The Grand Canal in China, also known as the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal is the longest canal or artificial river in the world. The canal connects the present cities Beijing in the north and Hangzhou in the south, which served as dynastic capitals in the past. The oldest parts of the canal date back to the 5th century BC, although the various sections were finally combined during the Sui Dynasty (581-618 AD).
The total length of the Grand Canal is 1,776 km (1,103 miles). Its greatest height is reached in the mountains of Shandong, at a summit of 42 m (138 ft). Ships in Chinese canals did not have trouble reaching higher elevations after the pound lock was invented in the 10th century (during the Song Dynasty). The canal's size and grandeur won it the admiration of many throughout history, including the Japanese monk Ennin (794-864), the Persian historian Rashid al-Din (1247-1318), and the Korean official Choe Bu (1454-1504).
At present, although not the whole Grand Canal is navigable, it still plays a significant role in the transit of coal, building materials, salt, commercial products, provisions, oil and so on. Furthermore, as the main route of south-to-north water diversion, the old Grand Canal will surely coruscate the youth and vitality again.
Boat Cruise on Grand Canal will be an unforgettable experience of your China Tour!
Nowadays, almost in each city lying alongside the Grand Canal, people developed its own city river boat cruise, such as in Hangzhou, Suzhou, Wuxi, Changzhou, Zhenjiang etc.
Canal Cruise, as part of the Grand Canal, encircles the beautiful ancient Suzhou city. On the way, you can view and appreciate the ancient Suzhou city, well-designed Ouyuan, hundred-year-old Suzhou University, Baodai Bridge which is the longest linking-arch age-old bridge existing in China and other famous sceneries. The dimple of the river would give you the smell of water, the essence of Wu culture and the extraordinary charm of oriental water city .
Edited by Athena Lee |
