Famous Chinese water expert, Professor of Wuhan University, lifelong honorary vice chairman of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage.
Xu Zhifang has served successively as associate professor of Wuhan Institute of Hydraulic and Electric Engineering; professor and dean of the Department of Irrigation and Water Conservancy; president and member of the Standing Committee of the CPC of the Institute; executive director of the fourth session of the Chinese Hydraulic Engineering Society; vice chairman of the fourth session of Hubei Provincial Hydraulic Engineering Society; and deputy chairman of the Chinese National Committee of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage. He has conducted in-depth study on farm irrigation, the management of irrigated areas and hydraulic engineering economics. He has placed the majority of emphasis on the popularization of irrigation and water conservancy, and has set up a scientific system of modern irrigation and water conservancy with Chinese characteristics. He has made important contributions to developing education about irrigation and water conservancy, and promoting the establishment of economic subjects pertaining to water conservancy in China.