The Grand Canal (Hangzhou Section)

There are two wonders in China, one is the Great Wall, and the other is the Grand Canal. For its size and grandeur, the Grand Canal has always been regarded as the pride of Chinese people and a symbol of Chinese cultural achievement. As the earliest, greatest, and longest artificial river in the world, the Grand Canal has great historical and cultural importance.

History

The Grand Canal has a history of 1,300 years with its eldest part dating back to the 5th century BC. It’s also known as the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, which appropriately starts in Beijing and ends in Hangzhou. The Grand Canal passes through Tianjin City and the Provinces of Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang, and links the two longest rivers in China - the Yellow River and Yangtze River. The total length of the Grand Canal is 1,794 kilometers and it took 1,799 years to form its current shape and size.

The Grand Canal was first dug to transport grain and luxuries to Beijing. Later, it was used by merchants to ship commodities, which made its corridor develop into a prosperous economic belt. Meanwhile, it served as a powerful force for unifying Chinese culture and integrating Chinese politics. The Emperors’ River was another name given to the Grand Canal by foreign visitors because of its strong connection with numerous Chinese emperors. In Chinese history, many emperors from different dynasties made ship trips along the Grand Canal to Southern China. In the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Kangxi and Qianlong made twelve adventurous trips to the south.

The Grand Canal’s significant role in China’s culture, economy, and politics has blessed it with numerous historical and cultural landscapes and earned it the title -“the Gallery of Chinese History, Ancient Technology, and Local Customs”.   

Attractions

Though some parts of the Grand Canal have been blocked, the Jiangsu-Zhejiang portion remains open for transportation. Many scenic spots and historic sites along the canal have made it a hot tourist route.

Here are some of its tourist attractions that are not to be missed: Fuyi Granary, Gao's Private Garden, Xiangji Temple, Qingsha Town, Qiaoxi Straight Street, the Canal Plaza, Xiaohe Straight Street and Dadou Road Historic and Cultural Block.

Opening Hours: Grand Canal Night Cruise 19:30-20:30 every night

Address: Gongshu District

Telephone: +86 571 56079211, 56079231, 56079230