The longest ancient Chinese map found so far, the "Jinshajiang River General Map", will go to the highest bidder at the China Guardian 2006 Spring Auction of Ancient Books this weekend.

The 74 meter long "Jinshajiang River General Map" is on display on June 2, 2006 in the luxurious lobby of the Kerry Centre in Beijing in the lead up to the auction. [cnsphoto]

The 74 meter long map has been on display in the luxurious lobby of the Kerry Centre in Beijing in the lead up to the auction.

Drafted by government officials in the early period of Qianlong's reign (1736-95 AD), the map depicts a large-scale dredging project conducted in the Jinshajiang River during the mid-Qing Dynasty.

Today, several hydropower projects are under construction along the Jinshajiang River, a major tributary in the upper reaches of the Yangtze in southwest China.