The builders in ancient times first erected low stone dams in the Yellow River, forcing the water to rise and part of it to flow into the canal. As sluice gates were installed, the water flow could be adjusted as the river rose or fell.

• 古代的水利专家们，先在黄河中用乱石垒起低坝，让河水水位升高，迫使部分河水入渠，渠口有闸，可根据黄河水之大小，增减水渠河水的水量。