeer town in Jalaid Banner, Hinggan League. It features a storage level of 377 meters and a total reservoir capacity of 1.96 billion cubic meters.

The water transfer system includes a 391-kilometer main line that crosses the Tao'er and Huolin rivers, incorporating intakes, tunnels, culverts, inverted siphons, and pressurized pipelines. It also consists of a 395-km network of nine branch lines serving Hinggan League and Tongliao city.

The project will improve irrigation in the lower Chuo'er River area, secure water supplies for production and daily life in the recipient regions, and help alleviate over-extraction of groundwater in the Xiliao River Basin. It is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting sustainable economic and social development, environmental restoration, and reinforcing the ecological security barrier of northern China.